Following the Stryker hip replacement recall in July, 2012, more questions have arisen regarding the formation of pseudotumors, metal poisoning and chromium and cobalt toxicity. Hip implant problems have rapidly become the rule rather than the exception, particularly among those with all-metal implants or implants such as the Rejuvenate and ABG II which have metal components. Research has indicated that pseudotumors are also much more likely among those with hip implants which contain chromium or cobalt. In one analysis, the only significant predictor for pseudotumors was serum cobalt levels above 5 µ/ml; patients with elevated cobalt levels were four times more likely to develop pseudotumors than those with lower levels after adjusting for age, gender, allergies and other factors.

A motion filed recently seeks to consolidate all federal product liability lawsuits concerning the recalled Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants. Lawsuits involving large numbers of affected people are sometimes consolidated into an MDL in order to better manage the cases; one court handles all discovery and pretrial proceedings, conserving resources and encouraging consistent rulings between lawsuits with similar legal issues. While saving time and money on the part of an overburdened court system is one goal of an MDL, allowing individuals who have been harmed by a defective product or drug to have their lawsuit heard in a timely manner is equally important.

According to PR Web, the original estimates of costs associated with Stryker’s ASR recall and subsequent lawsuits are quickly escalating. Stryker’s ABGII and the Rejuvenate were recalled this past June, 2012. Both implant models have been found to have a significant risk of corrosion and fretting which can, in turn, lead to metal toxicity.