Sulzer Recall Letter

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Sulzer Inter-Op Voluntary Recall Letter To Patient
December 19, 2000

Dear Patient,
   Sulzer Orthopedics is the manufacturer of a hip implant that you received during hip replacement surgery. We sincerely regret to inform you that we have recently learned that a small number of the many implant parts that we manufactured may have a trace of lubricant residue on the surface that was not completely removed during the manufacturing process.

We recently discovered this residue and immediately recalled the affected products. We have teams of experts, including independent scientists, investigating this issue. Based on current information very small amounts of residual lubricants are broken down and eliminated by the body. At the moment, the only known problem is not enabling the bone to bond with the affected hip implant. This information is currently being confirmed with independent scientists.

The hip implant part is the acetabular "shell" which was implanted into the upper part of your hip called the acetabulum. Normally, the bone would form an integrated bond with the shell; however, it appears that bone does not always bond with shells when the lubricant residue is present. Reported symptoms include severe groin pain and inability to bear weight on your leg. These symptoms are caused by the shell being loose from the bone. Only a small number of patients who received the shell during their total hip replacement have experienced loosening of the shell. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please contact your physician.

We at Sulzer Orthopedics apologize for any effect that this voluntary recall may have on you. We will do our very best to address your individual needs and concerns that are a result of this recall. We know that one of your concerns will be the additional costs that you may incur because of further medical attention. Please rest assured that Sulzer Orthopedics will reimburse you for your related out-of-pocket expenses not reimbursed by insurance or Medicare. Sulzer Orthopedics is dedicated to resolving any healthcare problems associated with this implant recall and will cover any costs involved...

Sulzer Orthopedics is committed to improving the quality of life by advancing orthopedic medicine. We are committed to working with your surgeon to provide information needed to assure proper diagnosis and treatment is available for each individual patient.

If you or someone you know has had a hip replacement involving a defective Sulzer implant, it is important to seek medical and legal assistance as soon as possible. In all medical product liability cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the procedure in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you believe that you may be a victim of a defective hip implant, call Saladino Oakes & Schaaf now at (270) 444-0406 or Toll Free: 800-564-4238 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.

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