Capsular contracture is an abnormal response of the immune system to foreign materials. It is most discussed in the context of complications from breast implants and artificial joint prosthetics.

Capsules of tightly-woven collagen fibers normally form as an immune response around a foreign body (eg. breast implants, pacemakers, orthopedic joint prosthetics), tending to wall it off. Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule tightens and squeezes the implant. This contracture is a complication that can be very painful and distort the appearance of the implanted breast or limit the range of motion of an artificial joint. The exact cause of contracture is not known. However, some factors include bacterial contamination, silicone breast implant rupture or leakage, and hematoma. Capsular contracture may happen again after additional surgery.

Methods which have reduced capsular contracture include submuscular breast implant placement, using textured or polyurethane-coated implants, limiting handling of the implants and skin contact prior to insertion and irrigation with triple-antibiotic solutions.

Correction of capsular contracture may require surgical removal or release of the capsule, or removal and possible replacement of the implant itself. Closed capsulotomy (disrupting the capsule via external manipulation), a once common maneuver for treating hard capsules, has been discouraged as it can cause implant rupture. Nonsurgical methods of treating capsules include massage, external ultrasound, treatment with leukotriene pathway inhibitors (Accolate, Singulair), and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

Mentor, one of the two FDA-approved breast implant manufacturers, performed a study which documented patient's complications with the product. In an FDA meeting presentation in March of 2000, they found that 43% of saline implant patients reported a complication within three years. Ten percent of those complaints were of severe capsular contracture.

There are four grades of breast capsular contracture - Baker grades I through IV. The Baker grading is as follows:

• Grade I the breast is normally soft and looks natural
• Grade II the breast is a little firm but looks normal
• Grade III the breast is firm and looks abnormal
• Grade IV the breast is hard, painful, and looks abnormal.

Sources

• Section on Complications from the FDA Breast Implant Consumer Handbook - 2004. Most of the above text was copied verbatim from this public domain source.
• Safety of Silicone Breast Implants. Institute of Medicine National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 2000.
• Breast Augmentation and Breast Implants Information Website - ImplantInfo by Nicole

References

External links

• Capsular contracture photos at www.implantinfo.com
• Capsular contracture photos at www.implantinfo.com
• Photos of a removed breast implant with capsule at www.implantinfo.com
• Capsular contracture photos