You’re stuck paying when implants fail. Really.Hip and knee manufacturers make billions marketing their products to younger and younger Americans. But they don’t back them up with a warranty, leaving  patients or taxpayers on the hook for their cost if they fail. Join our campaign to demand they warranty implants!

 

 

 

 

You’ve likely seen the TV ads for knee and hip replacements. These implants are big business in America, and why not? Who doesn’t want to feel better, play longer.

But there’s something important you don’t know. Most hips and knees aren’t required by the FDA to be proven safe and effective before they’re implanted in our bodies.

And despite manufacturer claims that implants are safe and of high quality, the largest U.S. companies won’t back them up with a warranty if they fail – dumping the cost to replace them on patients or taxpayers. Really?

Join our campaign to demand implant makers warranty their products. You shouldn’t pay for their failure!

Just like the warranties that cover defects in cars and computers, artificial knees and hips should come with a guarantee so the manufacturer – not you or Medicare – pays to replace them due to a defect. Already more than a million surgeries are performed each year, and that’s expected to reach 4 million by 2030 as industry markets these joints to younger Americans.

When an implant fails, it can require complex revision surgery that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Recently, Johnson & Johnson recalled a metal hip after one in eight patients needed it replaced within just five years. Our research found that all the major hip and knee makers have recalled a product, or line of products, in the past decade.

Without a warranty, it’s unclear who pays: the patient, the insurance company, or Medicare – which taxpayers end up covering. Only one major manufacturer has a warranty, and it’s just on one knee product. For all other hips and knees, companies aren’t on the hook for the replacement cost, despite implants ringing up billions in annual sales.

These companies make big money marketing new knees and hips to us. Demand they back their products with a warranty!

By taking action, you’ll be joining tens of thousands of other consumers sending an email directly to manufacturers’ headquarters. The more emails we can send, the more we can hold companies accountable for their products!

Sincerely, Lisa McGiffert, Consumers Union Policy and Action from Consumer Reports