WASHINGTON — A series of civil lawsuits has commenced against DePuy Synthes in the deaths of five spinal patients.

MassDevice reports the lawsuits center on Norian XR bone cement, known to cause clots in the bloodstream. The cement was used in at least five spinal surgeries and all five patients died on the operating table.

While the FDA approved Norian XR for use in arm bones and parts of the skull, it deemed the cement unsafe for spinal procedures. Patients’ families filed lawsuits, stating Synthes knew this but “ran an off-label promotion scheme” for the cement.

The article goes on to say, federal criminal charges were filed and Synthes was forced to sell Norian and pay $22.5 million in fines. Four Synthes executives pled guilty and were sentenced to prison.

To view the original article and for more details about the civil suits, click here.