Sulzer Orthopedics is a hip replacement device manufacturer. On December 8, 2000, they voluntarily recalled their Inter-Opacetabular shells as they contained traces of mineral oil. This interfered with the attachment of the device to the patient’s bone.

Sulzer’s hip replacement devices were found to be defective after implantation in more than 25,000 patients. This meant that in many cases the devices had to be replaced causing additional pain and distress for the patients. The cost of these surgeries can range from $20,000 -$50,000.

On May 8, 2002, $1 Billion settlement in the class action litigation was approved. During June of 2002 Sulzer changed it’s name to Centerpulse. On May 31, 2002, Centerpuluse announced approval of the settlement agreement.