Sixteen recipients of metal-on-metal hip implants have been
checked by Southern District Health Board clinicians,
information released under the Official Information Act
shows.
Surgical medical director Murray Fosbender said in a
statement the health board was complying with Ministry of
Health guidelines in checking recipients of metal-on-metal
implants.
None of the patients was suffering ill effects from the
implants.
Several hazard alerts about metal-on-metal implant products
have been issued in recent years because of health concerns.
Eight patients were seen at Dunedin Hospital, six at
Southland Hospital and two in Oamaru. On its website, Medsafe
said a small number of patients implanted with metal-on-metal
hip replacements could experience problems caused by the
build-up of microscopic metal debris. Health effects were
monitored through checking for cobalt and chromium in the
patient's blood.eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz
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