Stryker Hip Recall

Whenever a medical product such as a hip implant is recalled or a safety warning is issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to reports of failure, the manufacturer of the device may become enmeshed in expensive personal injury litigation.  Styker has been involved in FDA safety warnings and has had certain systems and components recalled due to patient complaints.

Stryker Trident, Rejuvenate and ABG II Recalls

In the early 2000s, other hip replacement manufacturers such as DePuy were already involved in investigations and the resulting lawsuits due to medical issues with their ball and socket designs.  These metal-on-metal resurfacing hip systems not only carry the typical adverse symptoms such as loosing and grinding, but they also have unique risks.

Metal-on-metal implants consist of the metal ball sliding against a metal cup. This can result in metal particles to wear off the device causing wear and corrosion between the metal ball and the taper of the stem. It is also possible for the metal ions to enter the bloodstream.

Hoping to avoid the additional complications, Stryker developed the Trident system consisting of ceramic cups and metal sockets. Unfortunately, this did not totally avoid risks of failure as patients began reporting a squeaking or popping sound which is a sign of possible loosening.

In 2008, the Trident PSL Acetabular and Trident Hemisperical components were recalled due to possible concerns of contamination at one of the manufacturing sites after the presence of foreign material was reported.

On July 6, 2012, Stryker voluntarily recalled both its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular neck-stems.  These models consist of metal pieces.  Like other metal-on-metal systems, the mix and match components carry the same risk of metal fragments and corrosion at the junction.

Metallosis Injuries Compensation

Metal particles released from implants can lodge in the soft tissue surrounding the hip causing damage to the tissue and nearby bone.  The damage can be painful and lead to loosening of the hip implant or device failure. This would then require additional revision surgery to replace the device and repair the damaged tissue, bones, and nerves.

This metal debris (cobalt and chromium) can enter the bloodstream causing elevated cobalt and chromium ion levels.  This metallosis can cause different reactions in each individual beyond the injury at the implant site. Some studies indicate that the ions can also cause damage to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and kidneys.

According to the FDA, surgeons should conduct metal ion testing for their patients who develop symptoms such as:

• General skin rash
• Cardiomyopathy
• Neurological changes including auditory or visual impairment
• Psychological change such as depression or cognitive impairment
• Renal function impairment
• Thyroid dysfunction

They are also advised to watch for signs that the patients device is not working properly 3 or more months following implant surgery.  Symptoms include:

• Pain in the groin, hip, or leg
• Swelling around the hip
• Limping
• Popping, grinding, clicking, or squeaking sound from the hip joint

Hip Replacement Lawsuit

If you have received the Trident systems, or the Rejuvenate and ABG II neck-stems and your device has failed you, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer.  Some patients have reported that these implants were responsible for severe injuries and have left them in worse shape than they were in before the surgery. Many have required revision surgery to repair the damage caused by the metal or extensive nursing care.

Fill out the contact form on this page and one of our experienced medical device lawyers will review your case for free. There may be a time limit to file your claim. The consultation is free and you may be eligible to receive help for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.