Widespread hip implant problems in the United States

Why do so many hip implant systems have to fail before the FDA or any medical device firm does something positive like a recall or remove from the market?

Unlike some European countries with a hip registry or sharing of information, the United States doesn’t have that database on a grand scale. Everyone would win: Surgeons would benefit from receiving more timely data which could improve patient outcomes and manufacturers would benefit by knowing how their implants are performing. Of course, the patient would benefit from the process.

What are the obstacles in establishing a U.S. national joint registry?
Costs are an obstacle because it's difficult to get all the medical centers to report data to a central location. Legal issues regarding privacy could be another obstacle. Makers of defective medical devices would be concerned as to how the data could negatively impact their bottom line. Orthopedic surgeons would not want their surgical performance to be public knowledge especially if there were issues.

In the countries with national registries, what’s been the benefit?
Timely feedback improves the quality of the outcome which enhances a quality control system. Also researchers are able to ask questions to the orthopedic community and get answers which might not be as readily available for years.

What countries have and benefit from joint registries?
The United States is one of the few developed nations that do not have a joint registry. Sweden, South Africa, Canada, and Great Britain all have joint registries. Since the United States is the world leader in joint replacement, there is no excuse not to share and benefit by user data.
Source: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Has the system failed you regarding hip implant surgery? Are you one of the 12,000 people who may need to have your current DePuy hip implant removed? If you don’t know or you do know and want to find out more, contact Anapol Schwartz law firm in Pa., NJ, or West Virginia to find out what the next step is. The information you provide will be confidential.