Silastic arthropathy is a complication usually of silicone implants used in orthopedic surgery for joint reconstruction. This process of particle synovitis can also be caused by introduction of other foreign materials used in prosthetic hardware such as metal, polyethylene, polymethylmethacrylate cement, etc.

Distribution:
Silastic arthropathy can occur at any of the bones where there is a prosthetic implant in place. However, involvement at the hand and wrist is most common at the carpal bones, a location that is more susceptible to stress forces. In decreasing order of frequency, scaphoid, lunate and scapholunate implants are the most commonly affected carpal prostheses.

Radiographic Appearance:
At the site of the implant, an inflammatory process occurs in response to the foreign particles, which are sloughed off of the implant. This leads to erosion of bone and articular cartilage, and intraosseous cystic changes. There can also be soft tissue swelling and calcifications in the immediate area. Fractures and destructive changes of the prosthesis are sometimes present.

Differential Diagnosis:
Once a prosthetic implant is visualized in conjunction with the above mentioned radiographic findings, the diagnosis usually becomes apparent. Nevertheless, considerations in the differential diagnosis may include amyloidosis, pigmented villonodular synovitis, and infections caused by fungus or tuberculosis.


 

 

Introduction
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Gout
Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease
Hemochromatosis
Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis
Sarcoidosis
Scleroderma
Silastic Arthritis
Septic Arthritis
Summary
References