The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implant devices are constructed using a titanium stem coated with a proprietary blend of titanium, molybdenum, zirconium and iron. Those alloys are mixed with a plasma spray which Stryker claimed would cure the issues associated with mixing cobalt and chromium with titanium. This coating was believed to resist fretting and corrosion, however research indicates fretting and corrosion continued to occur despite the coating. Once corrosion occurs, metal ions are released into the body.

The modular components of the Stryker Rejuvenate consist of various head dimensions and modular neck orientations. These attach through a Morse taper, allowing for variability in leg length and offset. The Morse taper is a slightly angular junction on either end of the hip implant components which the surgeon taps into the stem until it is locked tightly.

When an item is galvanized the word refers to a process in which the item is covered with metal using a galvanic current or coating—usually of iron or steel with added zinc to protect it from rusting. The   process generally consists of hot dipping the metal into the coating in order to prevent corrosion and rusting. The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII are comprised of several different components which are selected according to the patient’s body type and level of activity.

Recipients of the Stryker recalled Rejuvenate or ABGII hip implants may have many questions relating to the damage one of the metals—chromium—can do to the human body. Both these Stryker models were recalled in July 2012 at which time Stryker cited the risk of fretting and corrosion, leading to the release of metal ions and a higher-than-normal failure rate.

Following the recalls of metal-on-metal hip replacements, most of us are aware of the potential hazards related to the implant parts which are constructed of cobalt and chromium. Metal poisoning can occur when the metal components rub against one another, causing tiny metal ions to shear away and enter the surrounding tissues and/or the bloodstream. Many recipients of all-metal hip implants—like the recalled Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII—have ended up with serious health issues from the toxic effects of cobalt and chromium in the body...