Reassurance about hip replacements
06 February 2012
Health and Social Services are aware of concerns surrounding DePuy metal on metal hip replacements.
This type of hip replacement is only used on younger patients (healthy, and under 65). Only 11 such hip replacements have been performed in Jersey in an 18 month period since early 2009. This type of hip replacement was removed from the operating theatres and returned to DePuy when HSSD first became aware of potential problems.
Approximately 200 hip replacements are performed at the Jersey General Hospital every year, but only a small percentage of these are on younger patients.
A HSSD spokesperson said "As is standard protocol, all these patients who have had this type of hip replacement have been regularly reviewed and x-rayed by the operating orthopaedic surgeon. As far as we are aware, only 2 patients have needed further investigation. However, there may be some patients on the Island who have had such hip replacements performed on the mainland about which we are unaware. Any such patients who have not been reviewed by the operating orthopaedic surgeon are welcome to contact the orthopaedic department at the hospital to request an appointment. Patients should be reassured that the risk of serious complications is relatively low, and would be associated with pain."
The concern regarding DePuy hip replacements is that as the hip replacements wear down, metal particles can be released from the artificial hip, which react with the soft tissue (such as muscle and ligaments) surrounding the joint and enter the bloodstream. In 2010, the UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a product recall for DePuy ASR, a brand of 'Metal on Metal' artificial hip.
DePuy have confirmed that they will take financial responsibility for all appropriate investigations and treatment which may be necessary on this group of patients. It is therefore essential for all patients with a DePuy metal on metal hip replacement to register with the company or call the helpline. Lines are open from 9am to 5pm - Monday to Friday.
Telephone: 0800 2794865 or 01908 302 195
Depuy website