I think it is safe to say that most of us, when given the option, would rather not have something permanently implanted in our bodies.  Medical device companies understand this preference and thus, have been increasing their exploration into the market of absorbable implants.  The premise behind most of these ‘absorbable’ products is that the device retains its physical characteristics long enough to serve its utility and then is absorbed by the body after a certain period of time.

Without getting into too much detail, most of these absorbable (or resorbable) implants are made from organic macromolecular compounds such as polyglycolic or polylactic acid, which are and absorbable by the body.   They also possess the chemical and physical properties necessary for internal fixation devices.

An example of one of these resorbable products is the CALAXO screw made by Smith and Nephew.  This screw is used in place of a titanium screw to secure a graft in ACL reconstruction.  The screw is resorbed by the body over the course of the next 12 months, and compounds within the screw stimulate the natural process of bone formation in its place. The new bone fills the tunnel where the surgeon originally placed the screw, and promotes the ossification of the graft.

Unfortunately, the Calaxo screw did not enjoy the success of some other resorbable implant devices.  Smith & Nephew Endoscopy initiated a voluntary recall of CALAXO Bioresorbable Interference Screws in August, 2007 after receiving reports of swelling at the site of the implant.  In most instances the swelling can be reduced by aspiration at the site of the swelling.  Unfortunately, if the symptoms are severe enough, further surgical procedures may be required.  The remaining screw fragments or any resulting bony growth may have to be removed surgically.  There is also the possibility that surgical grafting may be required or replacement hardware implanted.

If you’ve suffered from the use of a Calaxo screw in your ACL surgery, the Calaxo lawyers at Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris may be able to help you.  Call today to discuss your concerns. You may be eligible to recover compensation for your physical, emotional and financial losses.  Call toll free (800) 852-6299 or email  attorney Stephen Hunt: shunt@cwcd.com.

So, what does the government do when a judge tells them something they do not like?  They change the rules.  After losing those cases, the IRS reacted by issuing an interpretation of their own rules to state that they consider residents that work more than 40 hours a week to be employees rather than students – and therefore, should be taxed.

Earlier this month, an appeals court ruled that it was ok for the IRS to interpret and define residents as employees rather than students.  So as it stands now, the tax refund is off the table unless a resident works less than 40 hours during a normal week.   I am sure the hospital that was defeated by the appeals court ruling will appeal to the Supreme Court, but who knows if they will hear the case or not.  Until then, both the teaching hospitals and their residents should be paying their FICA taxes.

Here is the WSJ article link:  http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124484480481711085.html

And here is the link to the Court of Appeals opinion:
http://www.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/09/06/073242P.pdf

Details :available at :http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2009/safety09.htm#plavix . Attorneys at Cory Watson Crowder and DeGaris are interested in talking with patients who have concerns about the effectiveness of Plavix. Please contact Stephen Hunt at shunt@cwcd.com or 800-852-6299.

The plate is somewhat flexible and can be contoured to better match the patient’s unique anatomy before insertion.  The “HYDOSORB” material (a PLDLA co-polymer consisting of 70 percent Poly (L-lactide) and 30 percent Poly (D,L-lactide)) allegedly dissolves in the body within 18 to 36 months after implantation.  As the plate dissolves, it passes its by-products, carbon dioxide and water, through the lungs.

The case we are currently looking at involves a patient that had a Mystique Plate implanted for an ACDF.  Unfortunately, the repair resulted in non-union and required replacement with a metal plate.  During the replacement surgery, the surgeon found that the absorbable screws had broken and the plate had not maintained its placement.

Our independent research has shown a trend of this type of incident with the Mystique plate.  In fact, there is a case report and failure analysis describing similar incidents here.

Our firm is interested in talking to anyone that has experienced a similar product failure involving a MYSTIQUE™ Plate.  Please contact the attorney leading this investigation, Stephen Hunt, Jr., at shunt@cwcd.com  or call 1-800-852-6299.