Stryker Hip Recall Lawyer
On July 6, 2012 Stryker Orthopedics recalled their artificial hip implant models the Rejuvenate and the ABG II. These implants contain a modular-neck system that has the potential to be corrosive when in contact with internal pieces resulting in the release of heavy metals into the surrounding tissue. Approximately 20,000 Stryker Orthopedic Rejuvenate modular-neck hip stems were sold in the United States prior to the recall.
Most artificial hips consist of a one-piece femoral stem and neck. Stryker designed the Rejuvenate and ABG II with a two-piece modular system. The stem and neck of this modular system, however, can wear against each other which cause corrosion. This can send metal debris into the surrounding tissue and bone surrounding the hip.
If untreated, heavy metal ions invade the bloodstream and can cause systemic heavy metal toxicity (metallosis). Local and systemic heavy metal toxicity has been linked to tissue and bone death as well as organ failure and ultimately device removal.
Problems Patients Can Encounter
Side Effects associated with the faulty hip replacements include:
- Metallosis
- Necrosis
- Hip joint failure
- Hypothyroidism
- Osteolysis
- Damage to bone and tissue surrounding hip joint
- Inflammation
- Infection
- Loosening of implant
- Limited mobility
Most of these conditions are serious and require more complicated revision surgery which comes with a greater risk of complications or total device removal.
Removal of the device comes with significant risks:
- Infection
- Unintended bone fracture
- Removal of large sections of necrotic tissue
- Significantly increased risk of dislocation
- Leg length discrepancy
- Pain from the larger replacement hip implant
- Extended rehabilitation
Does it Sound Familiar?
In August 2010, Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, DePuyOrthopaedics, had to recall its similar Pinnacle ASR metal-on-metal hip replacement system. 93,000 devices were affected by this recall.
Stryker sought to avoid the metal-on-metal problems encountered by DePuy, by employing a ceramic cup but here the neck and stem are the problem. Unfortunately, the results are similar.
Patients, who typically could have anticipated their hip replacements lasting 10-15 years, might now experience discomfort or worse within the first 18 months.
Here in Florida, hip replacements are big business. Holy Cross Hospital, just down the street from our main office here in Ft. Lauderdale, has done more than 7,000 total hip replacements alone since they opened in 1995.
If you have received one of the defective models and are experiencing problems, YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO BE COMPENSATED – TAKE ACTION NOW.
First, you need to contact your doctor and have a thorough examination and blood test performed. The next step is to contact an experienced attorney to help you protect your valuable legal right to compensation. The costs associated with defective medical devices such as hip prostheses are extensive.
Revision surgeries and medical expenses can be enormous. The financial burned, the lost income, the extreme pain, suffering and physical damages make these cases complex, but our legal team at Wolf & Pravato has the experience and the financial resources to take on these giant companies and to win the case for you, or for your loved one.
Lastly, defective medical devices, like the Stryker Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-neck stem devices, can cause chronic and very serious illness. Our experienced litigation team at Wolf & Pravato is ready to help you right now.
Please fill out the form for a free case review; or Call Toll-Free (800) 428-3476.
