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Renewed concerns over metal-on-metal hip implants
09 February 2012
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Recent press reports have raised concerns over metal-on-metal hip implants, leaving thousands of people in the dark over the safety of their hip replacements.
This is because both the ball and socket of these implants are made of metal. Grinding in this metal joint may cause metal debris to enter the surrounding tissue, which could then leak into the bloodstream. Symptoms can include swelling or pain around the hip, groin or buttock on the side that the hip replacement was implanted.
Dr Katrina Herren, Medical Director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing, commented: “At the moment, there’s not enough evidence to say exactly what damage these hip implants may cause to the surrounding tissue. Currently, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is doing further research into this and we will be keeping a close eye on any developments. If your orthopaedic surgeon suggests any follow-up investigations, Bupa will happily cover these procedures for its eligible members.
“If you have had a metal-on-metal hip implant and are experiencing any pain, see your surgeon or talk to your GP. If there’s any doubt that your implant may be causing you a problem, you may be referred back to your surgeon or you should be offered a blood test to detect if any metal has leaked into your bloodstream. You may also have an ultrasound or MRI scan to check for any damage to tissue surrounding your hip.”
Produced by Alice Rossiter, Bupa Health Information Team, February 2012
Key facts
- Artificial hip implants can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. Hip joints are fixed in place using a special substance called 'bone cement', or they may be designed so that your own bone grows onto the implant.
- Hip replacement operations using hip implants are routinely carried out around the world. In 2009, over 70,000 people underwent hip replacement surgery in the UK alone.
- In 2010, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) began investigating concerns that were raised surrounding the potential damage that metal-on-metal hip implants may be causing to surrounding tissue.
- In 2011, research presented at the British Hip Society Annual Conference raised further concerns about metal-on-metal hip implants. It was suggested that patients should be followed up regularly for five years, or even for life, if they have had the hip implant. Also, that blood tests and scans be carried out if the patient complains of any pain or inflammation around their replaced hip.
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MHRA statement on metal-on-metal hip implants. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). www.mhra.gov.uk, published 30 January
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