Zimmer Holdings
On July 24, 2008 Zimmer Holdings announced that it was voluntarily suspending United States sales of its Durom © Acetabular Component (Durom Cup) used in total hip replacement surgeries. The device was first approved for use in the U.S in 2006 and has been implanted in an estimated 13,000 patients.
In a recent New York Times front page article, Dr. Lawrence Dorr of Los Angeles California told the Times that he believed the implant was designed badly, and that if sales were resumed, he would not use it. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/29/business/29hip.html?ref=health) Dr. Dorr initially contacted the company about a year ago when he noticed a significant number of patients suffering agonizing pain in the hip after receiving the Duron Cup. He also notified other hip surgeons, many of whom reported similar results. According to the article in the Times, Xray showed that the cup was separating from the bone rather than fusing to it and caused severe pain as the metal rubbed against the bone.
In a press release issued by Zimmer, the largest manufacturer of implantable orthopedic devices, the company said
"Zimmer Holdings, Inc (NYSE and SWX: ZMH) is temporarily suspending marketing and distribution of the Durom®Acetabular Component (Durom Cup) in the UnitedStates,
while the Company updates labeling to provide more detailed surgical technique
instructions to surgeons and implements its surgical training program in the U.S. The
Durom Cup will continue to be marketed without interruption outside the U.S." (http://zimmer.stage.biggs-gilmore.com/web/enUS/pdf/Durom_Press_Release_Excerpt_7-22-081.pdf)
While some physicians have complained that the device was defective, Zimmer states that physician education will remedy the problems, thus the suspension of sales. Many physicians do not agree with the Zimmer position though.
If you have received a Durom © Acetabular Component and have suffered serious pain or required revision (reoperation) or other treatment as a result of this device, you may wish to consult with an attorney form the Locks Law Firm. We are investigating these cases at this time.
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