Details of Cranial Implant Use in the United States

Copyright (c) 2009 Katie Kelley

Cranial implants are used for an array of face, jaw and cranium defects among a variety of patients in the United States. Cranial defects can develop in several ways. Some of the following are conditions that often require the implementation of a these kits.

* birth defects/complications

* traumatic brain injury

* cranial abnormalities

* orbital roof or medial wall defects

* brain hemorrhaging

* soft tissue loss

* scalp swelling

One such defect that is commonplace in requiring a cranial implant kit is that of temporomandibular joint, or TMJ of the jaw joint, which occurs as a "collection of poorly understood conditions characterized by pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues and limitations in jaw movements," according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) of the National Institutes of Health.

Arthritis is one of the known injuries affecting patients of TMJ who experience regular pain. Usually TMJ effects women in their "childbearing years" but also affects nearly 10 million Americans, both men and women, "at any given time."

Cranial Implant Recall

The technology for which kits are created is quite advanced and often kits are specially designed and cut for an individual, which makes it even more difficult for such products to be recalled as surgery is often required. According to a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) medical announcement, "custom cranial implants are designed individually for each patient to correct trauma and/or defects in the lower jaw, upper jaw and face or the cranium and the face."

Unfortunately, one such recall has recently occurred among the Stryker Corporation's Custom Cranial Implant Kits. The recall will likely effect 322 patients whose kits may be affected by sterility issues. Disregarding the recent recall could cost a patient their life, which is why it is imperative that something be done immediately to ensure the safety of the cranial implant kit recall.

It may be necessary for victims of the Stryker cranial implant kit recall to obtain professional legal assistance for the harm that may befall them as a result of the recall.

Also, it is wise to discuss the details of a cranial implant kit recall case with an experienced attorney who may be able to provide insightful perspective as to the development of potential litigation. A patient must be aware of the potential dangers associated with such an issue in order to avoid further harm.