DePuy Orthopaedics has announced the recall of LPS Lower Extremity Dovetail Intercalary Components because of an issue that could lead to pain or even a revision procedure. The device, which is implanted in patients requiring a partial or total femur replacement or a proximal tibia replacement, can experience a fracture along the female portion of the device. It reportedly does not take extensive activity and pressure for this to occur; the fracture can take place even during simple walking. When it happens, the user can experience intense pain, lost limb function, an infection, and more, and the failure may necessitate a revision surgery. Surgeons are being asked to cease implanting the device and doctors are being asked to speak with patients who have gotten the devices implanted.
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