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Sulzer Orthopedics - Hip & Knee Replacements
On December 8, 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics, Inc., a Texas based subsidiary of Sulzer Medica voluntarily recalled approximately 17,500 of its Inter-Op® acetabular hip replacement joints. Sulzer estimates that the majority (90%) of the recalled Inter-Op® joints were implanted in the United States.

Sulzer Medica disclosed that a "mineral-oil based lubricant" was found on the surface of the recalled Inter-Op® shells. In some patients, this lubricant has prevented proper bonding of the prosthesis with the patient's own surrounding bone and tissue causing joint instability and severe pain. Sulzer had reported that 129 people had undergone required revision surgery by mid-January, 2001. However, that number has now increased to 573 as of March 1, 2001.

Sulzer Orthopedics Inc. has now received adverse reports concerning one of its artificial knee parts. Though the manufacturer is not recalling the product, it did withdraw it from the market in March due to a problem with one of the parts of the knee prosthesis called the tibia baseplate. About 1,300 people in the United States have received the knee part so the potential problem with the knee part is far smaller in scope than the problem with the Inter-Op hip prosthesis.

The Lawrence E. Feldman & Associates have been representing people who suffer injuries caused by dangerous or mislabeled products. Our firm often finds experts who recommend doctor administered prevention programs to the court to help monitor users who are at greater risk because of exposure to the product.