Book an appointmentIn collaboration with a global team of experts, A/Professor Kurmis has helped to pioneer a highly specialised orthopaedic genetic test to identify individual patients ‘at risk’ of developing adverse tissue reactions to metallic orthopaedic implants. This includes patients at risk of developing highly destructive ‘pseudotumours’ as was seen with the failed metal-on-metal hip replacement saga which led to the implant’s worldwide recall. (click here for the ABC news story)
Through multiple award-winning published international research, this simple blood test can be used prior to joint replacement surgery to identify patients at risk of metal reactions and can be used to inform appropriate implant selection choices. While not a diagnostic test, per se, the result allows the treating doctor to determine if a particular patient has the ‘at risk’ gene combination. For patients who already have one or more joint replacements, the test can be used to identify ‘at risk’ patients which may be helpful in determining optimal surveillance and monitoring or, in some instances, even the difficult decision to consider revision surgery.
The specialised test itself requires a simple (but specific) blood test and can only be ordered by a doctor using the correct request form (as per the doctors referral link below). The result takes approximately one week to be fully processed. Please note that currently in Australia this test is not covered by private health insurance or Medicare rebate and may be associated with an out-of-pocket expense. Appropriate use of this genetic screening test should be discussed at consultation with A/Professor Kurmis, your own qualified orthopaedic surgeon, or with your trusted general practitioner (GP).
