Hypersensitivity Reactions to Surgical Dressings Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Literature Review

Wound dressings are an essential component to orthopedic surgical procedures as they allow for facilitation of wound healing and reduction of surgical site infections. Different dressings may be utilized, each with various compositions and subsequent risks, benefits, and costs. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) remains an important risk with the use of surgical dressingsrisk of surgical site infection. While ACD results from a hypersensitivity reaction to the ingredients found in wound dressings may lead to increased risks of reaction. Through a search of the current literature, this review aims to highlight the risk of ACD with the use of three notable surgical dressings including cyanoacrylate mesh, silver-based, and silk-fibroin dressings. It was observed that cyanoacrylate mesh dressings were identified to have higher risks of ACD compared to silver-based dressings and that silk-fibroin dressings were found to have no reported risk of ACD. While the risks of ACD across dressing types may differ, infection prevention, cosmesis, or overall postoperative outcomes may influence final dressing selection.