| Sulzer Hip Implants On
December 8, 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics, Inc. announced the recall
of 40,000 of its Inter-Op™ acetabular shell for hip implants.
These implants were sold primarily after October, 1999, with a small
number of lots sold after July, 1997. Approximately 26,000 of the
hip implants were placed in patients worldwide.
Normally, the upper part of the hip, called the acetabulum, receives
the implant and the surrounding bone forms an integrated bond with
the shell to hold the prosthesis in place. Sulzer has admitted that
after introducing the product in the U.S., it began receiving reports
of post-operative loosening of a number of the shells.
Follow-up testing of the shells revealed the presence of machining
oil which had been improperly sprayed on the hip shells during the
manufacturing process. For many patients, the machining oil has
inhibited the implant from properly bonding with the pelvis. The
result is that the patient often experiences extreme pain and a
lack of mobility, requiring additional surgery (known as "revision
surgery"). Concerns have also been raised that the machining
oil may lead to infections.
Symptoms of a defective Sulzer hip implant include:
- Pain in the groin area or buttocks
- Increased thigh pain
- Difficulty rising or walking from a seated position
An x-ray may show that the part has slipped or moved. In addition,
patients may feel a high degree of pain when weight is put on the
affected leg and a cane or crutch may be needed for walking. In
some cases the pain and difficulty walking can rise to such a level
that the defective part must be replaced. As described by Californian
Cherie Lewis, who received a defective Sulzer hip implant in October
2000, the pain from the loose implant "was a 12 on a scale
of 1 to 10." It takes about three months to recover from a
hip implant replacement operation.
According to Sulzer, as a result of the Company's voluntary recall
of its Inter-Op™ hip implants, the number of "revision
surgeries" performed to-date now exceeds 1,700.
On November 4, 2002, Centerpulse, formerly Sulzer Medica, paid
the settlement trust $725 million dollars. Subject to the ability
of the Claims Administrator to process claims on a timely basis,
all claimants should receive their full compensation within 6 months
after their claim is completed.
Time Limits on Filing Suit
Every case has a statute of limitations that will apply.
It varies by the type of case and the state where the case is filed.
Don't wait until there is trouble or until the end of your case
to get a lawyer. Your attorney would prefer to be involved every
step of the way, to monitor your case, to guide you, to prevent
trouble, and to assist you.
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Irwin & Boesen represents persons who have
been injured by dangerous medical products. Please contact
us for an honest evaluation of your case. |
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