Allergic contact dermatitis following usage of adhesive mesh dressing in knee replacement surgeries does not affect short term outcome

PurposeDermabond Prineo, a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive mesh dressing, is widely used in knee arthroplasty for rapid watertight closure. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been reported in approximately 5% of Western cohorts, with repeat exposure as a key risk factor. This study evaluated incidence, risk factors, and short-term outcomes in an Asian population.MethodsA single-centre retrospective cohort study included 290 consecutive patients undergoing primary total or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (2022-2023) with 6-month follow-up. ACD was diagnosed clinically. Outcomes included ROM, KSS, KSF, OKS, and SF-36 scores. Logistic regression identified risk factors.ResultsACD occurred in 19 patients (6.6%) at a mean of 21 days. No cases progressed to prosthetic joint infection. Younger age (OR 0.90, p=0.003) and prior Dermabond exposure (adjusted OR 3.12, p=0.034) independently predicted ACD. Six-month outcomes were comparable between groups.ConclusionACD is uncommon and does not affect short-term outcomes, though younger and previously exposed patients are at higher risk.