According to a recent DOJ Press Release, five medical device companies (comprising approximately 95% of the hip and knee joint implant market) have settled kickback allegations relating to payments to surgeons by agreeing to pay a total of $311 million and entering into five-year Corporate Integrity Agreements.  The companies include Zimmer Inc., Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc., Smith & Nephew Inc., Biomet Orthopedics, Inc., and Stryker Orthopedics, Inc.  Physicians who deal with these and other implant manufacturers clearly need to take a close look at their device relationships to be sure they conform to the anti-kickback statute and other applicable laws.