Hip Replacements could cause toxic metal poisoning
It has come to light that people who have had metal on metal hip implants could be at risk of toxic metal poisoning
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) openly acknowledged that there was a “small risk” the implants could cause complications. They have subsequently issued an alert to orthopaedic surgeons, who must now contact affected patients, which is estimated at 50,000.
People with these implants will need annual checkup to ensure that there is no damage to the bone or surrounding muscles.
It is thought that friction between the 2 metal surfaces produce small metal fragments called ions which could enter the blood supply.
The BMJ who did the investigation critices the US and European regulators for failing to run follow studies with patients who had the implants which were known to be capable of producing toxic debris. Further reading on Daily Mail or The Independent.
Anyone who has had this type of hip replacement should contact a medical negligence solicitor to discuss their concerns.
Mary
I had a Metal on Metal hip in Jan 2010 when I was 43 and had to have revision surgery to a ceramic total hip in July 2011.My blood results revealed that I had cobalt and chromium levels up in the thousands and I also had a sack of fluid around the metal device that was full of metal debris.I am so astounded that the media has latched onto the PIP business and has shown relatively little interest in the issues related to these metal on metal hips.I now have a leg length difference of 12mm which is surprisingly significant and I have no idea how my health will be affected in the longer term and how ,as a fairly young hip patient,how many future revisions I will need.I would be very interested to hear of other people who have had simular experiences and how they are moving forward after such a frightening ordeal.
personaladmin
Thanks for the comment Mary. I’m really sorry to hear of the challenges you have faced after your hip replacement.