January 07, 2012 at 10:18 AM

Some of the women who have become unwell after their PIP breast implants ruptured have been diagnosed with debilitating conditions such as Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, although there is not yet a proven medical link between these conditions and the faulty implants.

This week the government has announced that those who had their implants on the NHS could have them removed free of charge.  The government also urged private providers to do likewise although, as yet, few have agreed to do so.

Since 2001, implants have been filled with inferior industrial grade silicone more commonly used for filling mattresses, rather than medical grade silicone.  There is particular concern surrounding those implants manufactured since 2005, when a layer of their outer shell was removed, potentially increasing their rupture rate.

There does not seem to be a settled view on whether removing the implants will either cure the condition or reduce the level of symptoms.