FDA ISSUES SECOND RECALL OF DEFECTIVE HIP IMPLANTS
FDA ISSUES SECOND RECALL OF DEFECTIVE HIP IMPLANTS
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a second
major recall of artificial hips. Artificial hip implants distributed by
eight companies are being recalled because the joint ball is made of a
ceramic that may suddenly crack. If the joint ball cracks, it can cause hip
pain, a sensation of grinding or limitation of motion. The fracture of the
ceramic hip ball is often preceded by an audible pop sound. If the joint
ball fractures, it will require additional surgery.
The joint ball is made by St. Gobain, a French company, and was
sold to the following companies since early 1998:
DePuy Orthopaedics Inc.
Apex Surgical of Lakeville, Massachusetts
Encore Orthopedics Inc. of Austin, Texas
Osteoimplant Technology Inc. of Hunt Valley, Maryland
Smith & Nephew of Memphis, Tennessee
Stryker Howmedica Osteonics of Allendale, New Jersey
Biomet Inc.
Zimmer Inc.
Ashcraft & Gerel is currently representing claimants as a result
of the Sulzer Hip Implant recall and is now pursuing other defective
hip implant claims as a result of this most recent recall. 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 may provide you
with the specific information you seek.
We
have greatly reduced the number of hip implant claims we are handling and are
making the determination whether to accept these claims on a case by case basis.
We
have greatly reduced the number of hip implant claims we are handling and are
making the determination whether to accept these claims on a case by case basis.
