Defective Hip Implants Spur Move to Ceramic Components
April 22nd, 2008 joshua
A recent study suggests surgeons will opt more for alternative acetabular bearing surfaces in future hip implant surgeries.
In the next two years, according to Millenium Research Group, 45 percent of physicians plan to use a ceramic component in joint replacement surgeries. Another 30 percent say they will use metal acetabular bearing surfaces in hip surgery.
Debris from the traditional polyethylene bearings is causing implant loosening and joint infections. Styrker Corp. is facing numerous lawsuits over its defective hip and knee implants, due to unsanitary conditions at two of its facilities manufacturing these parts, and patients have been reporting, in large numbers, problems with their new joints, including pieces of them breaking off inside the body.
In January the company issued a recall on its Trident Acetabular PSL and Hemispherical Cup. These acetabular cups are used in the socket portion of the hip replacement. Concerns began to grow about these components being contaminated with manufacturing residuals.












