In 2000, Sulzer Orthopedics noticed higher than normal revision surgeries on their InterOpAcetabular Shell. The shell was held to the pelvis with screws, yet these sockets started to loosen. Patients experienced persistent and sharp groin pain due to this loosening and were unable to bear their weight on the leg that had the implant. Approximately 25,000 shells were affected. 17,500 of these were already implanted in patients. Following weeks of investigation of patients record, surgical techniques, and the product itself, the company ordered a recall. Sulzer eventually agreed to $1 billion settlement with affected patients.
Category: Processing and Manufacturing
Plastic Processing and the Analogy of Butter and Bread
As you become familiar with implant or device manufacturing methods that involve polymers or composites where a polymer is a continuous matrix, you will come across the terms thermoset or thermoplastic curing.
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