TEN POINTS IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR HIP REPLACEMENT
1. Many metal-on-metal hips are extremely successful and not everyone with this kind of hip will develop problems.
2. Hip parts are usually made of metal, ceramic or polyethylene/plastic. If the head and the liner are both made of metal, then you have a 'metal on metal' hip.
3. The British Orthopaedic Association advice from March of this year applies to hips that are known as 'large head metal-on-metal'. The ASR is a large head metal-on-metal hip, but there are other models made by DePuy and by other manufacturers. Your doctor will know if your hip falls into this category.
4. The recall last year related to one particular make of metal on metal hip called the ASR, which is made by DePuy. It covered ASRs for total hip replacement and resurfacing. The company says it encourages patients to call its ASR Helpline on 0800 2794865.
5. If you don't know what material your hip is made of:
- contact the hospital if your operation was done recently and you are still under the care of the surgeon
- otherwise contact your GP
- if you signed a consent form for details of your operation to be sent to the National Joint Register you can contact them directly and they can tell you details of your implant. Tel: 0845-3459991 or Email: health_servicedesk@northgate-is.com
6. The latest advice from the government is that anyone with a metal-on-metal hip should be followed up regularly for five years - and probably for as long as the hip is inside them.
7. These checks will normally start with a blood test to see if there is any concern about the levels of cobalt and chromium in your blood.
8. Your doctor may also want you to have an ultrasound or MRI scan to see if there is any damage to the hip.
9. Depending on the results of these tests your doctor can then discuss the best way to proceed and whether this may involve replacing the hip implant.
10. This advice applies both to patients who've had a metal on metal total hip replacement and who've had a hip resurfacing procedure.
