tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22492058757110637052024-03-18T20:34:53.015-07:00Zimmer Hip Recall Litigation NewsAbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-23957866398485322192012-06-15T12:44:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:44:48.083-07:00High Hip Replacement Failure Rate Linked to ManufacturerThe recent Zimmer Durom Cup issues were first noticed by prominent orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Larry Dorr, in 2007. He identified a high rate of problems with the Zimmer Durom Cup, where his patients were experiencing excruciating pain after their hip replacement which was being caused by the artificial hip socket separating from the bone, instead of fusing with it. After his concerns were dismissed by Zimmer, he published an open letter to his colleges in April 2008, which eventually led Zimmer to investigate the Durom Cup problems. While Zimmer’s own estimates in 2008 suggested that some doctors in the United States experienced failure rates as high as 5.7%, more recent claims made in Zimmer Hip lawsuits suggest that the artificial hip failure rate is between 20% and 30%.<br />
More than 200,000 potentially defective Zimmer NexGen knee replacement components may have been used throughout the United States, which could have caused thousands of people to experience problems or require additional Zimmer knee revision surgery due to early failure of their knee replacement. In September 2010, several Zimmer NexGen knee recalls were issued for different components used in their knee replacement systems due to design or manufacturing problems. Certain Zimmer NexGen MIS components were recalled due to a high number of reports of problems associated with the devices. In addition, certain Zimmer NexGen LPS knee components were recalled due to inconsistent geometry and non-conforming designs.<br />
What is considered to be modern hip replacement surgery has been in effect since the 70′s, which is why the idea may seem so commonplace. A hip replacement, such as those from Zimmer Durom, most commonly consists of three manufactured pieces, engineered to replace and duplicate the operation of a joint. They include a metal replacement for part of the femur. There is also a component which facilitates natural movement that simulates a natural joint, lastly is the bone cement and / or screws that hold it all together. Thousands of individuals are entitled to compensation for their suffering. Victims of Zimmer hip failure are highly advised to contact an experienced Zimmer hip lawyer as soon as possible.Abelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-7882016180964250372012-02-07T07:57:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:16:51.210-07:00Zimmer Hip Plaintiffs Seek Damages, Settlements for Side Effects<br />
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://drugsideeffects-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Zimmer-Hip-Settlement-Fund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://drugsideeffects-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Zimmer-Hip-Settlement-Fund.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>A Texas resident has joined the ongoing litigation against Zimmer Orthopedics after a number of patients of certain hip devices discovered significant complications associated with the products. Jeffrey Johnson has filed a lawsuit with the help of a Zimmer hip lawyer, introducing his case to litigation on January 9, 2012 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Johnson underwent initial hip replacement surgery in 2008. The device which was implanted was the Zimmer Trilogy Acetabular Hip System, including a Zimmer Trilogy Shell and Liner. </div>
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<b>Zimmer Hip Settlements Through Litigation </b></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>According to the complaint filed by his Zimmer lawyer, both Johnson and the surgeon who implanted the device believed that the Zimmer hip system was safe for total hip replacements as well as effective. Johnson led an active lifestyle at the time of his surgery; the then 42-year-old enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorcycle riding, and playing with his children. Johnson believed that his hip replacement surgery would allow him to return to this type of lifestyle, and had faith that the Zimmer device would fix problems with his hip and allow him to continue to enjoy time with his family and other physical activities. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Unfortunately, he began having problems associated with the artificial hip within 15 months of the initial hip replacement surgery. It became dislocated the year after he received it, which allegedly caused pain and trauma for the plaintiff and required medical intervention in order to place the hip back in its proper location. Johnson's hip allegedly dislocated five more times over the next two years.</div>
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<b>Zimmer Hip Revision Surgery Key in Lawsuits </b></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Johnson, like many others who have filed Zimmer hip lawsuits, had to undergo Zimmer hip revision surgery in 2010 in order to remove the Zimmer hip replacement system. Johnson's surgeon, according to the complaint, then saw that the Zimmer Trilogy Liner had fractured, a complaint that a number of other Zimmer plaintiffs have already lodged against the orthopedics manufacturing giant. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Johnson is filing a Zimmer lawsuit in order to win damages that could help cover a number of costs associated with a Zimmer hip injury or Zimmer hip failure including loss of wages, pain and suffering, and past and future medical bills. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-32366804628232145592012-02-01T10:01:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:17:13.837-07:00Zimmer Hip Lawyers Busy With Suits<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKKWEhQqHoU/Tyl8zjDi9iI/AAAAAAAAAMg/VxCGkRgxINc/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Recall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OKKWEhQqHoU/Tyl8zjDi9iI/AAAAAAAAAMg/VxCGkRgxINc/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Recall.jpg" /></a></div>
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A number of patients who have received Zimmer Durom Cup hip
implants have noticed significant problems associated with the device, and have
therefore decided to file suit against the orthopedic manufacturing company.
The number of Zimmer lawsuits continues to grow as time wears on, and most of
the cases involve some kind of Zimmer hip revision surgery, a second surgery
intended to fix problems associated with the initial hip implant system. This
surgery can not only be financially taxing for a patient, but can also come
with a number of risks that are not present in the initial surgery, including
an increased healing time and additional risk of infection and complications
due to tissue and bone degradation.</div>
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The number of Zimmer hip lawsuits has grown to the point
that many of them have been consolidated in multidistrict litigation, which is
being overseen by Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer in the Northern District of
Illinois. There are also a number of hip implant lawsuits dealing with other
Zimmer products, including the Zimmer VerSys Hip System with femoral head and
femoral stem. Hip implant failure and problems with hip implant devices usually
manifest with symptoms that can include pain, trouble walking, trouble getting
up from a seated position, and other complications that can reduce a patient’s
ability to function normally in their day to day life.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Plaintiffs Seek Compensation for a Variety Reasons</span></div>
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Plaintiffs in Zimmer lawsuits are seeking damages that can
help cover medical costs and other costs associated with the injury, such as
wages lost due to an inability to work or work at the same level the patient
was able to before. In addition, punitive damages will likely be brought
against the company in order to provide them with some sort of punishment for
endangering the welfare of patients. </div>
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Metal poisoning is an additional concern when it comes to
metal-on-metal hip replacement systems—or all metal-on-metal joint replacement
systems, for that matter. It occurs when the two components grate against one
another within the body, sloughing off shreds of metal. This can lead to tissue
inflammation and other side effects and symptoms that can reduce a patient’s
quality of life.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-32402378770858035132012-01-31T12:48:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:17:37.188-07:00Zimmer Hip Lawsuits in Swiss Evidence Confusion<br />
<div class="p1">
<a href="http://injurylawsuitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Vaginal-Mesh-Lawsuit-Scale-of-Justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://injurylawsuitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Vaginal-Mesh-Lawsuit-Scale-of-Justice.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Zimmer hip lawsuits are running into unforeseen complications as Swiss laws become entangled in the litigation process. Zimmer Durom Cup hip replacement systems are one of the devices that is at the center of the Zimmer legal battle, and the product was developed and first marketed in Switzerland. Because of this, many documents related to the Durom cup device are located in Switzerland. </div>
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<b>Zimmer hip lawsuits in MDL</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>A number of plaintiffs have hired a Zimmer hip lawyer to take legal action against the orthopedics manufacturing giant. Zimmer Inc is preparing for a legal battle that could involve hundreds of plaintiffs. Zimmer has filed a motion regarding the Swiss branch of their company, Zimmer GmbH. Zimmer plaintiffs have filed Zimmer hip lawsuits because they have experienced significant side effects, including Zimmer hip failure. </div>
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<b>Swiss law means Zimmer lawyers should add party</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Swiss penal code and the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection restrict the use of documents such as the ones relevant to Zimmer lawsuits as evidence in foreign civil litigation, and if Zimmer violates these restrictions the company will be subject to criminal and civil penalties. In order to avoid this, Zimmer has suggested that Zimmer lawyers for plaintiffs involved in Zimmer hip litigation name the Swiss subsidiary, Zimmer GmbH, as a party in each Zimmer hip lawsuit. This suggestion was made on August 15, 2011. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>On July 15, 2011, Zimmer notified plaintiffs' lawyers that Zimmer was working with Swiss counsel to find a solution that would allow relevant information to be disclosed for the sake of the Zimmer lawsuits that are currently awaiting litigation. By naming Zimmer GmbH in litigation, relevant evidence could be produced so long as the information protected by Swiss law was edited to take out personal information. </div>
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<b>Zimmer hip lawyers invoke Hague convention against plaintiffs</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Some plaintiffs have argued that removal of personal information, such as names, from the relevant documentation necessary in Zimmer hip replacement cases that is currently being barred by Swiss law should be enough to ensure the protection of the company from criminal and civil penalties. However, Zimmer is countering with the argument that the Hague Convention, which establishes optional procedures that facilitate the taking of foreign evidence, is the best option in terms of protecting the company. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-653450497341448632012-01-30T21:20:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:18:05.080-07:00Zimmer Knee Failure Alleged in New Texas Lawsuit<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reR1sZ0rj24/Tyd5stv34mI/AAAAAAAAAMI/54sU81x0dTU/s1600/Zimmer-Knee-Lawsuit-Case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-reR1sZ0rj24/Tyd5stv34mI/AAAAAAAAAMI/54sU81x0dTU/s1600/Zimmer-Knee-Lawsuit-Case.jpg" /></a></div>
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A man
from Longview, Texas filed a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer
of a knee replacement product that has been allegedly been found to loosen in
patients and require replacement surgery. Earlier this month, the U.S. Judicial
Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered that all Zimmer Nexgen Knee implant
lawsuits be consolidated and transferred to U.S. District Court in Illinois.
The Zimmer lawsuits involved in the Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex femoral components, Zimmer
NexGen MIS Tibial components or Zimmer NexGen LPS-Flex femoral components.
Waterston said in that in June 2008 he had a knee replacement surgery in which
a Zimmer NexGen Knee was implanted. He claims that shortly after the surgery he
began to experience severe and debilitating pain.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zimmer Knee Revisions and Complications</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Waterston
claims he was advised that implant was “loosening” and had a second surgery in
September 2009 to replace the Zimmer NexGen Knee. The long list of charges by
the defendant include misleading health care professionals and the public into
believing that the Zimmer NexGen Knee was safe and effective for use in knee
replacement surgery, engaging in deceptive, misleading and unconscionable
promotional or sales methods to convince health care professionals to utilize
the product even though they knew the product was unreasonable unsafe, failing
to warn health care professionals and the public about the safety risks of the
product.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All of the lawsuits in the
Zimmer NexGen MDL involve allegations that plaintiffs experienced problems
following knee replacement surgery as a result of design defects with certain
Zimmer NexGen components. Plaintiffs claim to have suffered catastrophic
implant failures, often resulting in the need for Zimmer revision surgery to remove or
replace the implants because they failed far in advance of their projected
lifespan. Zimmer allegedly downplayed and understated the risk of Zimmer NexGen
knee problems. Zimmer obtained approval for the NexGen knee replacement
components through the FDA’s controversial 510(k) approval process, which is a
fast-track to market approval that requires that you prove that the device you
are releasing is “substantially equivalent” to one already on the market. The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer NexGen knee litigation<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>will
be centralized before Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer for coordinated handling.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-26505515803070997412012-01-30T17:52:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:18:25.386-07:00Zimmer Hip Lawsuit in Ohio Alleges Need for Revision Surgery and Metallosis<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5VspDqZAyk/TydI8wGL6YI/AAAAAAAAALo/RmY9RMAm38o/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Replacement-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a5VspDqZAyk/TydI8wGL6YI/AAAAAAAAALo/RmY9RMAm38o/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Replacement-01.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">S<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white;">ales have been suspended
in the United States for the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><strong><span style="background-color: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">Zimmer Durom Cup hip replacement component</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white;">, since many doctors have
reported a substantially higher need for further Zimmer hip revision surgery. One
lawsuit filed by </span></span>Ohio<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>resident
Theresa Brammer on September 21, 2011, alleged that due to design defects in
the system, she was forced to undergo two hip revision surgeries. <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white;">Potential</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Zimmer Durom Cup lawsuits<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">are being
reviewed throughout the United States. Because many hip replacement
patients are unaware of the type of implant used, cases are being investigated
for any individuals who have experienced problems after a</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">surgery since 2006</span></strong><span class="apple-style-span">. At the
time Zimmer announced that they were stopping sales of the Durom Cup in the
U.S., they recommended that hip replacement patients who received their implant
contact a doctor if they experience hip pain more than three months after
surgery.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Implications of Complications from the Durom Cup</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Many doctors and patients
question why these steps were not taken before Zimmer allowed their Durom Cup
to be used in thousands of hip replacements. Individuals who received the Durom
Cup, or who believe that their doctor may have used the newer hip component,
have been advised by Zimmer to contact their doctor if they experience pain
more than three months after surgery. Zimmer Durom Cup hip problems could lead
to the need for further revisions and surgeries. Some plaintiffs are seeking to
have the cases consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New
Jersey under Judge Susan D. Wigenton, where many of the cases are currently
pending.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The DePuy ASR is a
metal-on-metal hip replacement system developed in 2005. Health care
professionals have increasingly been<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>warning about problems with metal-on-metal
hip implants, which can shed metal particles into the body. The
particles can damage soft tissue, cause inflammatory reactions and lead to bone
loss. In July 2008, the manufacturer decided to suspend U.S. sales of the
product, but a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer Hip recall<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was not issued since they
did not uncover evidence of any manufacturing defect or design defect. In
fact, they intend to reintroduce the artificial hip implant after they develop
instructions about the special surgical techniques that doctors need to use to
avoid the risk of Durom Cup problems. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-50126015667289960932012-01-30T14:15:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:18:46.394-07:00Zimmer Hip Lawsuits Continue To Grow<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beahtuQmON8/TycWhkk47qI/AAAAAAAAAK8/wAC5P5tRlDM/s1600/Five-Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Lawsuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-beahtuQmON8/TycWhkk47qI/AAAAAAAAAK8/wAC5P5tRlDM/s1600/Five-Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Lawsuits.jpg" /></a></div>
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Zimmer, the manufacturer of a Durom Cup knee device,
temporarily suspended its sale in 2008. This created a great deal of interest
among patients who had the device. Many lawsuits were filed under what was seen
as a “Zimmer hip recall.” Zimmer did, however, resume sale of the device, although that
has not stopped the increase of many individual Zimmer lawsuits. A Judicial
Panel has taken the many individual lawsuits, and consolidated them into
multidistrict litigation (MDL). This is addition to possible class action
lawsuits.</div>
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MDL is an approach to litigation which consolidates related
individual lawsuits that have many facts and issues in common, such as the Zimmer
patients’ alleged problems. The decision to form an MDL is made by federal
judges. The rationale of an MDL is that there will be streamlined efficiencies
such as in the pre-trial process. This can cover individual cases from all over
the United States to be heard before one federal judge. Lawyers can also join
the MDL with additional Zimmer hip lawsuits. </div>
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And, Zimmer hip lawsuits in an MDL can also go to mediation;
where the lawyers can negotiate a settlement. This is a quicker process,
eliminating the need for a possibly lengthy trial. </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zimmer Inc. MDL and Class Action Lawsuits</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Another
approach is the class action lawsuit. This is often confused with an MDL, but
there are subtle differences. In a class action, many Zimmer hip lawsuits would
be grouped and heard as a single case, not individual cases. Class action suits
are most common when all plaintiffs are alleging compensatory damages. If
compensation is awarded, the full amount of the settlement is split evenly
between all of the plaintiffs. The amount of the settlement could be high
enough to bring a company into financial ruin. Though this type of litigation
may be favored in certain circumstances, a Zimmer hip lawyer will likely
file a new Zimmer hip lawsuit as part of the MDL. Currently, the only Zimmer
class action lawsuit has been filed in Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-59990585852496479002012-01-30T09:35:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:19:11.909-07:00Differing Zimmer Hip Lawsuit Damages Sought<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRsDNzHtXXU/TybSObXrJuI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-BYrgvTOPyg/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-FDA-Implant-Problems.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RRsDNzHtXXU/TybSObXrJuI/AAAAAAAAAKs/-BYrgvTOPyg/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-FDA-Implant-Problems.jpg" /></a></div>
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Varied types of relief and damages, monetary and
non-monetary, have been sought in recent Zimmer hip lawsuits. These lawsuits
are increasing rapidly because many more patients are alleging Zimmer hip failure from
the use of the Durom cap. These patients are hiring Zimmer lawyers to attempt
to be awarded damages and compensation for their injuries. Some of the cases
show the different types of damages and relief requested.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lawsuit Filing of Papaccio vs. Zimmer Holdings</span><br />
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On July 11, 2011, a personal injury and product liability
tort lawsuit, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Papaccio v. Zimmer Holdings</i>,
was filed in U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Florida. This case
requested that the court grant “declaratory relief.” This is not Zimmer hip
lawsuit monetary damages, but a request that the court clarify (or declare) a
specific legal issue or point in the case. This can benefit both parties in the
case. Such declaratory relief can speed up or help the litigation advance, by
allowing the court to clarify certain issues or points that the two sides
cannot agree on. Both parties then will know how to proceed in the Zimmer hip
replacement lawsuit, and the proceedings can run more efficiently and effectively.</div>
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There are also, of course, claims for monetary damages in
these cases. Not all of these damages are claimed in every Zimmer lawsuit.
Certain cases will ask for certain, specific types of damage awards. </div>
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First, there are compensatory damages, which are requested
to compensate or replace what the plaintiff allegedly has lost. This may
include medical expenses, loss of income, or pain and suffering. </div>
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Second, there are punitive damages. In a Zimmer hip lawsuit,
punitive damages would be awarded to attempt to punish and deter Zimmer for
their alleged negligence and conduct. Some states do, however, limit the amount
of punitive damages that may be awarded. </div>
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Another type of relief is “disgorgement of profits.” These
were sought in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Papaccio </i>case
(above). Disgorgement of profits
is an attempt by attorneys to prevent acquiring unjust profits from a device
(such as a Zimmer hip) that has resulted in plaintiff injury and pain. It is
usually seen as a remedy for an unjust situation.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-92090523183649875002012-01-24T18:40:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:24:14.502-07:00Zimmer NexGen Knee Recall Not Forthcoming<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMbUMOQ-XM0/Tx9rOhR4qnI/AAAAAAAAAKY/Obd45Eds2ow/s1600/Zimmer-Knee-Studies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qMbUMOQ-XM0/Tx9rOhR4qnI/AAAAAAAAAKY/Obd45Eds2ow/s1600/Zimmer-Knee-Studies.jpg" /></a></div>
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Despite many serious alleged failures and patient complaints
concerning the Zimmer NexGen artificial knee, Zimmer has no immediate plans to
issue a recall. Zimmer continues to defend its high flex knees despite many
scientific findings and studies that have reported problems. Total knee
replacement patients who have suffered from any Zimmer knee failure, either
pain and stiffness, or the more serious knee revision surgery, should consult
with a Zimmer knee attorney to determine whether they may have a cause of
action against Zimmer, possibly for damages.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Since the Zimmer NexGen artificial knee was approved for
U.S. sale, many implant patients have experienced higher than normal Zimmer knee failure. Many such patients filed Zimmer knee lawsuits. They were encouraged
when Zimmer did voluntarily suspend sales of its MIS tibial parts that are used
in the artificial knee. However, Zimmer did not issue a complete NexGen knee
recall. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Zimmer Studies Support Lawsuit Claims</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Scientific reports and studies are now supporting the
patients’ complaints. Many such studies conducted in the past few years have
focused on early loosening of the component femoral parts of the knee
replacement device. Studies conducted in 2008 and 2010 did
find ample evidence of such early loosening. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The 2008 study by Dr. Kang found that 38
percent of the high flex knees had a specific type of Zimmer knee failure--premature
loosening around femoral components, at an average of 32 months after being
surgically implanted. By the same average time, 21 percent of patients
experienced such pain and device loosening that they were forced to have
revision surgery. The 2010 study also found a high rate of early loosening of
the femoral parts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Further,
a 2011 study attempted to further discover the factors contributing to high
flex Zimmer knee failure. Researchers created a 3-D knee model to determine the
likelihood of femoral loosening at different degrees of knee flexion. They
concluded that femoral loosening was more common at higher degrees of flexion —
the attribute that Zimmer had highlighted as an advanced design feature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With
the evidence presented by the studies, Zimmer lawyers should be able to file
Zimmer NexGen lawsuits, despite the lack of a recall by Zimmer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-4086140597943040912012-01-16T23:29:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:24:36.314-07:00Faulty Zimmer Hip Implant Goes to Court<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEFbRH_hjh8/TxUjXZvIkOI/AAAAAAAAAJM/tIK7L3HTPMg/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IEFbRH_hjh8/TxUjXZvIkOI/AAAAAAAAAJM/tIK7L3HTPMg/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
On October 20, 2011, Tina Muetz filed a lawsuit
against Zimmer Inc., alleging that the company's Trilogy Acetabular Hip System
had failed. Muetz's case, which will be tried in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota,
comes on the heels of similar lawsuits involving a different Zimmer product –
the Metasul Durom Cup, which went through it's own Zimmer hip recall.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zimmer Patient Experiences Total Device Failure<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In July 2009, Muetz, then a 34-year old surgical
technician, underwent surgical implantation of Zimmer's Trilogy Acetabular Hip
System. The plaintiff hoped to return to the active lifestyle she so missed,
which included outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In January 2010, just six months after surgery,
Muetz's hip replacement dislocated for the first time. Over the next four
months, Muetz experience five additional dislocations, which caused her "incredible
suffering and trauma." Instead of giving her a new lease on life, Muetz's
hip replacement had turned into a nightmare. The resulting pain obligated her
to leave her job and undergo numerous hospitalizations. On September 29, 2010,
just 14 months after she had received her new hip, Muetz checked into the
hospital for total revision surgery. Doctors completely removed the Trilogy Acetabular
Hip System and replaced it with another implant. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
After surgery, Muetz's surgeon commented that,
"the polyethylene liner of the acetabulum had fractured… and when the ball
would come in contact … it would dislocate." In other words, the Trilogy Acetabular
Hip System underwent a similar Zimmer hip failure, causing significant pain, loss of mobility and reduced
quality of life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Muetz Suit Claims Reckless Negligence<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In her hip replacement lawsuit, Muetz alleges that
Zimmer's label was "misleading and inaccurate," and that the
manufacturer exhibited "careless, reckless and wanton" negligence by
failing to warn doctors and their patients of "the true risks of the
Zimmer hip system." </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
If Zimmer does not pursue an out-of-court
settlement, the plaintiff and her Zimmer hip lawyer will seek actual and
punitive damages for Muetz's pain and suffering, as well as emotional damages. Additionally,
Muetz asks for compensation of lost wages and future earnings, and also for
court costs and attorney's fees. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
After the 2008 Metasul Durom Cup recall, Zimmer established
a settlement fund to cover payouts to injured plaintiffs. If Muetz's case is
successful, Zimmer's corporate coffers, which have reached at least $145
million, may reopen to Trilogy Acetabular Hip System patients. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-89261530057750397552012-01-13T14:26:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:24:58.843-07:00Canadian Judge Approves Class Action Zimmer Hip Implant Lawsuit<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DR9Gedh6Ks/TxCvdkGT5UI/AAAAAAAAAI0/SQI7ThRYXAU/s1600/Five-Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Lawsuits-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9DR9Gedh6Ks/TxCvdkGT5UI/AAAAAAAAAI0/SQI7ThRYXAU/s1600/Five-Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Lawsuits-1.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;">Canadian hip implant
patients who have suffered side effects or complications from use of the Zimmer
Durom Cup acetabular device are eligible to join a class action lawsuit against
the company, Justice Gregory Bowden has ruled. So far, 35 Canadians have
reported problems with the device, but the lawyer responsible for the Zimmer
hip class action lawsuit says that ultimately up to 100 Canadians are expected
to join the suit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The Zimmer hip class action lawsuit is welcome news to the patients who have required hip revision surgery
or have experienced joint pain, immobility, stiffness, inflammation, and/or
diminished range of motion as a result of using the Zimmer Durom Cup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Initial Zimmer Hip Lawsuits</span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dennis Jones and Susan Wil<span style="color: black;">kinson are the representative plaintiffs in the Zimmer hip
class action lawsuit.</span> Susan Wil<span style="color: black;">kinson, age 51,
first received the Zimmer Durom Cup implant in 2008. According to the lawsuit,
within three months she began experiencing serious hip side effects including
pain in her leg and hip, a clicking sound in the implant, and the feeling that
the implant was coming loose. Within a year, the pain had become so strong that
Wilkinson constantly needed to take potent painkillers and required a cane in
order to walk. Because of this, she was forced to take time off from her job,
and she was no longer able to enjoy her favorite leisure time activities such
as skiing, gardening, and participating in the Canadian sport of curling. In
late 2009 she underwent revision surgery and had the Durom cup replaced. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Development of a Hip or Knee Implant Registry</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;">Some experts
have called for a joint registry in the U.S., similar to those in other
countries including Australia and Great Britain. A joint registry would track
patients who have had hip or knee replacements to see how well they fare after
surgery and whether they experience any side effects or other complications.
With such a registry, a doctor whose patient is having problems with an implant
could tell if it is an isolated incident, or whether problems with this
particular Zimmer hip implant failure are widespread. In addition, a doctor whose patient needed
an implant could check the registry in advance and thus avoid recommending an
implant that seems problematic or risky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-78541725714280815482012-01-09T10:01:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:25:25.056-07:00Zimmer Hip Defects Lead to More and More Lawsuits<a href="http://injurylawsuitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Zimmer-Hip-Replacement-01.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://injurylawsuitnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Zimmer-Hip-Replacement-01.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">A Zimmer hip lawsuit has been filed by </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">Jocelyn Quinn</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;"> of Louisiana, alleging that she has undergone severe pain and disfigurement due to the failing device. Her case has been transferred into the Zimmer hip multidistrict litigation (MDL) currently being carried out in the U.S. District Court for the District of</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">New Jersey. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">As many as half a million Americans may have the all-metal hip implants, and a sizeable percentage of them are likely to file a lawsuit after their implants fail.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;"> The</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">Zimmer Durom Cup</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">was first introduced in the United States in 2006, as a more advanced form of an artificial hip. The hip resurfacing system is designed out of a single piece of material and is supposed to avoid problems associated with traditional hip replacement components, such as instability, limited range of motion and wear of the bearing.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
In February 2011, the Food and Drug Administration stated that there are "unique risks" for "metal-on-metal" artificial hips because tiny metal ions can wear off and damage nearby tissue. Patients who have received all metal implants should be aware of potential symptoms which may occur after surgery and indicate that their device is not functioning properly. O<span style="background-color: white;">ver the past two years, concerns have increased about a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>risk metal hip replacement complications, resulting in use of the implants dropping to just 5% of the artificial hip market. While Zimmer’s own estimates in 2008 suggested that some doctors have experienced failure rates as high as 5.7%, more recent claims suggest that the Durom Cup failure rate is between 20% and 30%.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">A temporary<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>Zimmer Durom Cup recall<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was issued in July 2008, so that revisions could be made to the product’s warnings and instructions to ensure that doctors were properly trained on the surgical techniques needed to implant the artificial hip correctly. According to Quinn’s Zimmer hip lawyer, she never would have had the device installed had she been made aware of the defectiveness of the product. In a statement released on their website, Zimmer stated that a thorough check of the Durom Cup, including evaluation of the manufacturing processes, design specifications and product documentation, failed to reveal any evidence of a defect in the artificial hip part.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-31097834264560381512012-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:25:47.525-07:00Consolidation of Zimmer Knee Lawsuits, Leads Many to Hope For Settlements<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMhhiBCJgcI/TwYMrXPcmyI/AAAAAAAAAHk/TGp_DYANmWY/s1600/Zimmer-knee-pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMhhiBCJgcI/TwYMrXPcmyI/AAAAAAAAAHk/TGp_DYANmWY/s1600/Zimmer-knee-pain.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML)
has ordered that all personal injury lawsuits involving Zimmer NexGen knee
implant components currently pending in federal courts throughout the U.S. be
consolidated in a multidistrict litigation and transferred to U.S. District
Court for the Northern District of Illinois. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The
multidistrict litigation process, more commonly referred to as the Zimmer
NexGen MDL, is often confused with a class action lawsuit against Zimmer. While
the MDL and a Zimmer NexGen knee class action lawsuit have many similarities
during pretrial proceedings, each claim remains an individual lawsuit, where
the plaintiff must establish that their injuries were caused by Zimmer knee problems and each claim will be decided individually be a jury.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Zimmer Argues Health Risks Of NexGen Components</span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">In opposing the MDL consolidation, Zimmer had argued that the
involved NexGen components are “quite distinct, and thus discovery would not
significantly overlap among the actions.’ However, the JPML did not find the
device maker’s arguments persuasive, stating its review of the record indicated
that the distinctiveness of the various components is not as clear-cut as
Zimmer contends. The panel stated in its ruling that it has ordered
centralization in other dockets that involved multiple devices, including Medtronic
and Guidant implantable defibrillator lawsuits. The panel also found Zimmer’s
claims of how different the devices were to be dubious. They cited plaintiff’s
evidence in the ruling of similarities between the language used to describe
the devices and the procedures to implant them which were used by Zimmer in
seeking FDA approval to release them on the market.</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"> Zimmer Knee Recall Unmoved By Study Results</span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">In March 2010, a former Zimmer consultant presented
data that reviewed the two year results of 108 knee replacements involving the
Zimmer NexGen CR-Flex Porous. The research found that about 9% resulted in the
need for revision surgery within two years and that 36% showed signs that the
replacement knee was loosening. Although the consultant called for Zimmer to
recall the NexGen knee replacement parts, the company dismissed the concerns
and attempted to place the blame for the problems on the prominent orthopedics
surgeon's surgical technique. <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white;">Zimmer allegedly downplayed and understated the risk
of Zimmer NexGen knee problems.</span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-79098386697656341582012-01-05T07:43:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:26:10.431-07:00Zimmer Hip Replacement Problems Spark Complaints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWaVoIIoRfk/TwY0S4RZCCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/q1OI16jWbgw/s1600/Replacement-Hip-metal-dust-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jWaVoIIoRfk/TwY0S4RZCCI/AAAAAAAAAHw/q1OI16jWbgw/s1600/Replacement-Hip-metal-dust-1.jpg" /></a></div>
In 2011 alone, the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) has received more than 5,000 consumer complaints related to
metal-on-metal hip implant devices. One such device is Zimmer Inc.'s Metasul
Durom Cup, a hip replacement device recommended to young, active patients who are
expected to outlive the useful life of traditional hip replacement products.<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zimmer Hip
Replacement Shows High Rate of Failure<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Zimmer hip replacement problems went public in 2008,
when Dr. Larry Dorr reported that the Metasul Durom cup had a high Zimmer hip failure and
replacement rate. Dr. Dorr, who has conducted thousands of hip replacement
surgeries, revealed that more than 8% of his hip replacement patients
required Zimmer hip revision surgery to remove the device, many within two years of implantation. As of
July 2008, 12,000 people in the United State had already received Durom Cup hip
replacements. If Dr. Dorr's statistics hold true, almost 1,000 would require
removal and replacement.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Loose Durom
Cup Causes Health Problems<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In 2008, Zimmer Inc. suspended sale of the Durom
Cup replacement to address concerns about the device. The metal-on-metal implant
reported loosened, developing radiolucent lines and possible device migration.
As a result, patients experienced discomfort and were subject to metallosis, or
metal poisoning. Metallosis occurs when metallic particles from the implant are
released into the patient's bloodstream and surrounding tissues. Symptoms of
metallosis range from pain and rash to pseudotumors, which are inflamed cells
that resemble tumor masses. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Zimmer hip replacements allegedly cause
metallosis, and affected patients were forced to undergo device removal and hip
revision surgery. Despite anecdotal evidence, Zimmer Inc. maintains that
problems with their Metasul Durom Cup are due to doctor error and not device
failure. After a brief sales suspension period, later in 2008 Zimmer Inc. put
their device back on the market. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As of October 2011, the FDA has requested reports
from 21 orthopedic device manufacturers outlining how they plan to monitor
their devices after surgery. The companies have up to one year to respond.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
If you or someone you know is experiencing
problems related to a Zimmer hip replacement, speak with your surgeon or doctor
about your options. Do not sign Zimmer release forms, and contact an attorney
experienced in Zimmer hip mediation before undergoing additional surgery.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-92181226210832650342012-01-03T10:54:00.000-08:002012-06-15T12:26:52.897-07:00Zimmer Knee Problems Result of Faulty Device<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86U2JA5sHjg/TwNSdmPlkWI/AAAAAAAAAGI/Hsyh8Dnz1c4/s1600/Zimmer-knee-replacement.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693485022362046818" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86U2JA5sHjg/TwNSdmPlkWI/AAAAAAAAAGI/Hsyh8Dnz1c4/s320/Zimmer-knee-replacement.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 150px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 150px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
It is estimated that approximately 130,000 patients receive knee replacements each year to treat deterioration caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis and other causes. Zimmer Holdings, a world leader in knee replacement devices, manufactures the NexGen CR-Flex device, which has been marketed as the knee replacement of the future. Featuring a unique, cementless design, the model was designed to give patients a much wider range of motion compared to other knee replacement devices. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">The Zimmer Knee and NexGen Defects</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
However, the NexGen CR-Flex has received serious criticism due to reports of faulty craftsmanship and a partial product recall in September 2010. The recall was based on the device presenting a "nonconforming and inconsistent geometry." The model is reported to fail by loosening at the femur joint, in effect reducing a patient's range of movement and causing significant pain. Affected patients must undergo additional procedures, including premature Zimmer revision surgery, to correct the problem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
In Chicago, a multi-district litigation (MDL) has formed to protect patients who have fallen victim to Zimmer knee problems. At the time of its formation, the MDL consisted of 73 plaintiffs and was slated for the U.S. District Court in Chicago's Northern District of Illinois. Since the first filing, many more plaintiffs have joined – and still more are expected to come onboard. The MDL will help streamline the pre-trial process, making Zimmer lawsuits more efficient and hopefully producing quick results.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"></span></o:p></div>
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;">Zimmer Knee Lawsuits </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 130%;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Mary Dor Ann Smith, a plaintiff in the MDL, reports serious Zimmer knee problems as a result of a Zimmer NexGen Complete Knee Solution System. Smith's Zimmer knee lawyer claims that Smith has experienced significant side effects, including loss of range of motion and pain caused by her knee replacement. Like other Zimmer knee plaintiffs, Smith has filed a Zimmer knee lawsuit for negligence, personal injury, and product liability, and is seeking reparation including punitive damages and compensation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Though Zimmer Holdings claims that these problems are due to incorrect implantation techniques, Zimmer knee lawsuits are already underway. Zimmer knee lawyers, including those in the Chicago MDL, are seeking compensation for their plaintiff's injuries and suffering. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-79561390472783931512011-11-22T23:06:00.001-08:002012-06-15T12:27:14.533-07:00Zimmer Hip Settlements Could Be Ahead<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<span lang="EN-US">A number of people have already filed Zimmer Hip Lawsuit against
orthopedics manufacturing company Zimmer, whose responsibility for the hip
replacement device known as the Durom Cup has seen many people turn their
attention in the company’s direction—but most of the press is negative.
Democrats on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce are getting
involved—questioning why harmful brain stents and metal-on-metal Zimmer hip replacement recall
continue to be sold throughout the United States with little oversight. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Metal-on-metal hip replacement systems like
the Zimmer Durom cup come in a variety of models from a variety of
manufacturers but often side effects are the same. Component loosening, soft
tissue damage, bone fracture, metal poisoning (metallosis), premature device
dislocation, and Zimmer
hip revision surgery are all directly linked to metal-on-metal hip
replacement systems. This is worrisome to some House Democrats, who hope to
convince Republicans that this issue needs to be looked into with greater
depth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Zimmer patients who have experienced severe
side effects already know the issues that brought the devices to the attention
of a part of the United States’ government. Zimmer actually recalled the Durom
cup for a short time, claiming that they fixed the problems associated with it,
but patients are still skeptical—especially those who have had to undergo hip
revision surgery, a complex procedure that comes with a number of its own
risks. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Those who have experienced side effects of
metal-on-metal hip replacement systems like the Zimmer Durom cup should contact
a lawyer as quickly as possible to ensure that they stay within the statute of
limitations for their state. </span></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-35447404509084878042011-11-22T22:58:00.001-08:002012-06-15T12:27:53.390-07:00Complaints Over Zimmer Hip Failure Reach Their Peak in 2011<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US">Some experts fear all-metal hip implants
could become one of the biggest and most costly medical implant problems in
recent history.Metal-on-metal hip implants accounted for nearly one-third of
the estimated 250,000 Zimmer hip
replacement recall performed each year. According to one estimate, some
500,000 patients have received an all-metal replacement hip. It is
believed the devices can shed dangerous amounts of cobalt and chromium through
wear, leading to tissue damage, premature device Zimmer
hip failure, the need for revision surgery, and even long-term health
problems. Symptoms discussed in the Times’ article include pain, rashes, and
inflammation. Unfortunately, many metal-hip implant recipients who sustain
tissue damage have no symptoms, making it difficult to determine if their
device should be removed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">While Zimmer’s own estimates in 2008
suggested that some doctors in the United States experienced failure rates as
high as 5.7%, more recent claims made in Zimmer Durom Cup
lawsuits suggest that the artificial Zimmer
hip implant failure is between 20% and 30%.In July 2008, the manufacturer
decided to suspend U.S. sales of the product, but a Zimmer Durom Cup
recall was not issued since they did not uncover evidence of any
manufacturing defect or design defect. Over 12,000 people in the United
States have had a Zimmer Durom Cup implanted during their hip replacement
surgery. Hundreds of these people could experience loosening of the
component and the need for additional surgeries which was caused by the negligence
of Zimmer Holdings, Inc. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">Zimmer Holdings, Inc. reported last year that it
is setting aside $75 million to resolve current and future lawsuits over
their Durom Cup hip replacement system. In October 2008, Zimmer disclosed
that they had set aside $47.5 million to settle Durom Cup claims, and they
indicated during their fourth-quarter of 2008 earnings report that
the reserves had been increased to $69 million. The $75 million reported
this quarter appears to be in addition to that amount. In June, the U.S.
Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided to consolidate and
centralize all lawsuits over the Zimmer hipreplacement in the U.S.
District Court for the District of New Jersey as part of a multidistrict
litigation (MDL) for pretrial litigation.</span></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-62579266154950914602011-11-18T22:57:00.001-08:002012-06-15T12:28:32.430-07:00No End In Sight To Zimmer Hip Lawsuits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Revision-Surgery-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Revision-Surgery-01.jpg" />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In July 2008, Zimmer suspended US sales of
the Durom Cup following complaints about </span><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer hip implant failure</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
due to loosened components that required revision surgery. That year, Zimmer’s
own estimates suggested that some doctors in the US experienced failure rates
as high as 5.7 percent with the Durom Cup. However, some Zimmer Durom Cup</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer Hip Lawsuit</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> claim the failure
rate could be as high as 30 percent. <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">It is estimated that 500,000 patients in the U.S. may
have received metal-on-metal hips, and it’s very likely that tens of thousands
will be forced to undergo painful revision surgery due to early failures. More
lawsuits are also expected and some experts believe the litigation surrounding
all-metal hips may emerge as the largest product liability cases of this
decade.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In July 2008, the manufacturer decided to
suspend U.S. sales of the product, but a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer
Durom Cup recall<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was not issued
since they did not uncover evidence of any manufacturing defect or design
defect. In fact, they intend to reintroduce the artificial </span><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer hip implant failure</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">
after they develop instructions about the special surgical techniques that
doctors need to use to avoid the risk of Durom Cup problems. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> They have
also indicated that they will implement a new training program for U.S.
surgeons, though many prominent orthopedic surgeons have stated that the fault
lay in the design of the implant and not in their technique. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">When the Zimmer NexGen
litigation was consolidated there were 28 lawsuits filed in 13 different
federal district courts throughout the United States. Since then, at least 72
other cases filed in various federal court have been transferred to the
Northern District of Illinois. However, some<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer NexGen attorneys<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>representing plaintiffs have suggested
that hundreds of complaints are likely to be filed in the coming months over
the artificial knee systems.<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">After all federal</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">Zimmer Durom Cup hip
lawsuits</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">were consolidated last
year as part of a multidistrict litigation, or MDL, individual discovery and
proceedings on the cases were stayed while the parties continued settlement
negotiations.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> </span></span>Although the complaints involve a
number of different implants, most of the problems have been linked to the Zimmer NexGen high-flex knee components,
Zimmer NexGen MIS tibial components and Zimmer NexGen LPS gender solutions.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Revision-Surgery-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-82988256580227978412011-11-18T22:46:00.001-08:002012-06-15T12:29:16.570-07:00Zimmer Prepares for Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacement Lawsuits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://zimmerhiprecall-info.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Zimmer-Hip-Implant-Failure.jpg" />
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Shortly after Zimmer introduced the Durom Cup in the United
States, concerns emerged about a high number of </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer
hip replacement recall</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> involving the hip implant, where the component loosened and
required revision surgery.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In July 2008, Zimmer
suspended US sales of the Durom Cup following complaints about </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer
hip implant failure</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> due to loosened
components that required revision surgery. <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">Approximately 12,000 individuals had the Zimmer Durom
Cup system implanted in their hip between 2006 and 2008. While Zimmer’s own
estimates in 2008 suggested that some doctors have experienced failure rates as
high as 5.7%, more recent claims made in</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer Durom Cup lawsuits</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span lang="EN-US" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">suggest that the
artificial hip failure rate is between 20% and 30%.</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">In April 2008, prominent Los Angeles
orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Larry Dorr, notified members of the<i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; padding: 0cm;">American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons</span></i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>about the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer Durom Cup problems<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>he was encountering with patients who
received the component. Problems such as loosing of the components and a
higher than expected rate of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer
hip revision surgery</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> were identified by Dr.
Dorr.After initially dismissing Dr. Dorr’s report of problems, Zimmer agreed to
initiate an investigation of the Durom Cup problems in May 2008. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">After
reviewing data from over 3,100 cases, Zimmer concluded that the technology and
design parameters of the Durom Cup require a higher degree of precision than
was common in hip replacement surgical techniques in the United States and that
additional instructions and training should be provided to doctors before the
devices are implanted.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Zimmer Holdings, Inc.
reported in July that it is setting aside $75 million to resolve current and
future<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>lawsuits over their Durom Cup hip replacement system. The
medical device company announced the set aside in its<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>2010 second quarter financial report, saying that it is to address
known and anticipated claims connected to its decision to suspend marketing and
sales of the Durom Cup for a time 2008 due to unexpectedly high failure rates.
Sales resumed several months later after Zimmer improved the warnings and
instructions that accompany the device.<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">Earlier this year, the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> </span></span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">U.S. Food & Drug
Administration (FDA)</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat;">asked DePuy Orthopedics, Zimmer and 19 other
manufacturers of metal-on-metal hip implants to conduct safety studies aimed at
determining if these devices are shedding dangerous amounts of metallic debris
in patients.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-43701060956892205232011-10-26T11:46:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:32:19.950-07:00Ballooning Fund For Zimmer Hip Lawsuits Prepared to Burst<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHSnqT0a_8BDtNF1O4hT52KADDEQsU395NoQOGhwTt-klGdp3RMov1Az-RYbmpS7JhrnvLrdT2lWvA0ucc6CfbMlDi5oUTpp8YmrZkJR9trW2kAPp7kRokOFgmdETxbz6HsLsBX0_ETvg/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Settlement-Fund.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixHSnqT0a_8BDtNF1O4hT52KADDEQsU395NoQOGhwTt-klGdp3RMov1Az-RYbmpS7JhrnvLrdT2lWvA0ucc6CfbMlDi5oUTpp8YmrZkJR9trW2kAPp7kRokOFgmdETxbz6HsLsBX0_ETvg/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Settlement-Fund.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Zimmer Durom Cup hip implant was first introduced in the United
States in 2006, with a design that was supposed to avoid many problems
associated with traditional hip replacement components, such as instability,
limited range of motion and wear of the bearing. However, shortly after it was
introduced, concerns emerged about a high number of Zimmer hip replacement failures
involving the Durom Cup, where the component loosened and required
revision surgery. A temporary<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer hip recall<span class="apple-converted-space"> of the Durom Cup implant </span>was issued in July 2008, </span></div>
<a name='more'></a>so that
revisions could be made to the product’s warnings and instructions to ensure
that doctors were properly trained on the surgical techniques needed to implant
the artificial hip correctly.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Zimmer set up an initial fund of $47.5 million to deal with litigation
costs involving the defective hip replacements, In 2010, that fund nearly
tripled to the sum of $145 million. No Zimmer hip lawsuit settlements are expected until late 2011 or 2012 as the Zimmer hip MDL proceeds.
While Zimmer’s own estimates in 2008 suggested that some doctors experienced
failure rates as high as 5.7%, some claims have suggested that the between 20%
and 30% of people may experience Zimmer Durom Cup hip problems.
Zimmer </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">intends to reintroduce the artificial hip
implant after they develop instructions about the special surgical techniques
that doctors need to use to avoid the risk of Durom Cup problems. They
have also indicated that they will implement a new training program for U.S.
surgeons.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 11.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In
April 2008, prominent Los Angeles orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Larry Dorr, notified
members of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">American Association of Hip and Knee
Surgeons</span></em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>about the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer Durom Cup problems he was
encountering with patients who received the component. Problems such as
loosing of the components and a higher than expected rate of revisions were
identified by Dr. Dorr. After initially dismissing Dr. Dorr's report of
problems, Zimmer agreed to initiate an investigation of the Durom Cup problems
in May 2008. After reviewing data from over 3,100 cases, Zimmer concluded
that the technology and design parameters of the Durom Cup require a
higher degree of precision than was common in hip replacement surgical
techniques in the United States and that additional instructions and training
should be provided to doctors before the devices are implanted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Abelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-57966226734281396832011-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:32:50.242-07:00Zimmer Hip Lawyers Fight for Different Types of Damages<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsvTq7ZxmquTAxXflmk6s3Zd2v0ThrUfd-QipOkqpm9VMyW2-PE9PJo0GvL7gEQXLtGBNGPgYtlY0-Vh1eIy589obq6winbtwvBc7LbqZUfva-K4C3aimlAmffllY-uvSErMgRuzej8sM/s1600/Zimmer+Hip+Implants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLsvTq7ZxmquTAxXflmk6s3Zd2v0ThrUfd-QipOkqpm9VMyW2-PE9PJo0GvL7gEQXLtGBNGPgYtlY0-Vh1eIy589obq6winbtwvBc7LbqZUfva-K4C3aimlAmffllY-uvSErMgRuzej8sM/s1600/Zimmer+Hip+Implants.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-top: 11.25pt;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Papaccio v. Zimmer
Holdings, in the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Florida</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">on
July 11, 2011 asked for declaratory relief. Declaratory relief is <span style="background-color: white;">a judge's determination of the parties' rights under a
contract or a statute often requested for information in a lawsuit over a
contract. The theory is that an early resolution of legal rights will resolve
some or all of the other issues in the matter.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Over 12,000 people
in the United States have had a Zimmer Durom Cup implanted during their hip
replacement surgery. Hundreds of these people could experience Zimmer hip failure due to loosening
of the component and the need for additional surgeries which was caused by the
negligence of Zimmer Holdings, Inc. They introduced a new product without
providing adequate warnings or instructions about the proper use and surgical
techniques required leading to many hip replacement patients looking to file a Zimmer hip lawsuit.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="margin-top: 11.25pt;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Class action lawsuits
have the potential to yield high pretrial settlements with defendants risking
considerable amounts in the face of so many claims at once. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On the other hand,
individuals who suffered a more significant injury in comparison to other
similarly situated plaintiffs or if the financial consequences relevant to the
situation at hand are more excessive than the norm – an individual Zimmer hip
lawsuit may be more advantageous. Prior to deciding whether a case qualifies for a class action or individual lawsuit, they are being assessed by an experienced and knowledgeable Zimmer hip lawyer. </span><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">Earlier this year, a class action suit was filed in
Indiana on behalf of shareholders of Zimmer stock. Interestingly, the
lawsuit seeks damages for shareholders who purchased stock between January 28,
2008 and July 21, 2008, indicating that Zimmer Holdings withheld information
about their new implant from everyone, including those invested in the company.
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Another form of a Zimmer lawsuit is the disgorgement of
profits, which seeks to put a dent into the success of a company that has
profited through unscrupulous means. In July, 2008, Zimmer finally suspended
sales in America. Instead of pulling the cups from the market in January when
they became aware of problems, Zimmer left them on the market while they
investigated what was going on.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> The orthopedic devices
maker also reported second-quarter<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; padding: 0in;">net sales in 2011</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">of $1.14 billion. Despite this, Zimmer
is still signaling a decline to settle in most cases, though this may change as
their settlement relief fund grows larger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>Abelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-50730756539660769042011-10-19T08:55:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:33:29.417-07:00Large Fund Set Up By Zimmer To Settle Lawsuits<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03Dz827zkvq7rFKAdVDbcC_OAttyUI2_OayHiIX14d_N1sxNZUxyN8f_4s5Cvsq7qRjI-YHHcQegwJjnG8zd6H81cNHIg5K6rBTL5WE85pTzGp4f4zQW1n6-00blkWcOANeXm5lw4k1p3/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Suspension-of-Sales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj03Dz827zkvq7rFKAdVDbcC_OAttyUI2_OayHiIX14d_N1sxNZUxyN8f_4s5Cvsq7qRjI-YHHcQegwJjnG8zd6H81cNHIg5K6rBTL5WE85pTzGp4f4zQW1n6-00blkWcOANeXm5lw4k1p3/s1600/Zimmer-Hip-Suspension-of-Sales.jpg" /></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component is
a newer type of artificial hip part which is designed for use in combination
with Zimmer’s Metasul Metal-on-Metal Tribological Solution Large Diameter Heads
(LDH). The Zimmer Durom cup hip replacement is a monoblock of cobal chromium alloy which was
introduced in Europe in 2003 and approved in the United States in 2006. In May
2008, Zimmer sent a letter to healthcare providers indicating that they were
initiating an investigation into the complaints of Zimmer Durom Cup complications. After reviewing data on over 3,100 cases, Zimmer suspended sales
of the Durom artificial hip component in July 2008. All federal</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">lawsuits over problems with Zimmer NexGen knee
replacements</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">have been consolidated for pretrial proceedings as part of an
MDL, or multidistrict litigation, which will be centralized in the U.S.
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. </span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Shortly after the Zimmer Durom Cup lawsuits were centralized, U.S.
Magistrate Judge Madeline Cox Arleo granted defendants an extension of time for
responding by motion or answer to complaints that were filed and issued a stay
for all outstanding discovery proceedings. The action was taken so that
settlement negotiations could continue in individual cases, as mediation had
been successful in resolving many cases before the MDL was formed. In an order
issued on May 3, Judge Arleo lifted the stay with respect to the seven
non-settling Zimmer Durom Cup lawsuits, allowing the parties to begin the
exchange of information needed to prepare the cases for trial. The parties have
also been permitted to proceed with depositions with respect to common issues
and case-specific issues in the non-settling cases after June 15, 2011. In
addition, a status conference has been scheduled for June 29.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In October 2008, Zimmer disclosed that they had<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>set aside $47.5 million to settle Durom Cup claims, and they
indicated during their fourth-quarter of 2008 earnings report that the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>reserves had been increased to $69 million. The $75 million
reported last year appears to be in addition to that amount. <span class="apple-style-span">More lawsuits are expected over the coming years, the
New York Times said, and some experts believe the litigation surrounding
“all-metal hips may emerge as the largest product liability cases of this
decade.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Abelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-46104399016594415852011-10-05T09:36:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:41:19.196-07:00Zimmer Hip Replacement Problems: Device or Surgeon?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkDzhPkL-cEE1bhjHbA1x6KBqdGrdppL-9174fT_FO8cIV0I4HyXok2Rocy5r9wicrpBURemedwcIV2-VcaqQHLpoq97g-J1z0oZbg7i-BXyDZGeGLxyIm6FmXKVGuB-X_zCCcemil6TE/s1600/Zimmer_Scales_of_Justice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKkDzhPkL-cEE1bhjHbA1x6KBqdGrdppL-9174fT_FO8cIV0I4HyXok2Rocy5r9wicrpBURemedwcIV2-VcaqQHLpoq97g-J1z0oZbg7i-BXyDZGeGLxyIm6FmXKVGuB-X_zCCcemil6TE/s1600/Zimmer_Scales_of_Justice.jpg" /></a>Zimmer is making claims that there have been an excessive
number of Zimmer hip failures associated with their Durom Cup knee replacement system not
because the device itself is faulty, but because surgeons who are implanting
the device in patients are doing so incorrectly. They also cite other possible
complications that could have an impact on the viability of the device –
infection, dislocation, trauma, bone fractures, and metal hypersensitivity
could, claims Zimmer, make a medical device such as the Durom Cup more prone to
failure. Despite these claims, a class action lawsuit has been filed in Canada
that involves every one of the almost 5,000 Canadians who were fitted with a
Zimmer Durom Cup hip replacement system.</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because the lawsuit involves such a significant number of
plaintiffs, two have been chosen as representative of the lawsuit – Susan
Wilkinson and Dennis Jones. Both of these patients were fitted with their
Zimmer devices in 2008 and experienced hip replacement failure when their
devices did not fuse to their bone. Before undergoing revision surgery, they
both felt symptoms like pain and difficulty moving. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Zimmer hip class action lawsuit was approved recently by British
Columbia Supreme Court Justice Gregory Bowen. He cited the fact that at least
33 cases of Durom Cup failure were reported throughout Canada, with 21 of these
cases involving pain and loosening and 4 involving failure of the Durom Cup to
adhere to the bone of the patient. These figures reflect similar statistics in
the United States and in other countries where this specific device has been
made available. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zimmer seems to only be able to blame the high rates of
revision surgery and unprecedented rates of symptoms like pain and difficulty
walking on factors beyond their control, but it is likely that the opposite
will be pointed out in court – with lawyers for the prosecution citing evidence
including a warning about the Durom Cup by prominent surgeon Dr. Dorr, Zimmer’s
own Field Safety Notification, and the fact that Durom Cup sales were ceased in
the United States in 2010. The device continues to be sold and marketed in
Canada, although this class action lawsuit could certainly change things. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2249205875711063705" name="_GoBack"></a></div>Abelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-48589589846702171542011-09-28T11:26:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:41:51.677-07:00Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacements Cause Zimmer Lawsuits to Erupt<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWKnl4p_FsaX46JXgXA-KhOw168xUTN-Ce990jjJg6N_ILb_Ebi56hGDIR1G8aynIjP6QVrwjNybtu6_wDHvpd2x5NLinbJ9oO6vJFw7uZLCdI6j0FRbB8W6Xzck5elEA_VoOmZkrZNrq/s1600/Zimmer+Hip+Replacement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWKnl4p_FsaX46JXgXA-KhOw168xUTN-Ce990jjJg6N_ILb_Ebi56hGDIR1G8aynIjP6QVrwjNybtu6_wDHvpd2x5NLinbJ9oO6vJFw7uZLCdI6j0FRbB8W6Xzck5elEA_VoOmZkrZNrq/s1600/Zimmer+Hip+Replacement.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In August of 2010, Johnson & Johnson
subsidiary DePuy recalled both its ASR and ASR XL hip replacements systems
after growing pressure from the FDA over the devices' unusually high failure
rate. And doctors in the United Kingdom have reported that DuPuy products have
a failure rate as high as 49% after only six years. <span class="apple-style-span">The reports of problems with various metal-on-metal
designs has become so troubling that on May 6, 2011, the Food and Drug
Administration ordered a study of 145 different metal-on-metal hip replacements
designs made by 21 different manufacturers. </span>As the metal ball-and-joint
scrape against each other, tiny particles of metal debris wear off within the
patient. The particles can float freely within the joint, embed into nearby
tissue or even enter the bloodstream, causing havoc on the patient's body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Durom
Cup was first sold in the U.S. by Zimmer, in 2006, and it was implanted in more
than 12,000 Zimmer hip replacement patients over the two-year period from the Summer of 2006 to the
suspension of sales in July 2008. Based on information received from
discussions with hip surgeons throughout the country, estimates on the failure
rate of the Zimmer Durom Cup hip replacement range between 20% and 30%. The true failure rate of the
Zimmer Durom Cup may climb much higher in the coming years as doctors and their
patients come to realize that their implants are gradually failing.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">In
February 2011, The FDA launched a new website, which was designed to provide
information about the risks
associated with metal-on-metal hip replacements. The FDA has now asked
device manufacturers to obtain more information about the level at which the
metal particles shed by hip replacements becomes dangerous, how much metal they
actually shed and what the potential side effects of metallosis are. <span class="apple-style-span">Zimmer’s own estimates in 2008 suggested that some
doctors in the United States experienced failure rates as high as 5.7%, while
more recent claims made in</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">Zimmer Hiplawsuits</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="apple-style-span">suggest that the artificial hip failure rate is between
20% and 30%. Certain Zimmer hip components were recalled due to inconsistent
geometry and non-conforming designs.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 11.25pt;">
<br /></div>Abelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249205875711063705.post-60012161458603600812011-09-26T13:30:00.000-07:002012-06-15T12:42:11.186-07:00Zimmer Durom Cup Issues Are Wide and Far Reaching<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtuq4f0CfHGJr0UYS1dfbIXH3nhvhdC82WprambnoAk4yL02v0UbB23LkTZS1V9XjHkexiYSQachTGG_O_YmAZCBFk2pL_lwYc3sRzG5EP2z-CN3tOFzZsK-dGO69I-0Av3R0Jv-O8vWB/s1600/Zimmer+Hip+Implant+Replacement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtuq4f0CfHGJr0UYS1dfbIXH3nhvhdC82WprambnoAk4yL02v0UbB23LkTZS1V9XjHkexiYSQachTGG_O_YmAZCBFk2pL_lwYc3sRzG5EP2z-CN3tOFzZsK-dGO69I-0Av3R0Jv-O8vWB/s1600/Zimmer+Hip+Implant+Replacement.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 11.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The Zimmer products, sold under the brand name Durom, are marketed as a
set of ball-and-socket components for use in hip resurfacing, or as a metal
socket for use with other components in a conventional hip replacement, have been the subject of many a Zimmer Hip Lawyer. <span class="apple-style-span">Researchers, whose study was underwritten by Zimmer,
urged in their report that the Durom components no longer be used in standard
implants because of “these excessively high metal ion levels.” In this country,
the Durom product is used only in conventional implants; the resurfacing system
is not approved for sale. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">A temporary<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer Durom Cup recall<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>was issued in July 2008, so that
revisions could be made to the product’s warnings and instructions to ensure
that doctors were properly trained on the surgical techniques needed to implant
the artificial hip correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-top: 11.25pt;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Over 12,000 people in
the United States have had a Zimmer Durom Cup implanted during their hip
replacement surgery. While Zimmer’s own estimates in 2008 suggested that
some doctors experienced Zimmer hip failure rates as high as 5.7%, some claims have
suggested that the between 20% and 30% of people may experience</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">problems with a Zimmer Durom Cup hip</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.
</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The
recent<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Zimmer Durom Cup issues<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>were first noticed by prominent
orthopedic </span></div>
<a name='more'></a>surgeon, Dr. Larry Dorr, last year. He identified a high rate of
problems with the Zimmer Durom Cup, where his patients were experiencing
excruciating pain after their hip replacement which was being caused by the
artificial hip socket separating from the bone, instead of fusing with it.
After his concerns were dismissed by Zimmer, he published an open letter to his
colleges in April 2008, which eventually led Zimmer to investigate the Durom
Cup problems.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="style83">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The orthopedic-device maker has since poured tens of
millions of dollars into settlements, setting aside money for future lawsuits.
And its hip business – still the largest in the world – has taken a hit. Zimmer
spokesmen declined to comment on suits. The company has maintained that
problems associated with the Durom cup were related to training, not a product
flaw. Zimmer has said the product is safe and effective. During the 2009 fiscal
year Zimmer saw its hip revenues fall 9 percent to $300 million compared with
$330 million a year before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="style83">
<br /></div>
<div class="style83">
<br /></div>Abelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14046712870144564856noreply@blogger.com0