OVERVIEW: ZIMMER DUROM CUP HIP REPLACEMENT PROBLEMS

General Info:

The Zimmer Durom Hip Cup, also called an acetabular cup, prosthetic hip, or artificial hip component, is manufactured by Zimmer Holdings, the country’s largest maker of artificial joint and other orthopedic devices. The Durom Hip Cup is used in complete hip replacement surgeries (also known as THAs). The medical device has been available since 2006 in the United States. Since then more than 12,000 people have received a Zimmer Durom Hip Cup implantation. Complaints from patients and doctors about the failure of the device began shortly after use began.

Problems:

The main problem with the Zimmer Durom Hip Cup is that it does not bond properly with the existing or host bone and subsequently fails to implant. Additionally, the Durom Hip Cup may become loose after surgery. Patients who received the Zimmer Durom Hip Cup implantation during hip replacement surgery later complained of recurring pain and other symptoms. Many victims of the Zimmer Durom Hip cup received sometimes needless and painful revisions, or second surgeries, as surgeons attempted to correct the problem. X-rays for up to 6 months after surgery did not reveal that the device had a potential defect.

Symptoms:

Following is a list of symptoms that patients who received a Zimmer Durom Hip Cup Replacement suffer:

• Recurring startup pain, also known as pain felt while rising from a chair, bed, sofa, or car
• Recurring stiffness, pain, or limp for up to 20 steps after rising
• Limp
• Sharp pain in the groin when moving from a bending to upright position
• Difficulty in going down stairs or up stairs
• Lack of walking endurance
• Use of a cane while outside

Sales Suspension/Recall:

Months after Dr. Lawrence Dorr, a renowned Los Angeles area orthopedic surgeon, announced to his colleagues that the Zimmer Durom Hip cup was problematic, the outcry prompted the halt of sales of the product. As of July 2008, Zimmer suspended sales of its Durom Hip Cup, but the company has refused to recall the product, claiming that the device itself is not dangerous, but rather that the surgeons are not implanting the hip cup correctly. Dr. Dorr and other orthopedic doctors strongly deny the allegation and insist that the Hip Cup is defective.

What is product liability and what constitutes a defective product? In the U.S. there are numerous laws that protect consumers from defective and/or dangerous products of all types. Product liability refers to the potential responsibility manufacturers or retailers have in allowing dangerous or defective products onto the public marketplace.

What constitutes a medical device recall? The recall of a medical device occurs when the product is found to be defective or present a health risk. While the Zimmer Durom Hip Cup has not been officially recalled, sales of the medical product have been halted after numerous reports that the hip replacement device was defective. Those patients who have been adversely affected by receiving hip replacement surgery with a Zimmer Durom Cup may have a product liability case.

HOW TO PROCEED:

If you or someone close to you has received a Zimmer Durom Hip Cup Replacement surgery in California, please consult with the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP today. Our personal injury Law Firm has more than 50 years combined legal experience, and we have collected more than $150 million for our clients. Let our expertise in handling medical device recall and product liability serve you in your time of need. We advance all costs and offer a free and confidential consultation when you call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776).

Greenberg & Rudman LLP - Your Los Angeles Zimmer Durom Hip Cup Replacement and Recall Lawyers at www.alawpro.com and 1-800-ALAWPRO