This page provides information on Metal-on-Metal hip replacements.
What is metal work used for?
Metalwork includes rods, plates, screws and wires. These are specially made from stainless steel or titanium for the following operations on bones:
- Fixing a broken bone in position while it heals
- Joining bones to remove an arthritic joint (arthrodesis)
- Changing the shape of the bone (osteotomy)
Once your bone has fully healed, the metalwork has done its job.
Metal-on-Metal hip Replacement Follow-Up
You will be triaged into one of two categories by the medical team:
- patients who need regular follow up, and the medical team deem you to be appropriate for a telephone follow up,
or
- patients who need medical input face to face in a clinic setting.
You will need to have an x-ray and blood tests prior to either face to face or telephone appointment these will be sent out in the post with instructions.
Previously patients were seen at yearly intervals and some of you may now be seen or telephoned at three years. This will depend on your symptoms, blood results and x-rays.
If you have any concerns in between your appointments, you have open access to a new scheme called Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) this puts you in control of your care by enabling you to access support when you need it rather than attending regular routine follow up appointments.
Please contact us if you have any of the following new symptoms
- a new onset of pain in your hip, groin or leg,
- numbness or swelling around the hip joint,
- weakness and a change in ability to walk,
- grinding or clunking from the joint that is a new symptom.
This does not mean the hip replacement is failing.
The service is quick and easy to use.
To contact us call the secretary on
Tel: 01282 804036
Please leave a voice mail message if your call is not answered, including your contact phone number. We will make suitable arrangements with you to ensure that you are supported, this may be a telephone call or a face-to-face consultation.
For all other concerns, or if you are feeling unwell, your GP remains your first point of contact.