Preoperative identification of a bone–cement allergy in a patient undergoing total knee arthroplasty

Allergy to polymethyl methacrylate bone–cement or its components is unusual. Because of the potential for an inflammatory response in an allergic patient and the possibility of pain and loosening if a cemented implant is used, it is imperative to identify patients with this allergy to modify their treatment. We report the case of an otherwise healthy 60-year-old woman who needed a total knee arthroplasty and who had an allergy to methyl methacrylate bone–cement identified preoperatively. The appropriate evaluation for a patient who is suspected to have an allergy to bone–cement or its components is reviewed. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.