Safety of hip joint replacements

There have been further reported concerns in the news recently regarding the safety of hip joint replacements and specifically those involving metal on metal implants. These implants involve using metal to replace both the socket and the ball of the hip joint.

It is reported that as the two pieces of metal move against each other, fragments of the metal can detach and can then move into the blood stream. This can damage both the bone and the muscle and can lead to systemic toxicity which is essentially poisoning of the body.

If this does happen then it is likely that patients will need revision surgery, meaning that the original implant will need to be removed and a new implant inserted. Obviously this results in further pain and suffering, inconvenience and potential complications for patients.

The problems have led to the manufacturer, DePuy International Ltd (a division of Johnson and Johnson) issuing a worldwide recall of the implants. There are reportedly some 30,000 patients in the UK who have undergone a hip replacement using a ‘metal on metal’ implant and in a recent study by the Daily Telegraph involving 500 patients, it was found that 50% required hip revision surgery after 6 years rather than the usual 15 years in other hip replacements. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is currently investigating concerns into the safety of the product.

It is recommended that patients who have undergone a hip replacement using a metal on metal implant should attend annual checkups for five years following surgery. Those experiencing abnormal pain, inflammation of the joint or deteriorating hip function should also have a blood test to test for levels of cobalt and chromium in the blood and an MRI scan to check for soft tissue reactions.

If you have been fitted with a metal on metal implant and you are experiencing pain or inflammation in your joint or you have had to undergo revision surgery then please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialist team of Clinical Negligence Solicitors on 0114 218 4000  to discuss investigating a potential clinical negligence case.

What can I do now?