We Aren’t All Dancers
It’s not just dancers and sportsmen that suffer with their joints. There are many physically demanding jobs that take their toll on our bodies. Any job that puts repetitive strain on your joints will inevitably cause problems at some point in your life. Ironically, those that care for us, the nurses and carers, often have problems with their backs or joints from the years of bending and lifting connected with their job.
Thankfully, most employers put in place codes of practice to make sure that their workforce remains healthy. Even with the most robust precautions it is inevitable that some jobs will cause wear and tear on your body.
Hip Replacement – a New Lease of Life
Those of us that use the NHS usually have to wait to have a hip replacement operation. The government states that no one should wait more than six months. In fact, the vast majority of hip replacements are performed in less than five months. In the time up to the operation you will experience quite some discomfort. You may well favor your other leg to avoid the pain.
This can lead to other aches and pains as your body is not moving properly. Sometimes the muscles in your ‘bad’ leg will start to diminish and this will require further physiotherapy after your operation. However, for all the problems before your operation, you will soon be up and about with your new hip.
All you ‘Strictly’ fans will have seen Craig Revel Horwood back on the show within a couple of days of the operation, albeit with a spangled crutch and adapted sparkly chair and cushion.
What if it Goes Wrong?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has already suggested that the NHS should not use any hip implants with a failure rate higher than 5% within five years. This includes most types of metal-on-metal implants which have raised fears that they can leak toxic metal. One device, the DePuy ASR, has drawn the most publicity.
The manufacturers have withdrawn the device but only after failure rates of 13% within five years had been reported. Almost a quarter of cases within that period had to have corrective surgery.
How Will I Know?
Firstly, if you have a metal-on-metal implant, you should attend regular check-ups. Should you have any changes in your general well-being you should see your doctor.
Some of the symptoms are quite obvious:
- Problems walking or a limp
- Pain in the hip, leg or groin
- Swelling around the hip joint
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
What Else Can I Do?
If there is a problem with your hip replacement your doctor will be able to tell you what treatment is required. In most cases it would be corrective surgery. Even if you have no symptoms but your doctor has contacted you about possible problems with your metal-on-metal implant you should still seek legal advice. Compensation is available for those people who are suffering unnecessarily due to defective hip replacements. Contact Thompsons expert solicitors for advice on a no-win, no-fee claim.
