Woman seeks Compensation after Metal Hip Agony
A woman is seeking compensation after her metal replacement hip has left her in agonising pain.
Susanna Derham reports to the BBC about the problems she has suffered. The 40 year old underwent a procedure to replace one of her hips with a metal implant. The ASR implant consists of a metal ball that is attached to the top of the thigh bone, and a metal socket which replaces the hip socket.
The makers of the hip implant – DePuy Orthopaedics Inc – claimed that the implant should last for 25 years. However, Ms Derham started with problems after just four years of having it fitted. She is reported as saying that she was struck with agonising pain and swelling that made everyday activities difficult.
DePuy Orthopaedics Inc issued a worldwide recall of the ASR hip implants in 2010 after numerous health problems were found to be caused by them. In some cases, worn away metal is reported to have been absorbed into the bloodstream.
Now, Ms Derham reports to the BBC that she is one of 120 people who are seeking compensation for the health problems that the implant caused. She had the problem metal implant replaced with a ceramic one in November last year.
