Metal-on-metal hip replacements to be monitored annually for life

Following an investigation from the BBC and the British Medical Journal nearly 50,000 people who have had a metal-on-metal hip replacement have been advised to have annual checks because of fears they may cause serious health problems.

People who have had a hip replacement made of colbalt and chromium are at risk of toxic metals seeping into tissues and the blood stream and can destroy muscle and bone resulting in a long term disability.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises patients to have blood test to check for metal ions and if they have raised levels of metal to have an annual MRI scan. Doctors will be told to consider replacing implants if results are abnormal and there are concerns about high levels of ions in the blood.

Malcolm Underhill, Partner, Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team says:

“It is likely that those with this hip replacement have suffered unnecessarily with pain and immobility. They may have also undergone secondary surgery and paid for treatment privately. If any of these circumstances apply they may be entitled to redress from those who carried out the original surgery.”

IBB Solicitors has built a reputation for quality of service in pursuing compensation in cases involving accident, illness or death, including clinical and medical negligence. If you would like advice on personal injury issues, you can contact a member of IBB's Personal Injury team, call us on 08456 381 381 or email pi@ibblaw.co.uk.