Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Is There Cross-Ionization Between the Stryker Rejuvenate Stem and the Neck?

January 28, 2016 - Were you one of the thousands of people who were affected by the Stryker hip recall in July 2012? Both the Stryker Rejuvenate and the Stryker ABGII were recalled due to higher-than-normal failure rates as well as excessive levels of fretting and corrosion. Following the Stryker hip recall, more than four thousand lawsuits were filed against Stryker. By November 2014, Stryker decided to offer those patients who had undergone Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery or Stryker ABGII revision surgery a settlement offer.

 

Those eligible patients would receive a base award of $300,000, subject to certain enhancements, reductions and caps. Others who had a filed case with Stryker but had not had a revision surgery could still be allowed to be a part of the settlement if they later have a Stryker hip revision surgery. (To determine your eligibility, it is important to speak to a Stryker hip lawyer as soon as possible).

 

What Went Wrong with the Stryker Rejuvenate?

Following the hip recall, more research was done in order to determine exactly what went wrong with the Stryker hip devices. At the time of the recall, Stryker admitted the corrosion and fretting that could occur in the devices could result in the release of tiny cobalt and chromium ions. These ions could burrow deeply in to the hip tissues, or enter the bloodstream, leading to symptoms of Stryker hip metallosis or Stryker hip blood poisoning. Later, it was found that Stryker hip cross-ionization could also be a factor in the failure of the Rejuvenate. 

 

Dissimilar Metals Result in Cross-Ionization

In particular, using dissimilar metals in the components of the Rejuvenate could have resulted in cross-ionization. The Stryker Rejuvenate has a cobalt and chromium neck component, paired with a titanium stem component. Despite studies which cautioned against using dissimilar metals in hip devices, Stryker believed the proprietary coating they used would allow the device to resist the effects of corrosion. Despite this belief, micro-motion, friction and corrosion resulted at the neck-stem junction of the Rejuvenate any time the recipient of the device engages in any activity, even walking. Since the cobalt and chromium neck component is considerably harder than the titanium stem, cross-ionization is common, dragging out the cobalt and chromium ions, sending them flooding into the body.

 

Corrosion in the Body Resembles Rust

One study looked at metal hip components which were removed during revision surgery—100 percent of the implants using mismatched metals showed some level of corrosion, some of which resembled rust. Although the metal hip implants do form a film after being implanted in the body, when the film is exposed to the fluids in the body, a reaction occurs, releasing cobalt and chromium ions. The release of these ions can lead to chromium and cobalt blood poisoning or Stryker hip metallosis.

 

It is not clear why Stryker chose to use dissimilar metals, risking Stryker Rejuvenate cross-ionization, however what is clear is this choice caused many patients to suffer serious harm to their health as a result. If you have more questions regarding Stryker Rejuvenate cross-ionization or other issues associated with a recalled Stryker device, contact a Stryker hip lawyer as soon as possible.
Print
0 Comments
Please login or register to post comments.

WARNING: Do not send any information in any email through this website if you consider the information confidential or privileged.

I understand that by submitting my contact information to Sullo & Sullo LLP for review, I consent to messages regarding this legal matter as well as marketing for other potential legal matters in the future without limitation at standard messaging and data rates unless terminated by me in writing. I further understand that my submission of any and all information in response to this website does NOT create a lawyer-client relationship between myself and Sullo & Sullo, LLP and/or its lawyers, and that any and all information submitted is NOT confidential or privileged. I further acknowledge that, unless Sullo & Sullo, LLP subsequently enters into an Attorney-Client relationship with me, any and all information I provide will NOT be treated as confidential or privileged, and any such information may be used against me and/or for the benefit of current or future clients of Sullo & Sullo, LLP. ...READ ENTIRE DISCLAIMER
Receive an Immediate Response
ANDREW SULLO IS A TOP 100 NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYER 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017 • 2018 • 2019
Obtener una Respuesta Inmediata
Andrew Sullo – 100 Mejores Abogados Nacional | 2013 • 2014 • 2015 • 2016 • 2017


4.6/5.0

STARS ON YELP
WITH OVER 400 REVIEWS*

*AS OF JANUARY 2024



Andrew Sullo has been named a

TOP 100 NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYER*
2013-2024

*BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS

 

CALL NOW FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION
(800) 730-7607
CALL NOW FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION (713) 839-9026 CALL NOW FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION (713) 335-9485


Andrew Sullo is a recipient of the

AVVO CLIENT'S CHOICE AWARD*
2016, 2017, 2019-2024

*GIVEN BY AVVO


Justice

Andrew Sullo is a Member of the

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF JUSTICE
2013-2024

*GRANTED BY THE AAJ

 

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE WERE SERIOUSLY INJURED DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANOTHER, CONTACT SULLO & SULLO IMMEDIATELY.
CALL NOW
(800) 730-7607
CALL NOW
(713) 839-9026
CALL NOW
(713) 335-9485

GET LEGAL HELP