As our population ages, many people find that their joints wear out, either from use or arthritis, or a combination of the two. Because of this, thousands of people have had hip replacement surgery. The Zimmer and Stryker Corporations have actively marketed their hip implant prosthetic devices, and have told the public that they will promote healthy, pain free lifestyles.

Unfortunately, both of these devices have significant defects, and have left many people crippled and injured. The Zimmer Durom Hip Replacement System Cup appears to have a substantial failure rate because of problems with its design, and perhaps its manufacturing process. Many well-known doctors quit using this device because of the complications from it.

This implant is the subject of a recall by Zimmer, and has been used in over 13,000 patients. Patients who have this prosthesis suffer from excruciating pain, and limitation of motion. Usually, the only solution is to have the device removed. This requires another major surgical procedure, and the cost can be upwards of $40,000.

In early 2008 the Stryker Corporation issued a recall for the Trident Acetabular PSL Cup and Trident Hemispherical Cups. Stryker has received several warning letters from the United States Food and Drug Administration. In one such letter, on April 25, 2008, the FDA told the President of Stryker about serious legal issues concerning its clinical studies, its quality control, its required reporting, and the falsification of documentation.

The Trident Acetabular PSL Cup was recalled on January 22, 2008, along with the Trident Hemispherical Cup. One of the problems relates to contamination. On November 28, 2007 the FDA told Stryker that it had inspected a plant and found infectious Staphylococcus bacteria during a previous visit, and that the company had not corrected the problem.

Other problems with Stryker products include deterioration of the plasma coating sprayed on the Trident hip device, squeaking and popping noises during ordinary walking, and the failure of the device to seat properly. Some of these problems are causing concern that the device may fail, and result in yet another replacement surgery.

Stryker also has legal issues as to the following products:

• Duracon and Scorpio knee replacement components
• Trident Acetabular System
• Restoration Modular Revision Hip System
• Accolade Cemented Hip System
• Accolade Femoral Hip System
• Dall-Miles Reconstruction and Trauma Cable System.

You need to know the importance of contacting a qualified attorney immediately. In Tennessee and Kentucky, there is a one year statute of limitations for bringing a legal claim against a product manufacturer. Although that may seem like a lot of time it really isn't. Any competent attorney will want to gather your medical records, meet with you, get a complete medical history, get all of your medical bills, do research, and many other things vital to successfully pursuing a claim. This takes time, so waiting until the last moment to contact an attorney puts you at a disadvantage.

We would like to discuss your potential Zimmer or Stryker case with you today. There is no obligation, so feel free to contact us.