In 2006 Zimmer Holdings, the world’s largest manufacturer of orthopedic devices, introduced the Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Implant in the United States. Since that time, thousands of implants have been surgically inserted into American patients. The device had been used successfully in Europe since 2003 before being tried in the U.S. Unfortunately, its road to success has been far bumpier in the U.S. than it has been in Europe, and U.S. sales have been put on hold.
Physicians who performed the unsuccessful surgeries claim that the Zimmer Cup is a defective piece of equipment. Zimmer counters with the fact that it has been so successful in Europe and contends that the surgeons must be at fault. They do agree, however, that surgeons have not had access to adequate training in the correct procedures to use when performing the implant and that this lack of training has been instrumental in the failure of the replacement surgeries. With this fact in mind, Zimmer voluntarily suspended U.S. implant sales until a method of training surgeons is in place. Sadly, some surgeons are still blaming the device itself and are unwilling to perform more implant surgeries no matter what kind of training they are offered.
Zimmer holdings has released a recall of their Zimmer Durom cup hip implant. There are Zimmer hip lawsuits pending in multiple states across the US. If you or a loved on has been subject to a Zimmer Durom implant, then you may want to contact a Zimmer Hip Lawyer to see if you have a case.
Under the laws of most states, patients who suffer from the effects of defective orthopedic devices are entitled to compensation if the device doesn’t perform as expected. These laws state that patients can be compensated for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages if it is the device that is at fault. So, the battle goes on with Zimmer claiming there is nothing wrong with the design of the Durom Cup and with physicians blaming the device for the failed surgeries.
Hip replacement surgeries aren’t a new idea. In fact, as early as 1891 there is written reference to attempts to replace the femoral head using ivory devices. It wasn’t until 1960, however, that the Burmese surgeon, Dr. San Baw, started replacing broken hip bones with ivory. Within the next 20 years Dr. Baw claimed a success rate of 88% on the more than 300 replacement surgeries that he performed.
Modern hip replacement devices owe their origin to John Charnley who pioneered a 3-part artificial hip joint. Developed in the 1970s, this device or an adaptation of it was used all over the world for over 20 years. Then, in 2003, Zimmer introduced the Durom Cup which was touted as the best hip replacement device ever created during its initial try-outs in Europe.
There has been a vast improvement in both hip replacement devices and the surgical methods used to implant them in the years since the first procedures were performed, but the operation still has its problems. The most common problem patients with a Zimmer Durom Cup implant have is in the implant slipping. This occurs due to the fact that the implant is built smaller than the patient’s original bones, and if it isn’t inserted correctly, it can move around. In addition, the implant can sometimes loosen and infections can occur. In spite of the risks involved with this surgery, physicians still prefer that the patients who have serious problems with their hip joints undergo the procedure.
Zimmer can only hope to win the lawsuits that have been filed against it and be able to market their Durom Cup more successfully in the U.S. in the future. They still believe that their device can make a positive difference in the lives of many people if used correctly.
Mail this postWhat Causes Osteoporosis?
Most people consider their bones to be strong and able to support a significant amount of weight or stress. However, bones can weaken for a variety of reasons. When they do, their ability to withstand even minor weight or stress is affected. The results of this weakening can include continuous pain, frequent fractures, and even a loss of height. This condition is known as osteoporosis.
We will explore the factors that lead to weakened bone structure and how our bones develop. We’ll also describe a few known risk factors as well as preventative measures you can take today in order to prevent the condition. Knowing the health facts about diseases are part of the first steps in seeking medical attention
The Nature Of Bones
At the heart of osteoporosis is bone density – or, more specifically, a lack of it. Normally, the density of your bones is influenced by the amount of calcium and other minerals within them. If there is a healthy supply of these minerals, your bones will have enough density to support your frame. If there is a deficiency of these minerals, they will weaken.
Our bones are constantly changing through a process called “remodeling.We grow new bones to replace the one bones. When we’re young, the new bone that is created has a higher density than the bone it replaces. As a result, our skeletal structure becomes stronger with age. However, when we reach our 30’s, the new bone that is created lacks the density of our younger years. Soon, the density levels drop below the level it replaces.
We develope bone mass and bone density up to the age of 30. The chances of attracting the disease osteoporosis is linked to our levle of bone density. The higher the density, the lower the likelihood. Of course, there are other factors that can place you at risk.
Factors That Place You At Risk
Age is obviously a factor since bone remodeling after our 30’s continues to weaken our skeletal structure. Gender and ethnicity are also factors; women are more susceptible than men and Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians are more susceptible than Caucasians. There is also a connection between osteoporosis and genetics, certain types of medications, and an inactive lifestyle. Plus, doctors suspect that long-term smoking can further weaken the bones.
How To Prevent The Condition – Know the Medical Facts
Calcium and vitamin D are critical. Young people should have a rich source of both in order to build bone mass early. However, even patients who already suffer from osteoporosis can benefit. By adding Vitams D and Calicum to your diet, you can slow the effects of done density loss. You should also exercise regularly, including both cardiovascular and weight-training activity in your workout routine. Besides avoiding tobacco, limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Researchers believe that excessive amounts can prevent your bones from properly absorbing calcium.
Once it develops, osteoporosis progressively grows worse. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to slow its effects. Have your doctor test you in order to check whether the condition is present. The earlier a loss of bone density is diagnosed, the sooner you can begin taking measures to compensate.
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