Date: 2 February 2012
Author: Sharon Allison

An investigation has been launched by a medical watchdog into potentially poisonous hip implants after it has emerged that 50% of those manufactured by Depuy have been recalled in the last 6 months. Regulatory bodies are also considering the new evidence about the ‘metal on metal’ implants which are reported to have disintegrated, destroyed muscle tissue and have leaked metal into the bloodstream.

Metal on metal implants became popular in the early 90’s when the traditional metal ball and plastic socket implants were largely replaced. The new metal on metal implants were thought to cope with increased wear and tear, leading to greater longevity of the implant. Approximately 40,000 people have them in the UK and they continue to be used.

It appears that concerns were raised in 2010 when regulators became concerned about the number of patients needing their implants replaced because their muscle tissue had been damaged by the metal on metal hips. It has since been discovered that tiny particles of metal caused by the shearing force of the joint have been getting into the bloodstream for some patients, leaving them in considerable pain and with lasting damage to tissue.

Sharon Allison, medical injury lawyer at Ashton KCJ who acts for a number of patients affected by faulty hip implants says: “ The MRHA have already ordered that two types of hip implant manufactured by Depuy be taken off the market. It is very concerning to read that  a number of patients may not be aware that they could be affected and therefore are not aware of the potential risks they face. All patients who are concerned should consult their GP without delay”.