HC Deb 21 May 1998 vol 312 cc505-6W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on how many faulty hip replacements have been identified in the North West in each of the last 10 years. [31029]

Mr. Milburn

The information requested is not held centrally. The successful outcome of a hip replacement operation is likely to be based on an interaction between the surgeon's skill, the artificial joint and the patient's medical condition. Figures showing the number of revision operations carried out in the North West Region between 1991–92 and 1995–96 are shown in the table, but because we do not know when the original hip was implanted, the figures are not an indication of early failure.

Year Revision operations
1991–92 507
1992–93 515
1993–94 513
1994–95 505
1995–96 529

Source:

Hospital Episode Statistics

Revision Operation Codes

37.0, 38.0, 39.0, 46.0, 47.0, 48.0

37.2, 38.2, 39.2, 46.2, 47.2, 48.2

37.3, 38.3, 39.3, 46.3, 47.3, 48.3

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to establish a national register of patients who have received hip and other joint replacements implants; and if he will make a statement. [31375]

Mr. Milburn

We are considering various options for monitoring orthopaedic implants and systems for controlling the introduction of new implants. A national register is one option under consideration.