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 with lawsuits for faulty implant surgeries still hanging over their heads claim that the devices were defective which caused them to fail. Zimmer, however, cites its many successes in Europe and places blame on the surgeons for having too little training in the proper methods of performing the implant. With this problem in mind, Zimmer voluntarily shut down its U.S. sales of the device until they can make correct training available to American doctors. Still, there are a lot of surgeons who say they will not use the device again despite the fact that they are offered additional training.
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.
The idea of replacing defective hip bones and sockets isn’t a new one. Clear back in 1891 surgeons recorded doing surgeries using ivory devices in attempts to replace the femoral head that fits into the hip socket. In 1960, Dr. San Baw of Burma pioneered a method of using ivory to replaced broken hip bones. During the 20 year period that followed, Dr. Baw claimed an 88% success rate in the 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.
Even though the devices and surgical procedures used in hip replacements have come a long way since they were first attempted over 100 years ago, they are still prone to problems. Patients using the Zimmer Durom Cup have most often suffered the effects of their implant slipping. This happens because the device is smaller than the original human joint components. If it isn’t implanted correctly, then it may move around. Other complications can be loosening of the implanted joint and infection. Even with the risks, however, doctors still encourage patients who have serious damage in their hip joints to get the surgery done.
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.