Faulty knee replacements were given to 10,000 patients

More than 10,000 NHS patients have been given faulty knee replacements, it was revealed last night.

The National Joint Registry said 350 people needed a second operation within ten years due to ‘aseptic loosening’.

The Nexgen implant, made by US firm Zimmer Biomet, was withdrawn from the market in October. 

The National Joint Registry said 350 patients needed a second operation within ten years due to ‘aseptic loosening’

The implant has failed in up to 7 per cent of patients over the past decade – twice the accepted failure rate set by the registry, which monitors hip and knee surgeries.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it would issue a ban on the implant, which has been in use since 2003.

MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave told The Daily Telegraph: ‘We are actively working with relevant stakeholders and reviewing all available evidence from a range of sources on the concerns raised on the performance of the NexGen knee implant.’

A spokesman for Zimmer Biomet said: ‘We are working closely with regulatory authorities on this voluntary recall and information will be sent to surgeons informing them of the details pertaining to this recall next week.

‘At that time, information will also be made available on our website.’

More than 100,000 people have hip and knee replacements on the NHS every year. 

Both operations cost around £5,000 each.

The majority of patients have either severe arthritis or have fractured their joints and struggle to carry out basic daily tasks.

Replacements tend to be made of plastic, metal or ceramic — and usually last for at least 15 years.