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Ashcraft & Gerel
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SULZER DEFECTIVE HIP IMPLANT CLAIMS
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We're sorry, but we are
no longer handling hip implant claims.
The most common cause for hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty) is pain from
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (breakdown of the
bone caused by inadequate blood supply), injury and bone tumors. Prior to recommending
hip replacement surgery doctors usually attempt several alternative therapies,
reserving surgery only for the most severe cases. In hip replacement surgery
the damaged or diseased parts of the hip are removed and replaced with
artificial parts called a prosthesis.
1. The Sulzer Defective Hip Implant
Certain lots of Inter-Op® acetabular "shells" manufactured by
Sulzer Orthopedics, a subsidiary of Sulzer Medica Corporation,
have been found to be defective. Some patients who have
undergone hip replacement surgery had the Inter-Op® acetabular
shell used as part of the hip implants. The upper part of the
hip, called the acetabulum, receives the implant and normally
the surrounding bone forms an integrated bond with the shell
to hold the prosthesis in place.
2. Adverse Events
Sulzer Orthopedics discovered an unacceptable level of residue
of a mineral oil-based lubricant on the surface of the shells.
Extensive investigations lead to the finding that this residue
remained on the surface of the shells following machining
operations. This caused serious medical problems in patients
because the implant did not properly bond with the bone,
causing the shells to loosen.
The symptoms include: pain in the groin area or buttocks,
increased thigh pain, difficulty rising or walking after
rising from a seated position. An x-ray may show that the part
has moved. In addition a high degree of pain may be felt when
weight is put on the leg and a cane or crutch may be needed
for walking. In some cases the pain and difficulty can rise to
such a level that the defective part needs to be replaced.
According to some estimates, about 200 patients have already
had such a replacement. It takes about three months for
recovery from such a replacement operation.
3. Remedial Action
Sulzer alleges that the first complaints were received in
September, 2000, and it voluntarily began recalling the
defective part on December 5, 2000. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration was notified on December 8, 2000, and a press
release was simultaneously issued by the manufacturer. Sulzer
has acknowledged the implant was defective and has accepted
full responsibility for the problem but to date has only
pledged to pay out-of pocket medical expenses for affected
patients, including costs of replacement. Sulzer has alleged
that to fix the problem leading to the release of the defective shells it has rearranged the
steps in its manufacturing process to make sure that the parts
are clean and the risks of contamination are eliminated.
4. Population at Risk
Some estimates suggest that about 17,500 implants involving
the defective shell have been performed. The total number of
shells recalled is 26,000. While most of the shells recalled
were manufactured between October 1999 and December 5, 2000,
some parts could date back to 1997.
5. Precautions
Persons experiencing the symptoms listed above should contact
a qualified physician. Patient medical records should indicate
the lot number of the prosthesis and whether it is among the
lots recalled by Sulzer.
Ashcraft & Gerel is now devoting substantial resources to pursuing Sulzer hip implant claims. We have been a leader in mass tort and product liability cases and settlements, including asbestos, breast implants and tainted blood. Our lawyers have been at the forefront of the Fen-Phen diet drug claims for over four years, and we are well situated to see the hip implant cases to a successful damage recovery for our clients. We have a toll free number to answer your questions with regard to your specific case. That number is 1-800-725-6470. If you would prefer that we contact you, please feel free to e-mail us or complete the help inquiry form on this web site. Please be sure to include your name, address, telephone number (if you wish to be called), email address and the exact nature of your question so that we can provide you with the specific information you seek.
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