Sulzer Orthopedics

Sulzer Orthopedics was a leading manufacturer of orthopedic implants, specializing in hip, knee, and shoulder replacement systems. Originally a subsidiary of the Swiss industrial group Sulzer AG and later part of Sulzer Medica, the company was a major competitor in the global musculoskeletal market. It is historically significant for a large-scale voluntary recall in 2000 involving hip and knee implants contaminated with lubricant residue, which led to extensive litigation. In 2002, the parent company rebranded as Centerpulse to distance itself from the legal challenges. Centerpulse was subsequently acquired by Zimmer Holdings in 2003 for approximately $3.2 billion. Today, its legacy products and technologies are integrated into the Zimmer Biomet portfolio.