Stryker Hip Implants Recalled
Twenty thousand Stryker hip implants were recalled due to the potential for metallosis in July 2012. This condition refers to the accumulation of metal in the body’s soft tissues. It represents one of the greatest risks for the recipients of hip implants. Small pieces of metal are lost from the device, leeching metal into the surrounding tissues. Eventually, the metal can even move into the bloodstream, causing a range of serious injuries. Let’s look at some of the signs, symptoms, and complications this causes.
Release of Toxic Metals
The Stryker hip recall involved two major models among others: The ABG II brands and the Rejuvenate model. In both, friction develops between the neck and the stem portions. The friction causes the release of toxic metals in a process referred to as fretting where metal fragments chip off the implant. As they accumulate in the soft tissues, they can cause the following problems:
- Failure of the hip implant
- Loosening of the implant
- Pain in the hip, particularly when sitting, walking, or standing
- Swelling at the implant site often due to inflammation
- Infection
- Dislocation of the hip caused by loosening
- Metal toxicity
- Necrosis, the premature death of bone and muscle cells, which is often accompanied by a rash around the site
Additional Symptoms of the Stryker Hip Implants
Additional problems associated with faulty hip implants are:
- Deterioration of the bone
- Aseptic fibrosis
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss, which can be sudden
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Neurological issues
Further Side Effects of the Recalled Hip Implants
Some additional problems Stryker hip implant patients experience are:
- Muscle damage
- Pseudotumor
- Masses in the fibrous tissue
- Elevated carbon monoxide levels
- Fluid around the joint
- Increased allergic reactions (hypersensitivity)
- Fractured femurs
Cobalt/Chromium Toxicity
In some cases, the metals leached into the surrounding tissues from the Stryker hip implants, cause cobalt/chromium toxicity levels that are toxic. This causes metal poisoning and is a serious condition that can lead to many other life-threatening situations such as:
- Cardiac problems: Cardiac issues associated with cobalt/chromium toxicity may lead to heart failure and an enlarged heart.
- Kidney failure: As toxic materials enter the bloodstream, the kidneys can suffer damage and not function appropriately.
- Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland may begin to malfunction. Symptoms include weight gain and fatigue.
- Death: A fatality caused by the implant of a defective device is considered a wrongful death.
Recourse for Metallosis Due to a Defective Hip Implant
Individuals who received the Stryker hip implant need to be aware of the symptoms associated with metallosis and a failed hip replacement such as swelling, pain, or loss of hip function. The company has made many false claims supporting their product, used deceptive sales practices, and has maintained that its hip replacement would not undergo fretting or corrosion. There have been allegations that the company knew the implants in question would lead to corrosion but did nothing to warn recipients or recall the products.
Lawsuit Settlements
As of this report, Stryker has already paid $1.43 billion in settlements for the ABG II and Rejuvenate model defective hip implants. This covers medical expenses and other personal injury damages such as:
- Loss of income both past, present, and future as well as future disability
- Out-of-pocket costs such as visiting nurses, rehabilitation, and wound care
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering, including emotional, physical, and psychological damage
- Punitive damages, punishing the company for negligence
Sacramento Defective Medical Device Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento defective medical device lawyer. There is no need to suffer both physical and financial loss due to a company’s negligence. If you received a Stryker hip implant and are suffering physical problems or metallosis-related issues, call our injury attorneys at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You can also reach me through our convenient contact us page.
I’ve worked with numerous residents of Sacramento and those in other areas of Northern California with all types of car accidents, wrongful death, and other traumatic injuries.
I belong to two organizations that are invited only to a limited number of lawyers nationwide. One is the Million Dollar Advocates. We are attorneys who have won over a million dollars for a client. The other is the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. This organization rewards lawyers who display legal excellence in their practice with membership.
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