By: Robbie Sproul
Anyone who has recently undergone a hip or knee replacement surgery or is considering having one in the future has probably heard about the Sulzer recall. What is important to keep in mind is that while a problem existed that caused the implant failure, steps have been taken to ensure that it is solved.
In December of 2000 Sulzer Orthopedics announced that they were recalling their Inter-Op acetabular shell. Under normal conditions the shell, a titanium-coated component that fits into the hip socket, has a porous surface that grows easily into the bone. However, the recalled shells were left with an oily residue after the machining process that prevented growth into bone. Patients with the affected cups often found that they were not recovering from surgery as expected since the loose joint was painful and unstable.
Since the recall Sulzer has addressed and corrected the problem. All implants produced by Sulzer are once again safe and effective.
While the recall was a tragic experience for many of the patients affected by it, future joint replacement candidates can rest assured that steps have been taken to prevent something like this from happening again. In fact, new safety regulations now in effect make the implants produced today safer than they ever have been before.
For more information, visit the Sulzer website at www.sulzermedica.com .