Massive osteolysis due to galvanic corrosion after total knee arthroplasty: a rare cause for early revision?

A 66-year-old male underwent a total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis after previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Seven years postoperatively, a symptomatic large lytic lesion was present surrounding the tibial stem. A titanium interference screw, which was used prior to fixate the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) graft, was in direct contact with the tibial component. Galvanic corrosion may have attributed to the development of the lytic lesion. It is advised to remove any metal hardware in the vicinity of joint prosthesis in order to prevent a possible galvanic corrosive reaction.