Complications Lead to a Smith & Nephew Hip Replacement Recall
Smith & Nephew describes itself as a “global medical technology business, specializing in Orthopaedic Reconstruction, Orthopaedic Trauma & Clinical Therapies, Endoscopy and Advanced Wound Management products.”
On March 6, 2008, Smith & Nephew, Inc. announced the launch of a new product – the R3 Acetabular System. The medical device is a multi-bearing acetabular cup system used in total hip replacement procedures.
The R3 Acetabular Cup was manufactured and designed for multiple bearing options, and the medical device used a STIKTITE porous coating to improve bonding with the natural thighbone. As well as providing more flexibility to orthopedic surgeons, the product was designed to cut down on wear and tear that can lead to other health complications. Three types of liners are used with the R3 Acetabular Primary Cup System:
- R3 TM Ceramic Acetabular Liner (Ceramic Liner)
- Biolox Forte Liners (Ceramic Liner)
- R3 TM Constrained Liner (Acetabular Liner)
Unfortunately, alleged complications with the Smith & Nephew, Inc. products have resulted in voluntary recalls of several of the medical devices.
Details Regarding the Smith & Nephew Hip Replacement Recall
Smith & Nephew, Inc. has recalled 185 of its BIRMINGHAM hip resurfacing system implants after at least two reported incidents of patients having to undergo revision surgeries. The products were voluntarily recalled because of a mishap with the packaging of the product, which resulted in the mixing together of different sizes of the acetabular cup.
Smith & Nephew, Inc. has also faced additional problems with the R3 Forte Ceramic Liner. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of the product on March 11, 2011, as a small number of the R3 Forte Ceramic Liner’s metal rings were assembled at a higher press setting than indicated in the manufacturing specification, which could lower the expected strength for the liners.
Contacting a Smith & Nephew Hip Lawyer
Due to the potential adverse side effects of this hip replacement system and the Smith & Nephew hip recall, some victims are seeking retribution through a Smith & Nephew hip lawsuit, similar to those who filed a Depuy hip implant lawsuit. If a Smith & Nephew hip replacement product has adversely affected you or a loved one, contact a Chaffin Luhana LLP Smith & Nephew lawyer at 1-888-480-1123 for a free and confidential case review. You may be eligible for compensation, and a lawyer at Chaffin Luhana can help.