BOA/BHS Joint Statement on BMJ article on metal hip replacements implanted since 2006

A study was published in the BMJ Open on 29 April 2016 which states that metal on metal hip replacements implanted since 2006 are more prone to failure and the need for further surgery. The research looked at revision rates at one hospital trust for the DePuy Pinnacle device.

BOA/BHS joint statement:

We are aware of the work published in the BMJ Online version. The British Orthopaedic Association and British Hip Society have worked with the UK Regulators for some time and the UK was the first country in the world to issue guidance for patients and surgeons on the management and follow up of metal on metal hip replacements. We were also the first to suggest that large diameter metal on metal total hip replacements should no longer be used. Working with the world’s largest joint registry (the NJR of England and Wales), we have been able to identify patients with these devices, for follow up.

The most important thing is patient safety. These 36mm Pinnacle metal on metal hip bearings are no longer used in patients and have not been implanted for some time. The National Joint Registry tracks these implants and an analysis has been performed that did not show a higher revision rate for the identified Batch numbers compared to the others. In fact the performance of the metal on metal Pinnacle hip replacements has not showed a deterioration in revision rates over the last two years. This analysis will be repeated.

All of the patients who have this particular type of metal bearing in place are currently under enhanced follow up and will be for the life of their implant. This may include assessments of function, x-rays, blood tests and scans. If patients do have concerns, they should contact their orthopaedic surgeon or department.