Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Zimmer Durom Hip Replacements are Faulty

By Maxwell Schmickman

Many American's receive joint replacements each year. It is a way for elderly people, and for those who have overused their joints, to get more years of activity and enjoyment out of their lives. Because this procedure has become so routine, many do not question their doctors, or the manufacturers of their joint replacements about the quality of the technology that they are using. This has led to practices that can actually cause injury to you or your loved ones. If you know someone who has received a hip replacement, read on for this important information about the manufacturer Zimmer Durom.

Having your hip replaced is something that has happened to many American's for a number of reasons. These hip replacements, unfortunately, could have been the faculty ones manufactured by Zimmer Durom. Hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, is a surgery in which the natural hip joint is replaced by an artificial ones. There are many different conditions for which this surgery is recommended. They include the pain for arthritis which was located in the hip joint. Normal wear on the joint is also a reason, when it affects quality of life. Lastly, hip joints are often replaced after a hip fracture.

The modern hip replacement operation, using such mechanical parts as those manufactured by Zimmer Durom, has been taking place for almost 40 years. This is why it may seem so common place to you, and surprising that there are such issues with the procedure. It involves three pieces, designed to mimic the movements of a natural hip joint. They are the metal replacement for the femur bone, a part designed to mimic the hip joint itself, which can vary from implant to implant, and bone cement or screws to hold it in place.

One of the most common issues with hip replacements is the need for revision, or a further surgery to correct issues with the implant. Unfortunately, this is something many elderly and even healthy young patients cannot tolerate. It is the focus of the Zimmer Durom recall. The Zimmer Durom device was used by doctors in younger patients that would normally need a hip replacement, as it was designed to be long lasting. However, almost 12 percent of these patients needed surgery again within two years, prompting an outcry.

Zimmer Durom maintains that this high failure rate is the result of surgeon error, but their own study has shown that 8 percent of patients need a revision in under two years, and it was pulled from the market in July 2008. Many doctors and lawyers believe that the issue is with the replacement, and there is a right to sue.

If you or a loved one received a Zimmer Durom hip replacement, something your doctor will know, you may have the right to join a class action law suit, even if your replacement has not yet failed.. Be wary of signing anything by Zimmer Durom, as that may be a release taking away this right.

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