Zimmer Biomet issues corrective action notice for M2a 38mm metal-on-metal hips

Posted: 27/04/2016

Data analysed recently at the National Joint Registry has revealed that the M2a 38mm Acetabular metal-on-metal hip system has a higher than expected revision rate. Accordingly, Zimmer Biomet, which manufactures the metal-on-metal hip, has issued a field safety corrective action notice addressed to all surgeons who may have treated patients with this hip system. 

The action notice alerts surgeons to the importance of informing patients to the potential risks posed by metal-on-metal hips. It reiterates that the minimum requirement is to follow up their patients annually and to consider revision of the hip system if their patients are symptomatic and/or have rising blood metal ion levels. 

Arran Macleod, a solicitor in Penningtons Manches’ product liability team, says: “It has been known for some time that these hip systems may be problematic. It is interesting to see, however, that the manufacturer is now acknowledging that revision rates are higher than expected. We urge anyone who has been fitted with a Biomet M2a 38mm metal-on-metal hip system and is experiencing problems to get in touch. We would be happy to discuss this with you and provide some preliminary advice.”

Return to news headlines