As a people, American’s are living much longer than we used to. This is great news! But with a longer lifespan also comes new health problems. Because we’re living longer and more active lives, we sometimes outlive the life of our joints. In that case, they need to be replaced, through such procedures as hip or knee replacement surgery. Normally, these operations give people a new lease on their lives, but this isn’t always the case, and there can be complications. If you or someone you know has received a hip replacement, they will need to know the following information about faulty Zimmer Durom hip cups used in that operation.
A hip replacement is a common surgery once you reach a certain age. If you’re over the age of 60, it’s like that you or one of your friends have had one. As we get older, our joints begin to wear out from years of use, especially if we’ve been active. Joints can also be damaged by progressive diseases such as arthritis, as well as damage from hip breakage. When this occurs, a hip replacement can be a good option for continuing to live an active and healthy life. However, not all companies respect that wish, which is the issue with the Zimmer Durom hip cup.
Hip replacement technology has allowed thousands of Americans to continue their favorite and treasured activities. In it, the femur and hip joint are replaced, allowing for normal movement without pain. Until recently however, a young recipient of this surgery would likely need their replacement itself replaced eventually, causing pain. Zimmer Durom hip cups promised to change that, with the marketing slogan that younger people could live their whole lives with one hip replacement. Unfortunately, this claim has not held true under scrutiny.
While the Zimmer Durom hip cup was marketed specifically for its longevity, this has not held true during use. Because of marketing claims, many hospitals have been using this specific device for younger hip replacement patients, with the promise that they will not need hip replacement surgery again. However, this claim hasn’t held true. At one hospital, 12 percent of patients needed surgery to replace their replacement within two years! When contacted, the company maintained that this was due to ‘surgeon error’ and not to faulty hip replacements.
The issue is not with surgeon error, but with the implant itself. When the Zimmer Durom hip cup was tested by the company, eight percent of those who received it needed a replacement in under two years. This number is incredibly high, and has led to serious problems for those needing a new replacement, and for those who are worried that their hip replacement may fail. Because of these issue, a class action law suit is being filed.
If you have received a hip replacement, now is the time to ask your doctor if it involved the Zimmer Durom hip cup. If you have had problems, and even if you have not yet, you may be able to join the class action suit against the company.
