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THR-Zimmer recall

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roadglide1959
roadglide1959

Hello everyone,

I had my left hip replaced in April of 2013, in which the VA used all Zimmer replacement parts. And I have read where everything used has been recalled. Due to manufacturers defects, which was known by Zimmer. I have had ongoing pain on a daily basis since the surgery. I have a 12" incision versus the Typical 4-5" incision. This has left me with a 28% permanent partial impairment to my body.

I am now scheduled for my right hip to be done in November. This time the VA is 'Fee Basing' (authorizing out sourced medical procedures) through a local hospital. They will be using Smith & Nephew products. Doing an Anterial approach from the front of the thigh, versus the side. I am staying optimistic with this new procedure. The doctors claim there is less muscle cut and recovery time is virtually cut in half.

I'm praying that I can lead a fairly normal life afterwards. Although I am very concerned about the recall of the Zimmer hip replacement. Am I going to have to have reconstructive surgery?

I am anxious to hear some feedback from anyone.

roadglide1959

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • jackie56101
    jackie56101 roadglide1959

    Posted

    Good morning,  you can find out what was recalled by going on line. You need serial numbers your doctor can get them for you. That's what I had to do turns out the one they put in me wasn't  recalled! You can call hospital where you had your surgery and ask for the operative report as well. You have right to these records. Good luck stay strong. I'm almost at my one year I had revision on left in still in physical therapy 3x week and I have nerve damage which is very painful and hard to sleep burning, tingling etc. Still on disability can't work. Take care good luck Jackie
    • roadglide1959
      roadglide1959 jackie56101

      Posted

      Hello Jackie,

      I went on line and compared my Zimmer parts. They seem to all be on recall. Mainly the Acetabular Cup device. I'm seeing alot of television commercials about metal on metal hip implant recalls. I hate the thought of having to retain an attorney to file a lawsuit against Zimmer. The real scary thought, is having to have reconstructive surgery.

      And now that I'm having the other hip replaced. I'm having alot of lower back pain. I have heard this is common place when both hips are bad. Damn, does it ever stop?

      Well thanks for listening and also for your input Jackie.

      roadglide1959

    • jackie56101
      jackie56101 roadglide1959

      Posted

      Good morning, I received all Serial numbers from my doctor. Went on line nothing matched up, I also called number that was on Web site. There's alot stuff online and tv . Best thing to do get your operative report from doctor / hospital. Take care hope things go well for you. Let me know how your doing  jackie
  • davidintheUSA
    davidintheUSA roadglide1959

    Posted

    I too, have zimmer which is not subject to recall. I believe it was the Durom Cup model that was. Zimmer has a wide range of products so you need to identify which you have.

    I had the posterior approach, a 12" scar but had no pain and the recovery was fairly fast.

    Revision surgeries are rather unpredictable as far as I can tell. Basically a matter of luck whether it goes well. Some do, some don't. I just had revision on my left hip that so far is successful, but revisions are generally more difficult with more pain and longer recovery times. I was placed on 6 weeks zero weight bearing. It was a pretty tough time, so prepare for the worst, hope for the best is good advice.

  • eamonn1973
    eamonn1973 roadglide1959

    Posted

    Hi there

    I'm not sure about the recall and what needs to be done with it but I think I would wait until I had tge first hip completed.  It would be awful to have a nice new shines hip and then have to go throughout surgery to get the other one sorted.  Would ask the hospital could both be done at once???

    • roadglide1959
      roadglide1959 eamonn1973

      Posted

      Eamonn,

      I've been reading a few articles about the Anterior Approach for hip replacement surgery. They actually lay you on your back, and go through the front of your thigh. Allowing no muscle tissue cutting and lessoning the healing process.

      Most case scenario's, patients are walking the next day without support. And being able to sit and walk steps also.

      This is the procedure that will be done for me this time around. I had my left hip done in April of 2013. And the surgeon did it via the side of my leg.

      I'm really hoping for a 100% better outcome. I'll post my recovery process after my surgery.

      roadhlide1959

    • ginger47520
      ginger47520 roadglide1959

      Posted

      However this approach does have its concerns.

      Like femoral nerve damage. To me and what I have read it's more painful. 

      Yes I walked using a walker less  than twelve hours post op. Some of us have problems lifting up the leg when sitting down to put it into jeans.

      I'm at five months post op still can't lift my leg sitting down on a chair.I have to hold it until it goes into my pants.

      The best thing about the anterior approach is that it's rare for it to dislocate.lol

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