In December 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics recalled an estimated 17,500 hip replacement units due to an oily substance that was left on the products during manufacturing.

The oily substance, found on the Inter-Op acetabular shell, prevents the shell from bonding with a patient?s natural bone, thus making the replacement ineffective. As a result, many patients experience pain in the inner thigh or groin, pain when standing and pain when placing weight on the leg. Patients with these implants are often confined to bed or a wheelchair until they can undergo corrective surgery.

But corrective surgery can be yet another hurdle for Sulzer patients because replacing an artificial hip is a far more complicated process than replacing a real one. This is due to a build up of scar tissue and increased risk for infection and other complications.

Prior to Sulzer?s recall, some patients underwent a second surgery to correct the first replacement, only to receive a second tainted Sulzer replacement. These patients were forced to suffer through pain and rehabilitation three separate times before making a full recovery.

Sulzer has agreed to pay for costs directly associated with corrective surgery, but many patients are seeking legal recourse.

If you or a loved one received a tainted Sulzer hip replacement, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey H. Rasansky to discuss your legal options.