Foreign body reaction to a carbon fiber implant in the knee - Case report and literature survey.

We present the clinical radiological and pathological data of a patient who underwent carbon fiber implantation of the right knee. Within half a year a total knee replacement had to be performed due to persistent pain. Apart from the intraoperative, macroscopically visible, massive sclerosis around the drill holes and an obvious synovial reaction, we histopathologically found a severe granulomatous foreign body reaction around the carbon fibers. Experimental data point toward a negative influence of a foreign body reaction on attempted cartilage repair. The implantation of carbon fibers can be recommended neither for biomechanical nor for pathophysiological reasons. Before this treatment can be recommended, prospective randomized trials are mandatory.