Most patients believe that there is an efficient system in place to alert them about any recalled implants, much like recalling defective parts of a car. However, this is not the case.

Current system flaws:

There is no consistent method for patients to be individually notified of recalls. This often demands vigilance on the patient's part. You may be contacted by the hospital where you were treated but this is not always the case.

While manufacturers will attempt to notify patients of the recall, they do not always know who has their products implanted. Similarly, many patients are not aware of their specific implant details.

Steps that patients can take proactively:

Identify your implant: Check your medical paperwork or consult your primary care physician or the hospital where the implant procedure took place.

Check for recalls:
- Directly contact the manufacturer of your implant.
- Search medical device recall databases: For the US, this is called MAUDE; EUDAMED for Europe; and MHRA for the UK.
- Consult your family doctor or surgeon. They can verify if there is a recall on your implant.

Note that recalling an implant does not always mean it needs to be removed. The recommended action depends on the device's potential issues, the level of risk, and your health condition. If you discover that your implant has been recalled, you should contact your doctor to determine the best course of action for you.