Hip implant poisoning on Channel 5 News

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Image from Channel 5 News

Image from Channel 5 News

Explaining cobalt poisoning and the importance of monitoring those at risk

The issue and effects of hip implant poisoning were highlighted this month by Channel 5 News, in sharing Tracey O’Neill’s story. Tracey received a hip replacement in 2014 and was fitted with a cobalt chromium dual taper modular neck hip stem.

She soon noticed a number of worrying symptoms including dizziness, anxiety, tinnitus, brain fog and ‘electric shock’ sensations across her body. Tracey was diagnosed with cobalt poisoning.

Channel 5 News health correspondent, Catherine Jones, explained how this specific type of implant is composed of titanium and a cobalt-chromium alloy. Where the alloy and titanium meet, corrosion can occur, releasing tiny metal particles into the body.

For a small number of people, this can cause big problems.


Contextualising the issue

Professor Alister Hart of Complex Hip Surgery was interviewed to explain further. He said:

“It’s really important to emphasise that this is a very small percentage of patients. However, we don’t understand why it happens, so it’s important. It’s a percentage that we can minimise by contacting them and checking them. That’s the message that’s helpful.”

Healthcare regulator, The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) has now decided to evaluate evidence of the side effects of this specific implant design.

Commenting further, Prof Hart said:

“This type of hip implant stopped being used in the UK in 2017, following multiple cases of poisoning. Approximately 5,000 people had dual taper modular neck hips implanted between 2009 and this end date.

“The MHRA is now considering a mandatory monitoring program, which we very much support. It is very important to identify and prevent potential issues for people with these implants.”

Watch the news item

View the news story below. The item starts at 9 minutes 10 seconds.

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