Synovo Devices

[misternewt]

Hello,
I am new to this forum and website.  I am 44 years old and have OA in both hips and have been "just dealing with it" and not sure when my time to tap out will come.  But like most of you, I want to get back to enjoying the things I love and I have been heavily researching hip resurfacing.  Due to my research, vibes, and location I am hoping to be scheduled with Dr. Pritchett.  I have also been trying to research different devices, particularly the Synovo device that Dr Pritchett is known to use.  Upon searching "Synovo" on the internet, a lot of recent results from early 2024 are showing FDA warnings and lawyer websites mentioning lawsuits.
Are these seemingly negative search results relating to the hip resurfacing device specifically?  Are these seemingly negative search results frivolous? 
More importantly, is there anyone on here who has had the Synovo device for sometime (years) and had issues or is everybody super happy with the device?
Thank you, and thank you for having me on this forum.
Jake

[Pat Walter]

Here is a section of Dr. Pritchett stories   https://surfacehippy.info/category/hip-resurfacing-stories/dr-pritchett/
He has done over 10,000+ hip resurfacings.   

Here is a video about the synovo preserve    https://surfacehippy.info/synovo-preserve-highly-cross-linked-polyethylene-ceramic-coated-hip-resurfacing-device/
https://surfacehippy.info/dr-pritchett-interview-featuring-information-about-hip-resurfacing/
I hope that helps.  Other Dr. Pritchett patients might respond to your inquiry.
Pat

[misternewt]

Thanks for the response Pat, and nice to meet you.  I appreciate this website!  I have seen these videos and read the testimonials.  However I am searching for testimonials on longevity of the Synovo devices.  Maybe some users will chime in on here.

[jimbone]

Hello Jake,

Glad to have a chance to respond to your question.  Dr. Pritchett did both my hips in July 2018 and Sept. 2018. I received the Synovo device in both hips.  I was 63 years old at the time, had been suffering OA for about a decade and by the time of surgery I was barely able to walk most days.  The procedures essentially saved my life or at least a life I would not have wanted to live.  Pritchett is a surgeon of unquestionable skill and experience.  He was fundamental in the development of the Synovo device.  AFAIK, it is still his go to prosthetic or as far as I'm concerned should be.  My recovery was quick with both hips, all restrictions off at 6 months, after nearly 7 years now I am without pain, restrictions or concerns.  My gait is normal, ROM more than I could ask for, I work out, hike, swim and sail as well as crew on race boats without a second thought of my hips, stability, strength or balance.  Surgeon selection is the key factor in having the HR procedure.  You will not go wrong with Dr. Pritchett- his record speaks for itself.
It's a big decision to have the surgery and there is no escaping the doubts and second thoughts.  Study the data, read the stories, weigh the odds against a life of decreasing ability that is the outcome of OA and quell your thoughts and make the decision.  You will wake up in a recovery free of OA pain knowing you made the right choice.  Read Prichett's website thoroughly- you will find insights into the ethics and dedication of his medical practice that certainly helped me decide I'd found the doctor I needed.  I think you'll find the same.  Best of luck and feel free to reach out with questions or concerns.

[catfriend]

Like Jimbone, I have also had both of my hips resurfaced by Dr, Pritchett, my R in 2016 and my L in 2021. If you've read much about the Synovo recall you'll realize my 2021 resurfacing was most likely one of the affected. Except, as it turned out, it wasn't. After reading that there might be issues with devices implanted in 2021 I called his office. Dr. Pritchett called me back from his personal cell phone within an hour or two, and we talked for a good hour or so. I can't recall every detail of the conversation, but I'll try and hit some of the highlights. If I recall correctly the problem was some changes by Synovo manufacturer that were essentially minor (Dr. P gave me the details, but I've forgotten), but the company didn't spend the $$$ necessary to conduct studies and have it recertified by the FDA. It had been certified before this, but any changes, no matter how minor, require testing and recertification. The Synovo manufacturer didn't notify physicians of this, and it wasn't something obvious. When the FDA caught wind of this they revoked certification, etc. They didn't require removal of the devices. As part of this recall Dr. P (and all other surgeons using the device) were required to contact every patient with an affected device (serial numbers were provided), check them out, etc. Not a single one of Dr. P's patients had experienced any adverse events. Probably nobody else's patients had any problems either, as the change was insignificant, but that wasn't germane to our discussion. Since the Synovo device is no longer on the market he is no longer using it. He's using a device that is the same as the Synovo, but produced by another manufacturer, and it is FDA approved.

As for the original Synovo, like Jimbone I've never had a single problem. What I always say is that my hips both feel like completely normal, natural hips that were never diseased. There is not a single activity that I want to do that I wouldn't do. I could not be happier with the results. What's more, I know that if I were to have any issues or concerns I could call him on his cell. I don't see me ever needing to do that, but I know that option is there for me. I've never had another doctor make that offer.

I hope this puts your mind at ease. Like I say, I can't remember all the details, although Dr. P did give me the specifics. You should definitely ask him about the Synovo story during your consultation. You won't be receiving one of those devices, but he can give you the story better than I can.

[misternewt]

Jimbone and Catfriend,

Wow, thank you for your responses, it is very appreciated.  Naturally I am just a skeptic and investigative and when I saw what came up in the search results I was surprised.  Dr Pritchett briefly spoke on the FDA topic during our online consult so I had part of the story. 
I also feel confident in Dr Pritchett and feel fortunate to have someone like him as an option.  Right now I am stuck somewhere in the realm of, my OA hurts a lot on some days, hurts virtually everyday and does impede parts of my life but I just push through it.  However, I know the day of surgery is coming and wish to face the music before that point.  I was rated as a 4 on the cartilage loss scale.
Thanks again for your responses.  It brightened my day!
Jake

[Pat Walter]

Catfriend.  Thank You so much for your participation since 2016 on the Hip Talk Forum.  You information helps others and you often answer questions for others.  It is folks like you that make the forum such a wonderful place to learn about hip resurfacing and share stories.
I update your original story today with an additional story about your second hip resurfacing.  https://surfacehippy.info/elizebeths-bilateral-hip-resurfacing-with-dr-pritchett-2016-2021/
Again, Thank You for all the help you have offered others throughout the years.  I wish you the very best!
Pat

[catfriend]

Pat - thank you for your very kind words. I try and be helpful when I can.