Congressman Bob Filner is lauding an effort to get information from the country's top artificial knee and hip manufacturer about problems with its product. Some local patients predict there's more pressure to come on the companies that make the devices.
Filner says he supports Senator Chuck Grassley's recent letter to Zimmer Holdings asking for details about complaints against its artificial knees and hips.
Grassley's letter followed a New York Times article detailing a surgeon's concerns about the premature failure of the so-called Zimmer Knee.
San Diego resident Lisé Markham had to have a second surgery to replace a flawed artificial hip. She called the inquiry long overdue.
"I think it's just the tip of the iceberg," Markham said. "I think there's going to be a lot more pressure for these device manufacturers to come clean and the damage they've done to patients."
Zimmer says it strives to protect patients and diligently monitor the performance of their products through a "post-market surveillance program."
