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Biomet Hip Replacements
Biomet Hip Replacements
In September 2001, the FDA announced that Biomet and seven other U.S. medical devices firms would recall hip implants because of problems with a component that can fracture and require surgical replacement. The faulty component is the zirconia ceramic femoral heads, which is the ball portion of artificial hips that is used in hip replacement surgery.The Zirconia Ceramic Femoral Head was manufactured by St. Gobain Desmarquest of France. This femoral head was used in hip replacement products for Biomet and seven other medical manufacturers, including: Apex Surgical LLC, DePuy Orthopedics Inc., Encore Orthopedics Inc., Osteoimplant Technology Inc., Smith & Nephew Inc., Stryker Howmedica Osteonics and Zimmer Inc.
Symptoms of a fractured zirconia ceramic femoral head include hip pain, a sensation of grinding or limitation of motion. The fracture is sometimes preceded by an audible pop. The at-risk hips tend to break between 19 and 28 months after they have been implanted.
It is estimated that 6 percent of the 150,000 to 200,000 persons that undergo hip replacement surgery each year receive an artificial hip containing the zirconia ceramic femoral head. The recall applies to zirconia ceramic femoral heads manufactured since January 1998.
If you or a loved one had a Biomet hip replacement and you suffered injuries, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by a qualified defective medical device attorney.
Biomet Hip ReplacementsRSS Feed
A look inside a tissue processing plant
Jun 12, 2006 | AP
Corneas, tendons and bones from the dead, packed in bed pillow-size packages, arrive regularly by overnight delivery at Tissue Banks International. This nonprofit tissue processor, located in a nondescript office park near San Francisco, makes about 300 products surgeons use to fix torn knee ligaments, bad backs, burned skin and a host of other ailments. "This is the best technology going for a lot of surgeons," said James Forsell, who runs TBI's processing center in San Rafael, a...
Some Quit Joint Replacement Settlement
May 16, 2002 | AP
About 120 patients who experienced faulty hip and knee replacements plan to opt out of a $1 billion settlement in a class action lawsuit.Nearly 3,500 patients nationwide who received faulty artificial joints made by Austin, Texas-based Sulzer Orthopedics are covered by the settlement.Parent company Sulzer Medica, located in Switzerland, said Thursday that it will negotiate to reduce the number of patients opting out of the settlement.Sulzer's lead counsel, Richard Scruggs, has said that...
Swiss Co. Seeks to Settle U.S. Suits
Mar 14, 2002 | AP
Swiss medical technology company Sulzer Medica AG said Thursday that it has submitted a final $1 billion proposal to settle thousands of U.S. lawsuits filed by people who received faulty hip and knee replacements. A statement released by Sulzer Medica said that all parties involved have signed the final wording, but that any of them still reserve the right to "opt out" between April 12 and May 14.The proposal is based on an agreement reached in last month U.S. District Court in Cleveland. It...
Sulzer, Sulzer Medica Reach Deal on Liabilities Related to U.S. Claims
Feb 25, 2002 | Wall Street Journal
Sulzer AG and its former unit Sulzer Medica (NYSE: SM - news) AG have reached an agreement on the future financial obligations stemming from U.S. lawsuits related to hip- and knee-joint replacements.Sulzer Medica (SM) agreed to pay all future liability that goes beyond a settlement proposal between the company and U.S plaintiffs that brought thousands of lawsuits after receiving faulty hip and knee replacements.The deal means Sulzer will no longer bear any remaining financial risks, including...
Some Quit Joint Replacement Settlement
Jan 1, 2002 | AP
About 120 patients who experienced faulty hip and knee replacements plan to opt out of a $1 billion settlement in a class action lawsuit.Nearly 3,500 patients nationwide who received faulty artificial joints made by Austin, Texas-based Sulzer Orthopedics are covered by the settlement.Parent company Sulzer Medica, located in Switzerland, said Thursday that it will negotiate to reduce the number of patients opting out of the settlement.Sulzer's lead counsel, Richard Scruggs, has said that...
Hip Replacements
Quick Facts
Biomet Hip Replacements Reference Guide
Manufacturer
Biomet Inc.
Status
Recall September 2001
Approved Uses
Hip implants
Complications
Fractures
Surgery
Severe groin pain
Hip pain
Loss of balance
Instability
Walking trouble Related Topics
Defective Medical Devices
Biomet Inc.
Status
Recall September 2001
Approved Uses
Hip implants
Complications
Fractures
Surgery
Severe groin pain
Hip pain
Loss of balance
Instability
Walking trouble Related Topics
Defective Medical Devices
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