Sulzer hip implants were recalled by Sulzer Orthopedics in 2000 due to a flaw caused by a lubricant used during the manufacturing process of the Inter-Op acetabular shell. This device was designed to fit into place and allow the surrounding bone to naturally bond to it. A total of 25,000 units of the Inter-Op acetabular shell were recalled, 17,500 of which had been implanted. It was found that the oil-based residue left during the manufacturing process was interfering with this bonding process. Common causes for hip replacement include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe hip injury or avascular necrosis.
Possible Side-Effects Related to Sulzer Hip Implant Defects
The possible side-effects of this defect are in many cases attributed to the loosening of the Inter-Op acetabular shell due to a failure in the bonding process. In many cases these side effects require additional replacement surgery to correct the problem. Some side-effects found in patients with defective Sulzer hip implants include:
- Severe pain in the thigh, groin or anterior trochanteric area.
- Increased pain accompanying increased weight bearing.
- The device may show migration.
Sulzer Orthopedics recalled the Inter-Op acetabular shell after an eight week investigation in which they looked into device itself, and patient records.
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