Debatably The Best: Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Implants

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 have made claims that the Zimmer Cup is defective, a fact that they say has led to hundreds of patients who are now facing replacement surgery within the next few years. Zimmer, however, holds that there is nothing wrong with their implant. Instead, they claim the problem lies in the methods surgeons have been using to do the implants. They say that the surgeons did not receive the training they needed prior to doing implant surgeries, and therefore, the implants have failed. Although Zimmer has not accepted responsibility for the problem, it did voluntarily suspend sales of the device in the United States until such time as surgeons can receive the training they need to perform successful implants.

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 implants have been recorded as early as 1891 when surgeons used ivory fittings in an attempt to replace the femoral head. It wasn't until 1960, though, that a Burmese surgeon, Dr. San Baw, used ivory to try and replace broken hip bones which started the modern era of hip replacement surgery. During a 20-year period Dr. Baw did over 300 hip surgeries and claimed an 88% success rate.

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.

While hip replacement surgery and the replacement devices used have improved remarkably from the early years, the operation is still far from foolproof. The most common problem when using a Zimmer Durom Cup implant is that it is somewhat smaller than the original human joint and can slip out of the socket, especially if it isn't implanted correctly. Implants are also prone to loosening over time and infections can set in. In spite of these risks, doctors still recommend the surgery for people with seriously damaged hip joints.

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.

by: Christopher Smith

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