From the Moderator - Implant Recalls

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone!

Many of you have asked questions regarding implant recalls, litigations and the

potential for revision surgery. I want to help clear up any questions.

First and foremost, if you have had a replacement, you should know what type of

implant you have. This can be obtained from your medical records, as many

surgeons will place identifying information in the medical record or have that

information in their office. You should know the make and model of the implant,

not just the company. There are a variety of implants models within a brand,

due to each person's mechanical needs. Obtain and read this information for

your own records.

Second, if you suspect that you may have a recalled implant, you should contact

your surgeon's office for confirmation IN WRITING. This way, you have

confirmation from the surgeon themselves.

Third, if you definitely have a recalled implant, you can request an xray of the

implant from your surgeon's office to see if there are any changes to how the

implant is wearing.

Here is a list of the implant companies and the FDA page on medical device

recalls -

Depuy - http://www.depuy.com/countries_list

Zimmer - www.zimmer.com

Stryker - www.stryker.com

and Nephew - http://global.smith-nephew.com/master/6600.htm

FDA Recall Site -

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/RecallsCorrectionsRemovals/ListofRecall\

s/default.htm

I would finally say to all not to panic but you should return to your Surgeon to

obtain the correct answers. As a website, the information you receive here is

not a substitute for your Surgeon's opinion.

Thanks!

Alisa Curry PT DPT

Site Moderator

[Guest guest]

Yes, I have a recalled DePuy ASR prosthesis. The stats say 13+% being redone.

The xray can't see inside the metal acetabulum " cup " so I guess only the ions

blood test will reveal any metalic powder escaping from the joint.

What I'm wondering is what about the other 87% of people who have no symptoms

NOW ? Is it just a matter of time before more and more find the prosthesis

wearing, and by then will they be out of the time limit where Depuy will only

cover our costs from the date of recall or notification. I was done March 2007.

I noticed changes in February 2010 BEFORE I heard there was a problem with the

ASR.

Jill in Tasmania, Austalia

>

> Hello everyone!

>

> Many of you have asked questions regarding implant recalls, litigations and

the potential for revision surgery. I want to help clear up any questions.

>

> First and foremost, if you have had a replacement, you should know what type

of implant you have. This can be obtained from your medical records, as many

surgeons will place identifying information in the medical record or have that

information in their office. You should know the make and model of the implant,

not just the company. There are a variety of implants models within a brand,

due to each person's mechanical needs. Obtain and read this information for

your own records.

>

> Second, if you suspect that you may have a recalled implant, you should

contact your surgeon's office for confirmation IN WRITING. This way, you have

confirmation from the surgeon themselves.

>

> Third, if you definitely have a recalled implant, you can request an xray of

the implant from your surgeon's office to see if there are any changes to how

the implant is wearing.

>

> Here is a list of the implant companies and the FDA page on medical device

recalls -

>

> Depuy - http://www.depuy.com/countries_list

> Zimmer - www.zimmer.com

> Stryker - www.stryker.com

> and Nephew - http://global.smith-nephew.com/master/6600.htm

> FDA Recall Site -

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/RecallsCorrectionsRemovals/ListofRecall\

s/default.htm

>

> I would finally say to all not to panic but you should return to your Surgeon

to obtain the correct answers. As a website, the information you receive here

is not a substitute for your Surgeon's opinion.

>

> Thanks!

>

> Alisa Curry PT DPT

> Site Moderator

>