Provide names of other journalists involved.
Reporter: Barry Meier Database researcher: Janet Roberts
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
04-13-2011 06-26-2011 07-28-2011 07-30-2011 08-23-2011 10-01-2011 10-26-2011 12-28-2011
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Meier uncovered and chronicled the widespread failure of one of the most commonly-used medical implants — the artificial hips that are used in some 250,000 Americans annually. Using data from overseas implant registries and scientific studies, he showed that a generation of widely-used hips known as “metal-on-metal” implants was failing soon after implant, crippling some patients in the process.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Data from orthopedic databases in England and Australia. Working with colleagues, Meier also analyzed complaints filed with the Food and Drug Administration and FOIA’d records from the agency.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interviews with researchers, surgeons and regulators worldwide, plus patients.
Results:
The impact of these articles, which began last year, has been significant; several manufacturers have recalled or stopped selling all-metal hips and doctors have stopped using them, sparring thousands of patients from further harm. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration ordered hip producers to conduct emergency studies of the health threat posed to patients by metallic debris generated by the devices as they wear. This month, legislation was introduced in the Senate to help prevent similar problems.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
N/A
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
That the worldwide use of many products such as drugs and medical devices should lead reporters to data sources outside this country.