Stryker Hip Replacements

Why Were Stryker hip Replacements Recalled?

Physicians and health regulators have focused substantial attention on the dangers to patients from the release of tiny metallic particles from all-metal (also called metal-on-metal) hip implants.

Stryker’s Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stem systems contain chromium, cobalt, and titanium components. The friction created by the normal movement of the components that make up Stryker hip replacement systems can release microscopic shavings and metal debris into the surrounding tissue and blood. This can lead to a condition called metallosis, which is characterized by painful, inflammatory reactions in the tissue and a high blood-metal count.

Symptoms of Patients Injured by The Recalled Stryker Hips

On November 3, 2014, Stryker announced a settlement of the lawsuits involving patients whose Rejuvenate or ABG II hip replacement systems were revised prior to November 3, 2014. This settlement was valued at over $1 billion. Stryker’s liability is not capped. It is expected that the total amount of payments under the settlement will far exceed $1 billion dollars. Payments under the settlement program are projected for disbursement at the end of 2015.

Patients who have received Stryker’s Rejuvenate and ABG II hip systems should be aware of the symptoms which may indicate that their devices are not functioning properly.

• Common symptoms include:
• Regular and prolonged pain in the groin, hip, or leg;
• Swelling at or near the hip joint; or
• Numbness
• A limp or a change in walking ability
• Skin Rash
• Thyroid Dysfunction
• Metallosis/ Blood Poisoning
• Neurological changes such as auditory or visual impairments

In April 2012, Stryker issued an “Urgent Safety Alert” to surgeons for the two hip replacement systems. The alert listed “excessive metal debris and/or ion generation” as one of the safety risks to patients. According to Stryker’s Safety Alert, the following problems can result:

• Metallosis (release of metal ions into the tissue and bloodstream);
• Necrosis (premature tissue death);
• Osteolysis (bone dissolution); and
• Pain and loosening of the hip implant requiring revision surgery.