Faulty hip implants result in pain and clinical negligence claims

Investigations by the Telegraph have revealed how faulty hip implants in the wrong size have been causing patients pain.

Patients who have been suffering due to the error are demanding answers on how long the firm was aware of the problem and some are claiming clinical negligence compensation due to their injuries.

The newspaper states how they were manufactured incorrectly by one of the world's largest hip replacement firms, DePuy, after they admitted an 'error in the measuring techniques' when making the metal-on-metal implants.

These metal-on-metal hips are more likely to be replaced as they have higher wear rates than other implants.

Lesley Herbertson, solicitor in the clinical negligence department at PotterReesDolan, said:

The Telegraph’s revelation is likely to assist those individuals who are bringing claims against a number of manufacturers of hip replacements. There are currently a number of group action claims being pursued against companies such as De Puy, Corin and Smith and Nephew, all of whom have produced the keys components of metal on metal hip replacements.

It is claimed that such hip replacements are subject to more wear and tear which, in addition, can lead to metal toxins being deposited into the bloodstream which in turn leads to disability and high levels of pain.

However, as well as such group actions, patients who undergo either their first or revision hip replacement surgery, can also find themselves injured as a result of the way that the surgery itself was performed, regardless of the type of hip replacement used.

Orthopaedic experts have suggested how companies such as DePuy should perhaps keep a closer eye on patients and warn them of the dangers if necessary.

Although DePuy admitted issues with manufacturing, the company insists that this did not have any safety implications.

The type of hip implant during surgery is not the only cause for concern during this operation as pain and injury it is often down to negligence during surgery rather than the product itself.

Lesley Herbertson continues:

Often the failure is down to the way in which the hip components are placed during the surgery. Hip replacement surgery can be, and often is, a life-changer for the better. But if it makes matters worse it could well be that either the surgeon’s error during the operation and/or the components used for surgery are causing a problem. In that situation prompt investigation is required.

I have acted on behalf of a number of patients who have not recovered well from hip or knee replacement surgery and their claims have been of significant value due to the further restrictions on their mobility that they have had to face as a result of the substandard care received.

If you have suffered an injury due to medical error and would like more information regarding making a claim or hospital complaint processes contact a member of our specialist clinical negligence team on 0161 237 5888.