Defective hip replacements
01/06/11
HAVE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAD A HIP REPLACEMENT SINCE 2003?
Make Sure you Know Your Rights…
The British Orthopaedic Association has reported that well researched and audited results, presented by several units including Belfast, Southampton, Cardiff and Stockton on Tees, on large diameter metal on metal bearing total hip replacements show “a higher than anticipated early failure rate. These range from 21% revision rate at 4 years (potentially rising to 35% if all the currently known painful implants progress to revision) to 49% at 6 years for the ASRXL device.” The ASRTM XL device was manufactured by DePuy International Limited.
Although the DePuy ASRTM Hip Implant system was recalled in the UK in September 2010, it is estimated that 10,000 ASR hips have been fitted in the UK since 2003. This means that some 5,000 people may at some stage need complex and painful revision surgery. This revision surgery carries a higher risk of complications and is often not as successful as the original hip replacement surgery. Patients can be left with long term disabilities as a result.
Made from cobalt and chromium, the shape of the socket used by DePuy does not cover as much of the head of the joint as other products. Also there is a groove around the inside rim of the socket, resulting in there being less surface area and consequently an increase in pressure between the two parts of the joint, causing the metal to rub against metal and quickly erode, leading to early failure of the procedure and causing unnecessary pain and the prospect of revision surgery.
Symptoms vary and can include severe pain, loss of sensation, tumours and blood poisoning as a result of pieces of metal breaking off from the joint. The British Hip Society has issued guidance on the investigations required to determine if a hip implant system is failing due to the ball and socket joint used by the DePuy system. NHS hospitals are undertaking a review of patients who have been fitted with the defective implant.
Patients who are affected are beginning to consider their rights. In fact, DePuy have already appointed a claims processor to handle claims for re-imbursement of reasonable out of pocket expenses but there will be legal time limits for sufferers to pursue any personal injury compensation claim. If you’ve had hip replacement surgery or a resurfacing procedure since 2003 - even if you haven’t yet experienced any symptoms or pain, you should seek medical and legal advice
Linda Jones, Managing Partner of Loosemores Solicitors, has first hand experience of the devastating impact this problem is causing. She states “My sister had her original DePuy implant fitted in 2008 and had to undergo revision surgery some 18 months later before the issues with the DePuy implant became public knowledge. The physical effects have had a severe impact on her mobility and the prognosis for her future recovery is, at this time, uncertain.”
At Loosemores, we have specialist personal injury lawyers ready to advise and assist with these claims. In most cases, we can offer a No Win No Fee arrangement. For a free, no obligation consultation, including, where necessary, a home visit please call 0800 652 6766.