Hip replacements review ordered

The artificial hip performed poorly in tests

Hospitals in England have been asked to review all patients fitted with a particular type of artificial hip.

The action has been ordered following an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Tests revealed a replacement hip called the ABG I acetabular cup may wear out sooner than expected, causing damage to the bone.

Doctors have been asked to identify and assess all patients with this device, even if they are not currently under regular assessment.

Some people may require additional surgery to prevent further deterioration of their hip joint. Professor Kent Woods

Total hip replacement is a common and highly successful operation bringing many people improved mobility and relief from pain.

Over 40,000 hip replacement operations are carried out by the NHS each year and more than 500,000 people in the UK have received hip implants in the last 10 years.

Approximately 3,260 ABG I acetabular cups were implanted in the UK between 1990 and 2000.

Precaution

Professor Kent Woods, chief executive of MHRA said: "We are aware that in some cases these implants have worn out sooner than would be expected.

"Problems can result from this early wear which may not cause any pain.

"People with these implants may therefore be unaware that there is anything wrong with their artificial hip.

"To ensure that anyone affected by this problem receives treatment as soon as possible, we have today asked hospitals to identify and recall everybody who received these artificial hips, for review.

Following these reviews some people may require additional surgery to prevent further deterioration of their hip joint."

The ABG I hip system is no longer available in the UK. People currently waiting for hip replacement surgery will not receive this implant and are not affected by this problem.

Hospitals will begin the process of retrieving and reviewing their records as soon as possible and will contact anyone they identify as having received one of these hip implants.

Standards set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) state that 90% of implants should last ten years.

David Forsythe, of Stryker Corporation, one of the companies which supplied the ABG 1 hip, said data from Sweden showed that 95.5% of ABG 1 hips lasted for at least six years, and data from Finland showed a nine-year survival rate of 94%.

Anybody who is concerned about their implant can ring a helpline on 0845 600 9682.