Information for Medical Professionals

Doctors urged to investigate hip replacement pain

Doctors and orthopaedic surgeons in the UK have been urged to investigate hip pain complaints in a timely fashion following metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties.

According to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), patients should undergo revision sooner rather than later if they show signs of a soft tissue reaction.

"Early revision of poorly performing metal-on-metal hip replacements should give a better revision outcome," the organisation claimed.

The British Orthopaedic Association and the British Hip Society both released guidance for surgeons attempting to implement the MHRA request.

They claimed: "There are a small, but significant number of patients who develop pain and significant tissue damage.

"It is felt that pain with metal-on-metal bearings should be investigated as we are still uncertain which patients are likely to progress or develop serious soft tissue reactions."

Research published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery recently showed that metal-on-metal implants are associated with a slightly higher incidence of inflammation and loosening.

---

<< Back

News provided by Adfero in collaboration with Biomet. Please note that all copy is (c) Adfero Ltd and does not reflect the views or opinions of Biomet unless explicitly stated.