This article in yesterday’s New York Times confirms for me the need for a National Registry for Joint Replacements. Barry Meier in his article “Concerns over “Metal on Metal” hip Implants points out the flaws experienced in this type of replacement and resurfacing.
Currently if there are problems with artificial replacements, it is a lengthy process to gather information and define the scope of the problems. Surgeons blame manufacturring problems and manufacturers blame surgeon’s techniques.With a National Registry like they have in the UK it would be possible to have up to the minute feedback on problems and their extent. Then when a problem is identified, patients and surgeons can reconsider their alternatives.
Having undergone 2 hip replacements and a revision on one of my hips after 17 years, I am very satisfied with my “metal on ceramic” hips. If we as the patients are to be the field testers for these devices we should at least be able to access information on their success/failure.
Have you had problems with a joint replacement that had to be redone?
Mary Byrne Eigel 
I recently had a revision done on a De Puy hip (Johnson&Johnson). Good surgeon—still a miserable experience. Have had difficulty finding data relative to this particular hip other than my orthopod’s statement that the the responsibility rests entirely with the product. Are there any studies on the De Puy hip that anyone can point me toward.
My thanks.
Warren, Great question. I also have DePuy from 1990 and had to have a revision in 2008 because the plastic liner cracked. I wonder if the UK registry would have some info. Thanks for stopping by.