HIP recall prompts Liverpool conference

Hundreds of patients with metal hip implants attended a conference yesterday arranged by leading law firm Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP.

The conference which was the first of its kind was held at Liverpool’s BT Convention Centre with a panel of medical and legal experts providing free advice for worried clients who have been affected by a worldwide recall of two metal hip implants.  The recall has now sparked fears about other metal hip implants.

The two implants recalled so far both manufactured by DePuy a division of Johnson and Johnson are the ASR XL Acetabular and the ASR hip resurfacing systems. Initially hailed as state-of-the-art technology, the implants have been failing after just a few years, when they were expected to last for 10 years or more. Studies have discovered that a major problem is due to the metal surfaces of the implant wearing away, releasing particles that are absorbed into the blood causing secondary health problems.

The company is facing a potential multi-million pound payout to patients in the UK as more people come forward claiming damages for their pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and future medical care and other losses.

Patients in some parts of England have spent months waiting in pain because of delayed operations or new restrictions on who qualifies for treatment.

A recent report from British Hip Society and British Orthopaedic Association advises: "All patients with these components should be identified and should be informed that they have a hip replacement device that has been withdrawn, and that they are now under the umbrella of close clinical follow up and surveillance.

Some form of follow up should be performed at least annually and patients should be given contact information so that they can be reviewed quickly should they have worsening pain or deteriorating clinical function associated with the hip implant. Follow up should continue for the life of the implant, until more data is available."

Patients travelled from across the UK to attend the conference and listen to Professor Peter Kay, President of the British Orthopaedic Association and Consultant Hip and Knee surgeon from Wrightington Hospital.  

Professor Kay who is considered as the Countries expert on Hip replacement surgery took questions from patients and explained in detail the problems that the failing ASR Hip replacement have caused.  

Professor Kay said "I was delighted to attend the HIP conference in Liverpool arranged by Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors.  It is very important that patients receive the best surgical and legal advice and the conference provided an excellent opportunity for patients to ask individual questions.  I look forward to working with Gregory Abrams Davidson on future conferences".

Paul Trevett from Kent travelled to the Liverpool Conference despite his defective hip and said "The conference was very informative and worth the journey from Kent to Liverpool.  I now have a better understanding of the medical and legal side of this painful process."

Liverpool Solicitor Lisa Lunt a partner at Gregory Abrams Davidson is regarded as an expert in dealing with the legal issues surrounding these complex matters and has been instructed by hundreds of patients throughout the UK.  Mrs. Lunt said “the conference has been a huge success.  It was not just about us passing on medical and legal advice to our clients, it was also a great opportunity for them to meet each other and to talk about and share their experiences."

For those patients who are unsure of the name of their hip replacement system, Mrs. Lunt offers the following advice: “If anybody thinks they may have had a DePuy metal hip implant after July 2003, they should seek legal advice immediately as they may be entitled to compensation for pain, suffering and financial loss sustained as a result of the DePuy implant."

Mr. Sherrington age 67 from Mossley Hill is one of many Liverpool patients affected by the metal hip.  Mr. Sherrington says "I have been in constant pain since 2006 following my left total hip replacement.  It has drastically affected my life.   I cannot walk up the stairs properly and I struggle getting in and out of the bath.  I was a keen sportsman but I can no longer cycle or swim.  I cannot do the things I enjoy.  My quality of life has been severely affected.  I do not know what it is like to be pain free".

Chris Barnes, Barrister at Exchange Chambers, Liverpool said “While these claims are in their early stages, considerable progress can be made in light of the recall by De Puy. We hope that other manufacturers will fully investigate the worrying statistics now emerging about other metal on metal hip replacements."

Anyone affected by the DePuy recall is advised to contact a specialist solicitor for advice.  Further information can be obtained from www.hipreplacementclaims.co.uk or alternatively visit www.gadllp.co.uk