ASSURANCES have been given to local patients after a hip replacement scare.
The national scare was sparked off by a piece of faulty equipment.It was found that about 4,700 people have been fitted with Capital 3M false hips, made by 3M Health Care Limited based in Loughborough.
The company has advised patients who believe they have been fitted with the faulty false hip to contact their GP or hospital. A helpline for healthcare professionals has also been set up.
But Bury Health Care NHS Trust, North Manchester Healthcare NHS Trust and Rochdale Healthcare NHS Trust say they have never used Capital 3M false hips.
It is thought that the 3M replacement could come loose in the body and erode the healthy bones to which it is attached, causing fractures and reducing the chances of success in any future hip replacement operation.
A total of 20 orthopaedic centres have used the product in the UK but the company stopped making Capital 3M hips last year when surgeons stopped using them.
Patients who have been fitted with the product are to be traced and recalled for further surgery or for tests.
The Department of Health has opened a helpline for patients on 0800 665544.
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