Provide Warranties for Hip & Knee Implants, Consumer Union Asks Implant Makers (OrthoSpineNews)
The policy arm of Consumer Reports is calling on the top manufacturers of hip and knee implants to provide warranties that would entitle patients to have defective devices replaced at no cost.
Consumers Union is pushing device makers to equip patients with warranties so they will have a better understanding of how long an implant is expected to last and a clear process to follow in the event that it fails prematurely. Ultimately, warranties will encourage companies to make their devices safer and more durable, according to Consumers Union.
“Patients have a right to know how long medical device manufacturers are willing to stand by their products,” said Lisa McGiffert, director of Consumers Union’s Safe Patient Project. “While patients may be told by their surgeon how long a device can be expected to last, they rarely get a guarantee in writing since most hip and knee implants do not come with a warranty.”
Biomet is the only company that provides a warranty and it covers just one partial knee implant. Consumers Union’s warranty campaign is being launched at a time when hip and knee...
