Our Phoenix and Tucson area product liability lawyers have extensive experience litigating the Sulzer Hip Implant product liability situation. If you or a loved one has or did have a Sulzer Hip Implant, please contact us to find out if you are entitled to compensation under the legal theory of product liability.
On December 8, 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics recalled its Inter-Op acetabular shell for hip implants sold primarily in the U.S. after October, 1999, with a small number of lots sold after July, 1997. Approximately 17,500 patients were affected by the recall. As a result of the recall, patients may recover damages under product liability law.
During a Sulzer Hip Implant procedure, the Inter-Op acetabular shell is implanted into the upper part of the hip called the acetabulum, forming a socket into which the rest of the artificial joint fits. Normally, the bone would form an integrated bond with the shell; however, it was found that the socket portion of the implant was determined to have an oily residue that was used in the manufacturing process. This residue may cause a reaction in the body that prevents the bone from bonding with the hip implant, and a loosening of the shell may occur as a result. Product liability may arise from this loosening.
According to Sulzer Orthopedics, a number of patients who received the shell during their total hip replacement have experienced loosening of the shell and thus may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. Sulzer states that there are specific hip symptoms associated with this problem, including:
Up to 6 weeks after hip replacement surgery:
- The patient may be progressing well or reporting groin or anterior trochanteric pain;
- The patient may have increased thigh pain;
- The patient has significant start up pain with ambulation (walking) or, rising from a seated position, may have buttock pain; and
- An x-ray may show possible component migration.
6 weeks to 3 months after hip replacement surgery:
- The patient may experience significant pain with weight bearing, and may require a cane or crutch; and
- The patient may be unable to exert resistance in a straight raised leg test and a side-lying abduction test.
If you have any pain in your inner thigh or groin pain when arising from a seated position, or pain with standing and weight bearing, you may want to consult with your doctor and then with our Phoenix product liability attorneys.
If you believe you have a potential legal claim due to a defective hip implant, contact our Phoenix and Tucson area product liability lawyers at 602-222-2222 or e-mail us. Contact our attorneys now in order to protect your product liability and other legal rights before they lapse by passage of time and are barred by the statute of limitations.
The Sulzer Inter-Op acetabular shells affected by the recall are as follows:
| Catalog Numbers | Product | Lot Numbers
Beginning # | Lot Numbers
Ending # |
| 4360-00-039/065 | Hemispherical Shells | 1307848 | 1465372 |
| 4361-00-039/071 | Rim Flare Shells | 1398234 | 1465247 |
| 4362-00-043/081 | Revision Shells | 1397531 | 1465242 |
| 4363-00-053/081 | Protrusio Shells | 1403576 | 1453540 |
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