The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
have responded to a Sunday Telegraph investigation into the dangers
of metal on metal hip implants.
It is now thought that over 30,000 patients have received the
metal on metal hips in the UK since 2003.
Medical regulators are considering new evidence about metal on
metal implants disintegrating, destroying muscle tissue and leaking
metal into the bloodstream.
In 2010, the MHRA issued a product recall for two hip implants
made by company DePuy after concerns were raised by the number of
patients needing operations redone because their muscle tissue had
been damaged by the metal on metal hips.
All patients who were fitted with either of the defective
products in question - DePuy's ASR Total Hip Replacement or the ASR
Hip Resurfacing System - should be informed by their consultant
orthopaedic surgeon if their implant should be removed or
replaced.
Patients with these products are advised to see a doctor to
check levels of cobalt and chromium in their blood and whether they
have any muscle damage.
Mark Bowman, senior associate in our
product liability team, is acting for clients who have been
affected by the DePuy Hip Replacement recall. He says:
"A large number of patients that have received the DePuy ASR
hip replacement or hip resurfacing procedures have already been
contacted by their surgeons and advised to return for follow up
treatment.
"It is highly likely that, in spite of this, a significant
number of patients that underwent such procedures, have not yet
been contacted. I would urge anyone that has received a hip
replacement or hip resurfacing procedure in the UK since 2003 to
check with their surgeon as to whether or not they are affected by
the product recall.
In addition anyone with any concerns at all should contact a
specialist solicitor who will be able to advise further."
For further information or to discuss a DePuy hip replacement
claim, please contact
Mark Bowman on
020 7861 4043, email mark.bowman@ffw.com or complete
our short enquiry form. Mark will contact you straight away to
discuss your needs and your legal claim.