Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Silver Sulfate Present in the Wound Dressing Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Unusual Case

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a widely performed orthopedic surgical procedure for severe cases of osteoarthritis, providing significant pain relief and improved function. Here, we report a case of a 55-year-old female who underwent TKA on her left knee and presented later with erythema, itching, and burning sensation on the left knee, raising a suspicion of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) following the use of a silver sulfate-containing wound dressing after TKA. The patient was managed successfully with a conservative approach, receiving medical treatment after the allergy was reported, and was discharged with only minimal neurological residuals. Although ACD to silver sulfate is uncommon, maintaining a high index of suspicion, supported by comprehensive history taking and examination, is crucial for early detection and effective management to mitigate potential complications.