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The component, a zirconia ceramic femoral head, was recalled by its French manufacturer St. Gobain Desmarquest on August 14, 2001 because it fractured at a higher rate than expected in some patients 13 to 27 months after being implanted. The component is the ball portion of the hip prosthesis that connects the femoral stem to the pelvis. St. Gobain Desmarquest distributes zirconia and alumina ceramic femoral heads worldwide to most of the orthopedic industry.

U.S. companies estimate that hip implants with zirconia ceramic femoral heads are used in less than six percent of hip implant procedures in the United States. An estimated 150,000 to 200,0000 hip implants are performed annually in the United States.

Patients who already have these hip implants should contact their surgeons with any questions or concerns. Not all zirconia ceramic femoral heads are expected to fail, and not all patients will experience a problem; therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not recommending surgery to replace hip implants that have not fractured or are not causing problems. Physicians will likely choose to monitor the performance of the implant more closely as a result of the potential problem.

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.