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.