Response to new MHRA Guidelines on MoM Total Hip Replacements
There have been several press reports regarding the new MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) guidelines on metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements. We have had a number of enquiries from concerned patients. We have also been receiving calls and emails from patients who have enjoyed excellent quality of life following their BHRs - in some cases, performed over 10 years ago. These patients are understandably very angry that BBC Newsnight, amongst others, has produced such a biased, one-sided story leaving hundreds of people unnecessarily "terrified of poisoning, cancer, yearly blood tests and possible surgery to remove the metal hip," as one of our patients puts it.
The Newsnight report from 28.02.12 and the updated MHRA Alert relate specifically to large diameter MoM total hip replacements (THRs). These types of THRs sometimes suffer failure at the “taper junction” - between the femoral head (ball) and the stem of the implant. As a result of taper failure, metal ions are released causing adverse reactions in certain patients. Most modern THRs including those manufactured from metal, ceramic and polyethylene, have taper junctions. Metal release is not specific to MoM THRs, however and has been reported from taper junctions in all types of THRs including ceramic and polyethylene types also.
Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) Patients
The BHR does NOT have any taper junction and is therefore completely free of metal release from taper problems. If you have had a BHR, you are at no risk of taper wear and metal release from taper junctions. The BHR is a MoM joint, but the metal release from well-implanted BHRs is very low. The McMinn Centre continues to follow-up cohorts of patients in several ongoing longitudinal metal ion studies and we find no cause for concern either locally, in the region of the joint, or systemically. The MHRA does not recommend routine metal ion testing or imaging for asymptomatic patients with BHRs.
MoM Modular Total Hip Patients
Mr McMinn does not use MoM THRs unless absolutely necessary. Some patients are however, most suitable for a metal-on-metal THR due to their specific clinical circumstances. In such patients, Mr McMinn sometimes finds it necessary to use a BHR-type cup and modular head on a Smith and Nephew titanium total hip stem. He has not seen any taper junction problems in his series of MoM hip replacements. Analysis of the NJR’s (National Joint Register of England and Wales) data shows that the BHR type modular THRs performed with Smith and Nephew titanium stems have good results. In Mr McMinn's own series of MoM THRs, the success rate is 99% at 5 years and 98% at 10 years.
For further reassurance, please find below some related links you may be interested to read.
• The McMinn Research Team’s detailed response to list of questions on metal-on-metal implants & metal ions provided by hip resurfacing users here
• A debate in which Mr McMinn compares the BHR to the now recalled ASR resurfacing device here
• A three-part video interview in which Mr McMinn addresses the negative comments about MoM hips here
• The McMinn Centre’s response to a Channel 4 documentary on metal-on-metal hip replacements here
• An interview with a patient who's had his well-functioning metal-on-metal hip resurfacing for 20 years here
If patients have any further concerns and would like to speak to a member of our team about this matter, please call us on 0121 455 0411.
Saturday 4th February 2012
10th Annual Surface Hippy Gathering
On Saturday, Mr McMinn and his team attended the 10th Annual Surface Hippy Gathering in Santa Clara, California. The event, organised by hip resurfacing advocate Vicky Marlow, gives patients an opportunity to speak face-to-face with leading orthopaedic surgeons.
Mr McMinn and his team presented their ongoing research work, specifically addressing the recent negative press surrounding Metal-on-Metal hip implants and debunking some of the many media myths. Mr McMinn’s presentation culminated in showcasing his new hip implant technology.
The gathering was a massive success and the 80 plus attendees enjoyed the day immensely. The meeting was followed by dinner and drinks at Birk’s restaurant. We would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Vicky for arranging and overseeing the day.
Next on his agenda, Mr McMinn travels to San Francisco ahead of the AAOS (Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) Annual Meeting.
1st February 2012
Metal-on-Metal Implants - Addressing the Negative Press
We have been receiving phone calls following recent press reports on failed metal-on-metal hip implants. We understand these sensationalist stories may cause anxiety among some patients. However, we would like to reassure our patients that these reports mostly concern failures with the DePuy ASR and the DePuy ASR XL, not the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR).
Many press reports imply these failures relate to all metal-on-metal hip resurfacings. A patient featured in a recent Daily Mail article, like many others, had a failed ASR. A critical point, omitted from the print version of the Daily Mail, can be found in the full online version. As well as her ASR, the patient had a BHR on her other hip. She comments, “I've never had a minute’s trouble from the Birmingham hip – if only I’d had it on both sides.”
High failure rates with the ASR and ASR XL have been widely documented. Both devices have now been withdrawn from the market. Research indicates the side effects, such as muscle damage, are specific to the ASR and do not apply to the BHR which is a very different device.
Earlier this week, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) issued another statement about metal-on-metal hips, in which they say, "On the evidence currently available the majority of patients implanted with metal-on-metal hip replacements are at low risk of developing any serious problems.”
In addition to the MHRA’s guidance, we wish to emphasise that Mr McMinn’s results with the BHR show a 97% survival in men and women of all ages at 14.5 years. Furthermore, excellent results with the BHR have been documented in National Joint Registers from around the world.
Sadly, these ASR failures come as no surprise. Mr McMinn has been warning about the device since it went to market in 2003. You can see Mr McMinn’s argument against the ASR here. Furthermore, The McMinn Centre has put together several resources which address patients’ concerns and the differences between the ASR and BHR designs. These resources are as follows:
• The McMinn Research Team’s detailed response to list of questions on metal-metal implants & metal ions provided by hip resurfacing users here
• The McMinn Centre’s response to a Channel 4 documentary on metal-metal hip replacements here
• An interview with a patient who has now had his McMinn metal-on-metal hip resurfacing for 20 years here
If you do have any concerns, please call The McMinn Centre on 0121 455 0411.
24th January 2012
All The Threes - Mr McMinn Reaches 3333rd BHR Milestone
On Tuesday, Mr McMinn reached a momentous milestone in his surgical career – implanting his 3,333rd Birmingham Hip Resurfacing. To mark the occasion, Mr McMinn invited colleagues from The McMinn Centre, Smith & Nephew and The BMI Edgbaston Hospital for an impromptu shindig at Bindles Brasserie in Worcester.
“I was so thrilled and surprised to reach this landmark number, I just had to go out and celebrate with colleagues who have made this all possible,” Mr McMinn commented. “The fact that my patients are doing so well and that the BHR has a 97% success rate at 14 + years in my practice, is a tremendous reward for everyone involved in this development.”
The news comes at a crucial juncture as more and more patients are demanding highly experienced surgeons to perform their hip procedures. Before dinner, Mr McMinn gave a short presentation about the history and success of the BHR and the future of hip arthroplasty.
The milestone precedes another exciting occasion on the 2012 calendar – the 15th Year Anniversary of the BHR, which we will be reporting on this summer.
View a selection of photos from the evening below:
10th December 2011
McMinn Centre Christmas Party - On Saturday, Mr McMinn and a group of nearly 70 colleagues celebrated Christmas in style at the recently launched Bindles brasserie in Worcester.
After dinner entertainment was provided by Liverpudlian stand-up Stan Boardman – himself one of Mr McMinn’s patients – and former member of The Fortunes, Shel MaCrae.
The night was immensely enjoyable and Stan – now celebrating 10 years with his BHR – showed everyone his dancing prowess by boogie-ing to a number of Fortunes hits.
View a selection of photos from the night below.
16th May 2011
X-Factor Contestant Thrilled with his Bilateral BHRs - We are delighted to report that one of Mr McMinn's patients Wagner Carrilho (of X-Factor fame) featured on the ITV Central News program tonight. Wagner, who had bilateral hip resurfacings with Mr McMinn 12 years ago, continues to thrill crowds with his performances, including his signature piece, the Hippy Hippy Shake.
Check out the full interview below.
1st March 2011
Mr McMinn Celebrates 20 Years of Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing - Today Mr McMinn and a group of his closest colleagues celebrated the 20th anniversary of Metal-Metal Hip Resurfacing. In February 1991, Mr McMinn implanted the world's first Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing, eventually leading to the development of the BHR. The BHR has since become a global phenomenon, restoring the quality of life in thousands of patients all over the world.
After a busy day in surgery, Mr McMinn was led to a surprise party to honour this auspicious occasion.
Of course, Mr McMinn continues to push the boundaries in hip and knee replacement. But it was important to acknowledge two decades of his vision and technical innovation which has transformed the lives of so many patients.
A selection of images from the day can be viewed below.
Click on the thumbail for the enlarged view
09th February 2011
Body Building BHR Patient features on Surface Hippy Website - Five-time WFF Body Building Champion, two-time WFF Mr Universe and action movie star Mike Mitchell talks about his recovery following a BHR surgery by Mr McMinn.
Please follow the link to Surface Hippy to find out more:
An Evening with Derek McMinn - On Thursday 2nd September 2010, Mr McMinn welcomed an audience of GPs and Physiotherapists to a special evening of lectures at the Elmhurst School for Dance in Edgbaston.
The audience was invited to hear Mr McMinn and his team talk about their vast experience in hip and knee replacement surgery, and particularly hip resurfacing, and to discuss a range of current hot topics.
We were delighted to have Dr Sam Mukherjee, a respected local GP, chair the event. Presentations were also given by McMinn team members Chandra Pradhan, Joseph Daniel, Imran Ahmed and Hena Ziaee.
The night was a huge success and Mr McMinn rounded off proceedings by signing copies of his book 'Modern Hip Resurfacing' for delegates. Images from the event can be viewed via the link above.
Click on the thumbail for the enlarged view
12th September 2010
Mr McMinn Named as one of the UK's Leading Hip Surgeons - We are delighted to report that Mr McMinn has been named by peers as being amongst the UK's top hip replacement surgeons in a survey conducted by the Daily Mail.
Derek McMinn Interviewed on Surface Hippy Website - Derek McMinn was recently interviewed by Vicky Marlow from the Surface Hippy website. In these video interviews, Mr McMinn discusses a range of topics on Hip Resurfacing including device designs, the importance of component positioning and the recent MHRA Alert for Metal-on-Metal bearings.
Response to MHRA Alert - Please see the link below for The McMinn Centre's response to the recent MHRA guidelines regarding metal-on-metal hip resurfacings and hip replacements.
Live surgical webcast of Birmingham Hip Resurfacing - Derek McMinn will demonstrate a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing procedure from Spire Little Aston hospital during a LIVE satellite transmission to the USA on Friday 12th June 2009. The transmission will be available to view online as a live webcast, commencing at 15.15 BST (British Summertime).
'Modern Hip Resurfacing' Book Release - The much anticipated book by Derek McMinn is due for release in February 2009. 'Modern Hip Resurfacing' is an account of Mr McMinn's experience with hip resurfacing and an effort to educate orthopaedic surgeons on the lessons that he and his colleagues have learned over the past 18 years. The book includes contributed material from an assembled team of experts in all aspects of the resurfacing procedure, from materials science to the surgical procedure itself. Accompanying the book is a DVD with over 3 hours of video material, which includes footage of surgical procedures narrated by Mr McMinn himself as well as a documentary looking into the history behind hip surgery at the Wrightington Museum.
New Surface Hippy website - Patient advocate Vicky Marlow founded the Surface Hippy website following her hip resurfacing surgery in 2005. The site is an extension of the Surfacehippy Yahoo Groups message board.
McMinn Centre videos now available on YouTube - The video material included on this website is now also available to view on YouTube, where video material is continually being added.
BHR 10 year anniversary - It is 10 years today since the implantation of the first Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR). Since then over 70,000 have been implanted worldwide, and Derek McMinn has implanted more than 2,800 himself. In May 2006 the FDA gave approval for the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing to be used in the USA, making it the first metal-on-metal hip resurfacing prosthesis to be granted approval.
10th May 2007
McMinn Centre patient notches up running milestone - News article on Bob Emmerson, McMinn Centre patient, who has completed nearly 4,000 miles since his Birmingham Hip Resurfacing operation.
Derek McMinn responds to Corin CEO comments - "Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Inventor McMinn gives Corin and Stryker the 'Heat Treatment'"...
Derek McMinn responds to comments made by CEO for Corin, Ian Paling, relating to Anna Benson-Gyles' witness submission to the FDA Advisory Panel last month. This was published in the online subscription magazine, 'Orthopedics This Week'.
Anna Benson - Gyles gives witness statement against the Cormet 2000 resurfacing device at the FDA Advisory Panel Meeting - Anna Benson-Gyles submitted a witness statement to the FDA prior to the panel meeting concerning the Cormet 2000 resurfacing device, which took place in Washington DC on the 22nd February 2007.
12th July 2006
BBC West Midlands Radio - David Walker talks about his success at the Judo Masters Championships on BBC West Midlands radio, following his bilateral hip resurfacings. He won a bronze medal in the competition.
Click below to listen to the audio
27th February 2006
Woman Magazine - After Lorraine Birch suffered from osteoarthritis, she took advice from a friend who suggested the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing. After having her operation she was able to return to her job and resume her main pastime playing golf.
Hospital Doctor Magazine - Last year Derek McMinn was a finalist for the Innovation category of the 2005 Hospital Doctor Awards, which celebrate clinical excellence and innovation in hospital medicine.
Patient with Bilateral Birmingham Hip Resurfacings climbs Kilimanjaro - William Scott-Aiton, along with 25 other individuals, trekked to the summit of Uhuru Peak, Tanzania. They covered 80km, ascending to 19,500 feet over six days. The expedition raised �57,000 for Hazel's Footprints Trust, which helps people to work voluntarily with individuals in less privileged places around the world.
Click on the thumbail for the enlarged view
15th August 2002
The Daily Mirror - An article about Karen Ricketts, who after having a BHR went on to have a family, despite being told previously that her bones wouldn't allow her to have children.
The Squash Player Magazine - High impact sports, coupled with hereditary causes, meant that ex-professional squash player Jonah Barrington and all round sportsman Freddie Menzies suffered from osteoarthritis. They both went on to have bilateral Birmingham Hip Resurfacings.
Cheshire Life Magazine - A running article featuring one of our previous patients George Dobson who is displaying his ability to run regularly despite his artifial hip.
Harlepool Mail - Having an active sporting lifestyle meant that this patient wasn't willing to undergo a traditional hip replacement, and after seeing a report about the Birmingham Hip Resurfacing on television, he decided that it was the right choice for him.
The Times - Jonah Barrington talks about the rigorous training schedule he underwent at the height of his squash career, and talks about why he was happy to have a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing after refusing the hip replacement options available to him.
Brighton Local Paper - Desmond Turner is the Labour MP for Brighton Kemp Town. Since having his operation, he has been able to return to full mobility at work. For more information, he features in a video interview in the Case Studies section.
Birmingham Post - A Pre-BHR press article about how Derek McMinn performed multiple hip, knee, elbow and foot operations on a lady in the West Midlands.
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