RESEARCHERS CALL FOR A BAN ON METAL-ON-METAL HIP IMPLANTS

Gregory Abrams Davidson are currently acting for approximately 150 clients who have been affected by the DePuy ASR recall. We are 1 of 6 lead Solicitors across the country that have formed a group to work together on ensuring that patients affected by this recall receive the compensation they deserve. In addition, we are currently investigating claims in respect of the DePuy metal on metal Pinnacle.

A recently published Lancet Study analysed the National Joint Registry of England and Wales data for primary hip replacements (402,051, of which 31,171 were stemmed metal-on-metal) performed between 2003 and 2011. Metal-on-metal hip implants were always thought to more durable than other options but the recent study suggests evidence to the contrary.

The Study looked into the causes of total hip implant failure and in particular, whether metal-on-metal bearing surfaces and large head sizes result in improved implant survival. The Study was published just two weeks after the British Hip Society advised all patients with large head (36mm or greater) metal-on-metal implants to be kept under annual review. Please see our previous article entitled “British Hip Society Statement: 1 March 2012”.

The Study concluded that “metal-on-metal stemmed articulations give poor implant survival rate compared with other options” (such as ceramic, plastic and polyethylene) and “should not be implanted”. The Study reinforced the guidance of the British Hip Society in respect of the importance of monitoring patients.

Results from the Study reveal that the failure of metal-on-metal Total Hip replacements is related to the size of the head with the large headed implants failing earlier. Overall, 6.2% of patients require revision surgery within five years. This compares with 1.7 to 2.3 % of patients who had ceramic or plastic joints. The researchers calculated that each 1 mm increment in head diameter was associated with an approximately 2% greater risk of revision at any given time. The Study also found that the failure rate was notably higher in females.

For more information please see:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2114129/ALL-metal-hip-joints-banned-Failure-rate-times-higher-types.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

http://www.thelancet.com/search/results?searchTerm=metal+hips&fieldName=AllFields&journalFromWhichSearchStarted

If you would like to discuss a potential claim with one of our specialist team members, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0151 733 3353 or 020 8209 0166. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]