Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Seattle, Washington Residents - there has been a 1.4 billion dollar settlement in the Stryker Hip Implant MDL. Please take the time to get fully informed about the Stryker Master Settlement Agreement.

Were You Affected by the Stryker ABGII Hip Recall?

A voluntary Stryker ABGII hip recall was issued in July, 2012. At the same time, a Stryker Rejuvenate hip recall was issued. Both recalls were initiated due to potential risks associated with the devices, including a higher-than-normal rate of failure and the propensity for fretting and corrosion at the modular neck/stem junction. This fretting and corrosion could lead to the excess generation and release of Stryker ABGII hip metal debris. Stryker’s design was considered very innovative at the time of its release, and it was believed there would be no problems with Stryker ABGII hip metallosis and chromium and cobalt blood poisoning, due to the use of a ceramic ball rather than a metal one. 

The Stryker ABGII hip recall came only a few short months after an Urgent Field Safety Notification was issued by Stryker to surgeons and hospitals which pointed out the potential health risks associated with both devices. Following the Stryker ABGII hip recall, it was also found that fretting and corrosion could occur beneath the small metal trunnions located at either end of the neck component. There is also a greater likelihood of metal ion debris release when mismatched metals are used, as is the case in the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII which both pair a titanium stem with a cobalt and chromium neck. If you were affected by the Stryker ABGII hip recall, you might find some benefit in speaking to a Seattle, Washington hip metallosis attorney. 

How DePuy ASR Hip Metal Debris Occurs

DePuy ASR hip metal debris can occur when a patient is physically active, even as simple an activity as walking. The metal components slide back and forth against one another, causing tiny metal particles to shear away from the device, entering the body. These metal ions can burrow into the tissues of the hip, leading to DePuy ASR hip metallosis or can enter the bloodstream, leading to symptoms of DePuy ASR hip chromium and cobalt blood poisoning. Symptoms of DePuy ASR hip metallosis include pain in the groin, thigh and hip, severe levels of inflammation, and the death or destruction of tissue and bone. As metallosis progresses, the hip implant may fail entirely, leading to DePuy ASR hip revision surgery.

DePuy Pinnacle Hip Dangers

In addition to DePuy Pinnacle hip metallosis and DePuy Pinnacle hip chromium and cobalt poisoning, patients may experience synovitis, the development of pseudo-tumors and ALVAL (aseptic lymphocyte dominated vasculitis associated lesion). ALVAL is not well understood, however symptoms include the inability of the patient to perform a straight-leg raise and groin pain. If ALVAL is suspected, the physician will aspirate fluid from the hip region, and if this fluid is thick and grey-green, the physician can make a definitive diagnosis of ALVAL. Tissue necrosis is a key factor in ALVAL, therefore DePuy Pinnacle hip revision surgery may be required. Some research shows that ALVAL could be caused by misalignment of the hip implant, leading to undue wear on the device and the generation of excess ion debris.  

What You Can Expect From Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Revision Surgery

If you have developed Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis or Stryker Rejuvenate hip chromium and cobalt poisoning, you may have to undergo Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery. The Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery can take several hours, potentially causing excess blood loss, nerve damage or infection. You may also find that the recovery period for Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery is longer than for the initial implant surgery, as it can last six weeks or more. The stem of the Stryker Rejuvenate is very long, which can make it difficult to remove. In fact, some surgeons have likened the process to removing a piece of rebar from hardened cement.

How the Seattle, Washington Stryker ABGII Hip Statute of Limitations Could Affect You

It is important you be aware of the Seattle, Washington Stryker ABGII hip statute of limitations so you do not lose your right to pursue a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the device which caused your injuries. The state of Washington operates under a two-year statute of limitations from the date your injury occurred. Washington also has a twelve-year statute of repose, which is different from the statute of limitations in that it is dependent upon an event rather than an injury. 

Will You Take Part in Seattle, Washington Hip Metallosis Lawsuits?

Stryker lawsuits underwent a very recent development: of the more than 4,000 lawsuits filed against Stryker regarding the recalled Rejuvenate and ABGII, Stryker agreed to settle at least a portion of those, for a base amount of $300,000 each (subject to adjustment in some cases). Those who have undergone a Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery or Stryker ABGII hip revision surgery prior to November 2, 2014, are eligible for this settlement. DePuy settled over 7,000 of the ASR lawsuits in late 2013 for $2.5 billion. DePuy and Johnson & Johnson are still facing more than 5,400 Pinnacle lawsuits; only one Pinnacle lawsuit has been settled, in favor of the defendant, at the end of October, 2014.

Could You Benefit From Speaking to a Seattle, Washington Hip Recall Attorney?