Texas based Sulzer Orthopedics issued a voluntary recall of approximately 25,000 Inter-Opâ acetabular shell components (an artificial hip implant part) in December 2000. Sulzer Orthopedics, a United States subsidiary of the Swiss company, Sulzer Medica issued the recall after discovering a mineral oil-based lubricant on the surface of the shells.

This residue has caused the shell to improperly bond with the bone of the acetabulum (upper area of the hip). Most of the shell components were manufactured before October 1, 1999, however there is a limited number that date back to 1997. The shells were mainly distributed in Texas, California, Florida, and Arizona and implanted into approximately 17,500 patients.

Symptoms include severe groin pain, increased thigh pain, and the inability to tolerate weight or resistance when placed on the effected leg. Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their physician immediately. So far, 129 cases of loosening have been reported in patients who received recalled shells following hip replacement surgery.