When the check engine light goes off on a car’s dashboard, the owner can bring it to the dealer, and in many cases, their warranty covers issues that arise. However, with orthopaedic implants, this isn’t necessarily the case, as discussed in a recent New York Times article. However, orthopaedic implants, due to the amount of strain and weight that they bear–especially considering the fact that aging patients are much more active these days–are subject to wear. This is why manufacturers strive to develop products that either preserve bone or use materials that help improve wear resistance.

Despite these efforts, there are still patient advocates who feel strongly about companies offering warranties for their products. Arthur Levin, executive director of the Center for Medical Consumers, called the lack of warranties appalling and said orthopaedic companies were bordering on “unethical business behavior.” He also told the Times that orthopaedic surgeons aren’t doing enough to make manufacturers more accountable.

The inability to concretely track how many implants fail is complicated by the fact that there is no national database. Last June, a bill was introduced by Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX).