The most common hip replacement procedures are:
- Hip resurfacing (arthroplasty); where the damaged part of the hip joint is replaced with an implant (plastic, ceramic or metal)
- Total hip replacement; where the ball and socket of the hip joint are removed and replaced with implants
- Hip revision surgery; where a previous hip replacement / implant is removed and replaced with a new one
The consequence of being implanted with a faulty device is that when the device starts to fail, it will have to be replaced with a new one. Revision surgery on faulty hip replacements can mean a longer surgery, a higher risk of infection and a longer recovery period.
Metal on Metal (ASR) Implants
The metal on metal implant has been in clinical use since the 1990s and was marketed as the next generation implant, designed to provide greater durability and last longer than other types of implants. However Johnson & Johnson, the parent company of DePuy ASR recalled the controversial implant in 2010 after a study confirmed that it carried a high rate of failure, requiring a large number of people who had received the implant to undergo revision surgery.
DePuy has accepted liability for the Metal on Metal device and is meeting claims for injuries involving:
- Pain and suffering
- Revision surgery and subsequent scarring
- Infections and pseudo tumors
- Raised chromium and colbalt
Individuals who have had an implant made of cobalt and chromium are at risk of toxic metals seeping into surrounding tissues and the blood stream which can destroy muscle and bone resulting in a long-term disability.
If you, or a loved one has suffered complications in relation to a hip replacement surgery, contact our clinical negligence team to talk through your concerns with one of our experienced lawyers, we offer no win no fee to all our medical negligence clients. Call 0121 355 0011.
