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Sulzer Orthopedics
Why did Sulzer Medica recall the Hip Replacement Joints?
Sulzer Medica disclosed that a "mineral-oil based lubricant" was found on the surface of the recalled Inter-Op® shells. In some patients, this lubricant has prevented proper bonding of the prosthesis with the patient's own surrounding bone and tissue causing joint instability and severe pain. Sulzer had reported that 129 people had undergone required revision surgery by mid-January, 2001. However, that number has now increased to 573 as of March 1, 2001.
Sulzer Orthopedics Inc. has now received adverse reports concerning one of its artificial knee parts. Though the manufacturer is not recalling the product, it did withdraw it from the market in March due to a problem with one of the parts of the knee prosthesis called the tibia baseplate. About 1,300 people in the United States have received the knee part so the potential problem with the knee part is far smaller in scope than the problem with the Inter-Op hip prosthesis.
How can I find out what type of hip prosthesis was used in my hip replacement surgery?
Ask your doctor or surgeon and to give you a written confirmation of what type and model of hip replacement prosthesis was used in your surgery (or surgeries).
What is a hip replacement?
Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the diseased parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new, artificial parts. These artificial parts are called the prosthesis. The goals of hip replacement surgery are to improve mobility by relieving pain and improve function of the hip joint.
Why do people have hip replacement surgery?
The most common reason that people have hip replacement surgery is the wearing down of the hip joint that results from osteoarthritis. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling), avascular necrosis (loss of bone caused by insufficient blood supply), injury, and bone tumors also may lead to breakdown of the hip joint and the need for hip replacement surgery.
Who should be done prior to considering hip replacement surgery?
Before suggesting hip replacement surgery, the doctor is likely to try walking aids such as a cane, or non-surgical therapies such as medication and physical therapy. These therapies are not always effective in relieving pain and improving the function of the hip joint. Hip replacement may be an option if persistent pain and disability interfere with daily activities. Before a doctor recommends hip replacement, joint damage should be detectable on x rays.
What pre existing health problems may complicate hip replacement surgery?
For some people who would otherwise qualify, hip replacement may be problematic. For example, people with chronic diseases such as those that result in severe muscle weakness or Parkinson's disease are more likely than people without chronic diseases to damage or dislocate an artificial hip. Because people who are at high risk for infections or in poor health are less likely to recover successfully, doctors may not recommend hip replacement surgery for these patients.
What are alternatives to total hip replacement?
Before considering a total hip replacement, the doctor may try other methods of treatment, such as an exercise program and medication. An exercise program can strengthen the muscles in the hip joint and sometimes improve positioning of the hip and relieve pain.
What does hip replacement surgery involve?
The hip joint is located where the upper end of the femur meets the acetabulum. The femur, or thighbone, looks like a long stem with a ball on the end. The acetabulum is a socket or cup-like structure in the pelvis, or hipbone. This "ball and socket" arrangement allows a wide range of motion, including sitting, standing, walking, and other daily activities.
During hip replacement, the surgeon removes the diseased bone tissue and cartilage from the hip joint. The healthy parts of the hip are left intact. Then the surgeon replaces the head of the femur (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket) with new, artificial parts. The new hip is made of materials that allow a natural, gliding motion of the joint. Hip replacement surgery usually lasts 2 to 3 hours.
Sometimes the surgeon will use a special glue, or cement, to bond
the new parts of the hip joint to the existing, healthy bone. This is
referred to as a "cemented" procedure. In an uncemented procedure, the
artificial parts are made of porous material that allows the patient's
own bone to grow into the pores and hold the new parts in place.
Doctors sometimes use a "hybrid" replacement, which consists of a
cemented femur part and an uncemented acetabular part.
