Health warning over 'toxic' hip replacements

By Iona Bain

It has emerged that more than 30,000 patients may have received toxic hip replacements on the NHS and in private hospitals.

Medical regulators are discussing whether to issue an alert over "metal-on-metal" hip replacements, which were introduced to the UK in the 1990s and were fitted to offer better mobility than traditional hip implants.

The devices are now thought to be causing "systemic toxicity" in the body as friction between the metal ball and cup is causing tiny metal filings to break off and seep into the blood.

More than 1,100 patients are now preparing to sue after suffering from extensive tissue damage and inflammation in their bones and muscle. Many have needed corrective surgery, which has left them in severe pain and unable to walk unassisted.

Certain hip replacements made by the company DePuy have already been taken off the market, as failure rates are now said to be as high as 50% within six years.

Some 10,000 patients fitted with these implants should have all been checked for potential metal leaks but senior surgeons now warn that some patients have still not been contacted.

Those who have not been fitted with DePuy devices are currently advised to have a check-up once a year, but the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is reviewing its guidelines for all patients with metal-on-metal advices.

It is not known how many private health insurance patients could be affected by the health alert. Patients should know if they have been fitted with DePuy implants, but should contact their consultant or private hospital if they are in any doubt.