Hip replacement units recalled

The Arthritis Foundation is encouraging hip replacement patients, who received an artificial hip between 1997 and 2000, to contact their orthopedic surgeon to determine whether or not the implant they received is potentially among those recently recalled.

This action is in light of the recent recall of a limited number of Inter-Op shells for hip implants by Sulzer Orthopedics sold primarily in the U.S. after Oct. 1999, with a small number of lots sold after July 1997.

The recall affects only a limited quantity of these shells, manufactured during the indicated production window. It is important to note that it does not apply to all Sulzer Orthopedics products, nor does it mean that all shells in the recalled lots are affected.

"Without proper treatment of the recalled hips, there is potential for significant damage to the hip joint," said Dr. Willaim Brien, attending physician and chief of orthopedics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. "It is not cause for alarm, but people who may potentially have a recalled implant need to be aware so that they will seek proper medical care if they begin to exhibit any of the identified symptoms."

Due to an unacceptable level of residue of a mineral oil-based lubricant that remained on the affected shells, the implant may not properly bond with the bone, causing the shells to loosen.

For more information about the Sulzer Orthopedics product recall, please call (800) 888-4676, ext. 232, or visit www.sulzerortho.com.