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13/03/2012
Calls For Metal-On-Metal Hip Implants To Be Banned
Calls are being made to ban controversial metal-on-metal hip implants after experts found “unequivocal evidence” of high failure rates.
Data gathered on 400,000 hip replacements found metal-on-metal implants needed revising more often than other types, and that failure rates of the implant were higher in women.
The call come two weeks after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued new guidance on the implants, saying almost 50,000 patients will need annual blood or MRI checks.
Tiny metal ions made up of cobalt and chromium are thought to break off from the implants and leak into the blood, with fears this causes muscle and bone damage as well as neurological issues.
The MHRA says there is a "small risk" the implants can cause complications in patients.
Research published in the Lancet found that metal-on-metal implants failed much more quickly than other types, with a five-year revision rate of 6.2%.
This compares to 2,3% for ceramic-on-ceramic and 1.7% for plastic-on-plastic.
The research showed that failure was related to the head size of the implant, with larger heads failing quicker.
The analysis included more than 31,000 metal-on-metal implants. It looked at patients given implants between 2003 and 2011 and tracked for up to seven years after surgery.
The results showed stark differences between the implants depending on type and head size, and confirm previous findings on failure rates.
The reported concluded: "Metal-on-metal stemmed articulations give poor implant survival compared with other options and should not be implanted.
Data gathered on 400,000 hip replacements found metal-on-metal implants needed revising more often than other types, and that failure rates of the implant were higher in women.
The call come two weeks after the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued new guidance on the implants, saying almost 50,000 patients will need annual blood or MRI checks.
Tiny metal ions made up of cobalt and chromium are thought to break off from the implants and leak into the blood, with fears this causes muscle and bone damage as well as neurological issues.
The MHRA says there is a "small risk" the implants can cause complications in patients.
Research published in the Lancet found that metal-on-metal implants failed much more quickly than other types, with a five-year revision rate of 6.2%.
This compares to 2,3% for ceramic-on-ceramic and 1.7% for plastic-on-plastic.
The research showed that failure was related to the head size of the implant, with larger heads failing quicker.
The analysis included more than 31,000 metal-on-metal implants. It looked at patients given implants between 2003 and 2011 and tracked for up to seven years after surgery.
The results showed stark differences between the implants depending on type and head size, and confirm previous findings on failure rates.
The reported concluded: "Metal-on-metal stemmed articulations give poor implant survival compared with other options and should not be implanted.
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11 January 2012
Medical Groups Refuse Free Implant Replacements
A medical company, which fitted almost 14,000 British women with PIP breast implants, has said they will not be replacing them free of charge. The Harley Medical group is among many private medical firms to be affected by the now closed French company’s, Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), faulty implants which were filled with non-medical grade silicone.
Medical Groups Refuse Free Implant Replacements
A medical company, which fitted almost 14,000 British women with PIP breast implants, has said they will not be replacing them free of charge. The Harley Medical group is among many private medical firms to be affected by the now closed French company’s, Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), faulty implants which were filled with non-medical grade silicone.
28 March 2012
MPs Condemn Stance On PIP Implants
MPs have said the stance taken in England on replacing PIP breast implants "flies in the face of common sense". The PIP implants are at the centre of a health scare and currently patients who had implants privately can have them removed on the NHS, but not replaced.
MPs Condemn Stance On PIP Implants
MPs have said the stance taken in England on replacing PIP breast implants "flies in the face of common sense". The PIP implants are at the centre of a health scare and currently patients who had implants privately can have them removed on the NHS, but not replaced.
18 June 2012
Final Report Finds PIP Implants Not Toxic
The final report into the PIP breast implant scandal has concluded that the gel material does not cause any long-term threat to human health.
Final Report Finds PIP Implants Not Toxic
The final report into the PIP breast implant scandal has concluded that the gel material does not cause any long-term threat to human health.
22 September 2008
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
Scottish Government Pledges Cap On Surgery Waiting Times
Scottish patients may soon have a legal guarantee that they will wait no longer than 12 weeks for surgery. The Scottish Government's Patient Rights Bill proposes a strict limit on how long they have to wait from their surgical referral to receiving their operation.
08 September 2005
Interest rates remain on hold at 4.5%
The Bank of England has left interest rates unchanged at 4.5%, as expected by many analysts. Last month, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, amid fears of a slowdown in economic growth and a slump in consumer spending.
Interest rates remain on hold at 4.5%
The Bank of England has left interest rates unchanged at 4.5%, as expected by many analysts. Last month, the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, amid fears of a slowdown in economic growth and a slump in consumer spending.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
