Almost everyone is familiar with Johnson & Johnson—after all their reach extends to virtually every industry in the medical sector. Unfortunately, the warm and fuzzy feelings many of us have regarding J & J as a result of their marketing of baby products is fading fast amidst the recent rash of recalls and lawsuits.

Smith & Nephew is well-known for its innovative contributions to the design of hip implants. For example, in 2003 the company introduced their own exclusive alloy comprised of oxidized zirconium. This oxidized zirconium appears to increase the hip implant durability and, unlike ceramic components does not fracture. According to Smith and Nephew the release of metal ions and debris are significantly reduced when this particular alloy is used in the hip implant components. Like many other hip implant manufacturers, however, Smith and Nephew has experienced trouble with another device—the metal liner used in the R3 Acetabular system was recalled on June 1, 2012. 

Although the Zimmer Durom Acetabular Component Hip Implant was designed to minimize friction, improve patient mobility and eliminate hip pain, like many other metal-on-metal hip implants it has suffered its share of problems. The Durom Acetabular Component has been available in the United States since 2006, however a mere two years later, Zimmer Holding, Inc., sent out a warning to all medical professionals stating they would be conducting research within the company regarding the safety of the cup.

Metal-on-metal hip implants have been in the news frequently over the past couple of years for a very good reason—metallosis and hip implant failures are increasingly common among those with all-metal hip implants. Even the most conservative estimates point to as many as 7,500—or 3% of all those with metal hip implants—affected by cobalt and chromium poisoning and hip implant failure.

The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implant devices were both recalled in July, 2012 after an Urgent Safety Alert went out to physicians and hospitals in April, 2012. This alert conceded that there could be certain safety risks associated with these hip implants, particularly fretting and corrosion at the modular neck junction.