Silicone-induced erosive arthritis: radiologic features in seven cases

As silicone polymer implants are used more widely for arthroplasty of the wrist, hand, and foot, the complication of silicone-induced erosive arthritis in these areas is being recognized with increasing frequency. Pathologically, there is a chronic foreign-body type of inflammation with both intra- and extracellular silicone particulate debris. We report seven cases with this complication in various locations, showing distinctive radiographic findings. These include well-defined marginal articular erosions and subchondral cysts with marginal sclerosis; normal mineralization; and deformity, dislocation, or decrease in the size of the silicone implant. Prompt recognition of this complication is important, because surgical removal of the silicone implant terminates the progressive and destructive process.