| Sulzer Hip Replacement FAQs
Why is there a recall of
Sulzer Hip Replacements?
How do I know if my hip
replacement is included in the Sulzer recall?
If I received one of the
defective Sulzer hip replacements, will I need another surgery
to remove it?
How will I know if there is a
problem with my shell implant?
If I need the corrective
surgery, who will pay for it?
Have any lawsuits been filed
against Sulzer because of the recall?
Is Sulzer recalling their
other hip implant products?
Why is there a recall of Sulzer Hip Replacements?
A manufacturing error in the production, one that left machine oil on hip joint replacements, forced Sulzer Orthopedics in December 2000 to recall nearly 25,000 hip implants. By then, nearly 17,500 of the devices were already implanted in patients. In some circumstances, this residue prevents the shell from adhering to the hip bone. This can cause pain and slipping of the hip joint. As a result, further surgery may be necessary.
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How do I know if my hip replacement is included in the Sulzer recall?
Sulzer has recalled more than 17,500 of its Inter-Op acetabular shells manufactured since 1997. The hospital where you had your hip replacement surgery should have records indicating the lot number of your Sulzer implant. The recalled lot numbers are:
- Hemispherical Shells 4360-00-039/065 1307848-1465372
-
Rim Flare Shells 4361-00-039/071 1398234-1465247
-
Revision Shells 4362-00-043/081 1397531-1465242
-
Protrusion Shells 4363-00-053/081 1403576-1453540
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If I received one of the defective Sulzer hip replacements, will I need another surgery to remove it?
Not always, but it is important to talk to your doctor. The technique your surgeon used during your hip replacement surgery may eliminate the need for another procedure. If your surgeon used the so-called "force fit" method, your odds of needing corrective surgery may be greater than if your surgeon used the cement technique. Under the force fit method, the artificial replacement hip is positioned so that your natural bone will grow around the replacement hip forming a strong bond. The cement method incorporates cement to ensure that your natural bone and the replacement are firmly connected. The "force fit" technique usually works well as long as the replacement hip is not contaminated with oil as these Sulzer hips are.
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How will I know if there is a problem with my shell implant?
Some of the symptoms that you may experience six weeks after surgery include groin or anterior trochanteric pain; increased thigh pain; significant startup pain when walking or rising from a seated position; and buttocks pain. An X-ray may show possible component migration. If it has been six weeks to three months since your hip replacement surgery, some of your symptoms may include significant pain with weight bearing; you may require a cane or crutch to ambulate; and you may be unable to exert resistance in a straight raised leg test and a side-lying abduction test. If you've had hip replacement surgery and you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your physician. It is also important to
contact
an attorney at Younce & Vtipil to discuss your rights.
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If I need the corrective surgery, who will pay for it?
Sulzer will pay for costs directly associated with corrective surgery as long as those costs are not reimbursed by your insurance company or Medicare coverage. However, it is doubtful that Sulzer will voluntarily compensate you for missed work and the extensive pain and suffering associated with corrective surgery and related rehabilitation. Lawsuits on behalf of patients with the affected implant have already been filed against Sulzer. You should
contact
an attorney at Younce & Vtipil to help you recover fair compensation.
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Have any lawsuits been filed against Sulzer because of the recall?
Yes. Dozens of patients have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for the additional pain, suffering and trauma associated with corrective surgery and rehabilitation. If you have been harmed by this Sulzer recall you may be entitled to compensation above what the company is currently offering.
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Is Sulzer recalling their other hip implant products?
No. Some of the company's other products include joint prostheses, spinal implants, dental implants, trauma surgery products, heart valves and vascular grafts. The company's other implant products are manufactured differently from the Inter-Op shell, and according to Sulzer, none of their other products have been affected.
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