These metal on metal hip replacements have failed at a frighteningly high rate, requiring revision surgery at least 4 times as often standard hip replacements. The public health disaster caused by this device has been nicely chronicled in a series of NY Times articles by Barry Meier.But here is the real shocker and outrage of this episode: Did you know that the metal and metal hip replacement was never shown to be safe and effective?
Is it really possible that a new hip replacement device could be used in thousands and thousands of patients with little proof that it is safe? Even when the standard device has a proven track record? Don't we have the FDA to protect us from stuff like this? Unfortunately, yes, this was totally possible, and no, the FDA did not protect us.
via geripal.org