Anxious wait for 200 hip operation patients in NI

Around 200 people in Northern Ireland who have had hip replacements may be facing further surgery after a hip implant was withdrawn on safety grounds.

The ASR hip system, by the US company DePuy Orthopaedics, is used worldwide.

So far in the Republic, 12 patients have reported problems.

A spokesperson for the Belfast Health Trust said all those affected have been contacted but not everyone has been reviewed by a consultant yet.

Affected patients have reported symptoms such as pain, swelling, audible 'popping' and difficulty when walking.

The product was withdrawn by the company.

, DePuy Orthopaedics says: "Data recently received by the company shows that more people than expected who received the ASR Hip System experienced pain and other symptoms that led to a second hip replacement surgery, called a revision surgery.

"For this reason, DePuy Orthopaedics is voluntarily recalling its ASR鈩 XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR鈩 Hip Resurfacing System.

"This recall means additional testing and treatment may be necessary to ensure the hip is functioning well. In some cases, patients may need additional surgery."