Lawyer for alleged victims of failed metal-on-metal hip implants welcomes action by the MHRA

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced updated guidance in relation to patients with metal-on-metal hip implants which invites thousands more patients to undergo x-rays and blood tests to check for possible complications.
 
The new guidance states that all those who have the implants and who may have experienced, or be at risk of experiencing, sort tissue reactions to the implants will receive extra checks.
 
Leigh Day represents over 1,000 alleged victims of failed metal-on-metal hip implants. Many of those taking legal action allege that they have suffered significant pain and injury caused by the metal-on-metal implants and may have had to undergo early revision surgery. 
 
The main concern with metal-on-metal components is the release of metal ion particles into the body, which can lead to severe soft tissue reactions, described by the orthopaedic community with terms such as metallosis, ‘ALVAL’, adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD) and pseudo-tumours.
 
The new guidance by the MHRA replaces previous guidance given in 2012. The agency said that key changes in their guidance “include additional recommendations regarding monitoring patients and are designed to ensure longer term follow up is undertaken for all patients with these implants”.
 
Michelle Victor, solicitor at Leigh Day, is representing 620 of the firm’s the alleged victims of failed metal-on-metal hip implants. She said:
 
"We welcome the MHRA's call for continued monitoring of all metal-on-metal hip patients and early intervention where necessary.
 
"It is imperative, after the damage allegedly caused by these metal-on-metal implants, that patients are monitored closely to ensure any further problems associated with any adverse reaction to metal debris are identified and treated early to avoid any further unnecessary suffering."