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Posted by Salvatore J. Zambri, founding member and partner
The FDA recently announced a Class 1 Recall for DePuy Orthopedics. We are reproducing the recall notice below for our readers in its entirety. If you anticipate or have recently had knee replacement surgery, please consult with your surgeon regarding the type of implant and possible symptoms or issues related to it.
“DePuy Orthopaedics LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve: Class I Recall – Taper Connection May Not Accommodate Physiologic Loads
[Posted 02/22/2013]
AUDIENCE: Orthopedics, Surgery, Risk Manager
ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals of a Class I recall of the LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve. The LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve to Diaphyseal Sleeve Base taper connection may not be sufficient to accommodate potential physiologic loads that may be transferred to the junction during normal gait activities by some patients. This may result in fracture of the sleeve at the taper joint which may also lead to loss of function or loss of limb, infection, compromised soft tissue or death.
The FDA has received a total of 10 reports (6 fractures and 4 reports of loosening that may or may not be attributed to the same device design issue) of incidents in which the device has malfunctioned.
The affected devices were manufactured from 2008 to July 20, 2012. See the Recall notice for a list of affected product codes and lot numbers.
BACKGROUND: The LPS Diaphyseal Sleeve is intended for use with the LPS System which is an end-stage revision knee product that allows surgeons to reconstruct severe soft tissue and bony defects. The diaphyseal sleeve is intended to enhance the fit and fill of the diaphyseal femoral canal with femoral and tibial replacements.
RECOMMENDATION: On Jan. 4, 2013, DePuy issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall informing hospitals and surgeons of the problem and to immediately stop distributing or using the recalled lots. If a medical facility has the affected product in stock, it should be returned to DePuy.
DePuy is not recommending revision or additional follow up in the absence of symptoms of patients with this implanted device. However, DePuy is encouraging surgeons to communicate with patients who received these implants and discuss the risks of the implant fracture and the method for detecting implant failure if the patient begins experiencing symptoms.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
[02/22/2013 – Recall Notice – FDA]”
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About the author:
Mr. Zambri is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorney and Past-President of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The association has recently named him the ” 2011 Trial Lawyer of the Year“. He has also been acknowledged by Washingtonian magazine as a “Big Gun” and among the “top 1%” of all of the more than 80,000 lawyers in the Washington metropolitan area. The magazine also acknowledged him as “one of Washington’s best–most honest and effective lawyers” who specializes in medical malpractice matters, product liability claims, and serious automobile accident claims. Mr. Zambri was recently (2013 edition) acknowledged as one of the “Best Lawyers in America” by Best Lawyers in both medical malpractice and personal injury law, and has also been repeatedly named a “Super Lawyer” by Law and Politics magazine (2013)–a national publication that honors the top lawyers in the country.
Mr. Zambri is regularly asked to present seminars to lawyers and doctors, as well as both medical and law students concerning defective drugs, medication errors, medical malpractice litigation, and safety improvements.
If you have any questions about your legal rights, please email Mr. Zambri at [email protected]. You may also reach him at 202-822-1899.
