Sulzer Defective Hip Implant Claims

*** We're sorry, but we are no longer considering new Sulzer hip implant claims unless they are geographically local to Maryland, DC and Virginia.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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.