US Drug Watchdog: metal on metal hip replacements are largest medical device failure in history

15th February 2012

The United States Drug Watchdog is calling the use of metal-on-metal hip implants one of the largest medical device failures in history to hit America.

The Watchdog is part of the large US consumer watchdog group of companies Americas Watchdog and aims to expose drug and medical device companies putting dangerous or ineffective drugs and medical devices on the market. They also aim to identify and support those patients affected by such products.

The national US Drug Watchdog has expressed serious fears over the widespread use of the metal-on-metal hips throughout the US. As a result it has recently announced a national investigation into their use and has launched a campaign to identify and support those affected.

Reports show metal-on-metal hips suffer far higher failure rates than usually expected of artificial joints. Where they fail patients can suffer a number of symptoms including persistent and recurring pain in the hip area, swelling around the joint and loss of mobility. In the worst cases patients have even been diagnosed with blood poisoning.

How does this effect patients in the UK?

Over 30,000 patients across the UK are expected to have been fitted with metal-on-metal hip replacements. This announcement by the US Drug Watchdog offers strong support to Holmes & Hills Solicitors who have been arguing for a number of years that all models of metal on metal hip replacement (not just DePuy models) pose significant health risks to patients fitted with the devices.

Jacqui Sayer, a solicitor in Holmes & Hills’ large Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Team, is leading a significant number of compensation claims against manufacturers of these hip units on behalf of patients across the UK who have been fitted with these devices.

For more information on metal-on-metal hips or details of how you can go about making a claim for compensation, call Jacqui Sayer on 01376 529298. For general information click here.

Which hips are at risk of failure?

Holmes & Hills are pursuing claims against a number of manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip replacement units used in the UK. The US Drug Watchdog’s recently announced investigation will be looking into all models of metal hips, including those manufactured by: