Faulty knee replacements were given to 10,000 patients

Faulty knee replacements were given to 10,000 patients… and 350 needed second operation within TEN YEARS, figures reveal

  • The National Joint Registry said 350 patients needed a second operation within ten years due to ‘aseptic loosening’
  • The implant has failed in up to 7 per cent of patients over the past decade
  • It is said a ban will be issued for the implant, which has been in use since 2003 

More than 10,000 NHS patients have been given faulty knee replacements, it was revealed last night.

The National Joint Registry said 350 patients needed a second operation within ten years due to ‘aseptic loosening’.

The Nexgen, made by US firm Zimmer Biomet, was withdrawn from the market in October. The implant has failed in up to 7 per cent of patients over the past decade – twice the accepted failure rate set by the registry, which monitors hip and knee surgeries.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said it would issue a ban on the implant, in use since 2003.

The National Joint Registry said 350 patients needed a second operation within ten years due to ‘aseptic loosening’

MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave told the Daily Telegraph: ‘We are actively working with relevant stakeholders and reviewing all available evidence from a range of sources on the concerns raised on the performance of the NexGen knee implant.’

A spokesman for Zimmer Biomet said: ‘We are working closely with regulatory authorities on this voluntary recall and information will be sent to surgeons informing them of the details pertaining to this recall next week.

‘At that time, information will also be made available on our website.’

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