More Aussies get new knees and hips
Almost 75,000 older Australians are newly walking on replacement knees and hips following a breakthrough year for such surgery in 2009. The annual number of knee replacements topped 40,000 for the first time since records were kept, while hip replacements fell just short of 34,000.
The 74,618 replacement surgeries over the year included a 3.7% rise for new knees and a 3.5% increase for new hips, compared to the previous year.
Since the National Joint Replacement Registry started compiling surgery data in 2003, the number of knee replacements performed annually has surged 56% and for hips 32.5%.
The 2009 figures were officially released at the Australian Orthopaedic Association’s annual scientific meeting in Adelaide.
The figures also show hip resurfacing has declined in popularity and is now used in only 4.9% of all hip replacements, down from 6.1% in 2008.
And partial knee replacements have fallen to 5.4% of all knee replacements, down 22.5% since 2003. Seventeen prostheses have been withdrawn from the market since 2003.
Femoral knee replacement component recall
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved a recall of the LCS Duofix Femoral Knee Replacement Component.
This was in response to an increasing, but still low, number of patients needing to have the implant replaced.
The TGA became aware of the issue in July 2009 following hospitals and surgeons notifying the Australian sponsor, Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd, of problems with the implant. In keeping with the TGA’s post-market monitoring protocols, the sponsor advised the TGA of the problem.
DePuy International Ltd (the UK manufacturer of the LCS Duofix Femoral Knee Replacement Component) conducted an investigation and has stated in its patient information statement sent to surgeons that “microscopic particles of a substance used in the manufacturing process may sometimes enter the area surrounding the implant.
“While the particles do not react with the body, they may potentially cause increased wear of the implant and subsequent symptoms of pain and swelling. These symptoms usually occur within three years of surgery.”
Johnson & Johnson recalled all batches of the LCS Duofix Knee Replacement Femoral Component and voluntarily ceased supply of the product in Australia at the same time.
The product was subsequently cancelled from the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods on 13 January 2010 which means it is no longer available in Australia. Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association were notified of these actions so that they could respond to patients’ enquiries.
The TGA has received 125 adverse event reports for the LCS Duofix Femoral Knee Replacement Component, approximately 70% of which were received after the recall.
If you experience ongoing and unexplained symptoms of pain and swelling around the knee joint, or have any additional questions regarding this matter, please contact the surgeon who performed your knee replacement surgery to obtain medical guidance. Your surgeon knows your medical history and is in the best position to advise you regarding your personal situation.
