Following recent reports in the UK media surrounding concerns with Metal on Metal hip replacements, the Department of Health can confirm that Noble’s Hospital has not and does not use the this type of hip joint.  Therefore anyone who has had a hip-replacement operation in the Isle of Man is not affected by this potential problem and has no cause for concern.
 
Metal on Metal types of hip replacements are used particularly for the resurfacing technique of hip replacements. Some types of Metal on Metal hip replacements may cause problems, particularly the DePuy ASR types. Most patients who have had this make fitted will have already been contacted directly either by the company or their Surgeon.
 
Not all patients have problems with this type of hip replacement, but one recommended course of action for those who have them is that surgeons hold follow-up appointments annually for five years post-operatively and more frequently in the presence of symptoms. The majority of patients implanted with Metal on Metal hip replacements have well functioning hips and are thought to be at a low risk of developing serious problems.
 
Anyone in the Isle of Man who has had a DePuy ASR or ASR XL hip replacement fitted elsewhere and has not yet heard from their Consultant or hospital should contact them, regardless of whether they are in pain or not.  For those with other types of Metal on Metal implants, the current advice is that they should still be checked once a year by their Surgeon.
 
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