Hip replacement devices company issues worldwide recall
Irish patients who have had hip replacement surgery may have to undergo the procedure again because of a fault with the device.
Medical devices company DePuy - a division of Johnson and Johnson - has issued a worldwide recall by devices used in the surgery.
The company says research in the UK has shown that within five years of having hip replacement, 13% of patients needed corrective surgery.
The company says patients do not necessarily have to have it removed but it is advising them to visit their surgeons for an evaluation and its recommending yearly monitoring.
Consultants here are to undertake a risk assessment of patients to see how many people are affected here and to determine if they will need surgery.
Women were more likely than men to require a second operation.
It is understood the Health Service Executive has written to all hospital orthopaedic units advising them to remove the device from stock.
"We regret that this recall will be concerning for patients, their family members and surgeons," said David Floyd, president, DePuy Orthopaedics.
"We are committed to assisting patients and health care providers by providing information through multiple channels and paying for the cost of doctor visits, tests and procedures associated with the recall."
