Compensation sought for 'poisonous' hip replacement
02 Feb 2012
A mother from Surrey is seeking compensation after a metal hip
replacement led to secondary health problems.
Susanna Derham, 40, has launched legal action because she claims
her metal ASR replacement hip wore away only four years after it
was fitted.
She told the BBC that the device was expected to last up to 25
years but when the metal surface of the hip replacement wore away,
tiny poisonous particles entered her bloodstream.
Just four years after the operation to fit the hip, Ms Derham said
how she "started to have groin pain, further down the line swelling
and everyday activities became harder".
She is among 120 other people seeking compensation from DePuy
Orthopeadics Inc for the failed ASR hip implants.
The firm announced a recall of the products in August 2010 amid
fears that the metal wears down and releases particles that react
with muscles and ligaments around the joint.
A recent report into the metal hip replacements found that they
have a failure rate of almost half after six years.
Tony Nargol, an orthopaedic surgeon at North Tees and Hartlepool
NHS Trust, said that figures compiled by his colleagues of 500
patients with DePuy implants show a failure rate of 35 per cent
after four years, rising to 49 per cent after six.
"If some patients haven't been told, that is appalling. We have
been saying to the world that these implants are wearing out and
there could be problems ahead, but we need to ensure the public
gets the message," he said.
Peter Todd, a personal injury solicitor at Hodge Jones &
Allen, handling hip replacement claims, comments:
“We are handling a number of similar claims for damages against
DePuy in respect of the defective ASR prosthesis and re-surfacing
system. In all our cases so far DePuy has accepted a duty to
compensate for the cost of medical treatment and consequential
losses and to pay compensation for having to undergo an early
revision operation.”
A very high proportion of patients with DePuy ASR prostheses are
advised to have early revision surgery. We do not anticipate a need
to issue litigation as settlements are being negotiated including
provision for legal costs and we are happy to take these cases on a
“no win no fee” basis.”
If anyone believes they may be affected by this they are strongly
advised to contact us for free legal advice and assistance as
strict time limits apply to claims.”