With all the controversy surrounding all-metal hip implants, recipients of these implants may well ask—“How do I know if I have a Stryker hip?” The Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate hip implants were recalled in July of 2012 after gaining FDA approval in 2008 and 2009. Other metal-on-metal hip implants have been recalled as well however there are many models whi
| Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate hip implants |
ch are still being implanted in patients. If you have begun experiencing symptoms of failure, it’s important to know which metal hip replacement device you were implanted with so you can determine what steps you must take for your future. Many recipients of the recalled hip implants have been forced to undergo painful and potentially risky revision surgery because of the failure of the implant or because they have developed symptoms of metal toxicity.
The most common symptoms of Stryker hip failure include pain, chronic inflammation and reduced mobility. This occurs when tiny metal ions shear away from the metal implant, burrowing into surrounding hip tissue. Those ions can also enter the bloodstream, causing elevated levels of cobalt and chromium which in turn lead to a variety of serious health issues including: neurological, renal, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems, loss of vision or hearing, thyroid disorders, the development of pseudo-tumors, disruption of DNA, vertigo, memory loss, anxiety, irritability and depression.
How Do I Find Out Whether I Have a Stryker Hip?
The orthopedic surgeon who performed your hip replacement will have a record of which implant was used in your particular surgery which will give you the information you need should you decide to file a lawsuit against Stryker. If your surgeon does not have that information, you should contact the hospital where your surgery was performed and ask what type of implant was used. Your surgeon will also know whether the adverse symptoms you are experiencing are related to your Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII hip implant. Plaintiffs in cases against Stryker are seeking compensation for medical expenses related to revision surgery, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
The Stryker Hip Implant Design
The Stryker design is somewhat different from other metal-on-metal hip implants in that a ceramic ball with a metal neck juncture and small metal trundles located on either end of the neck piece are used. The Stryker design also boasts four components rather than the usual two which allows surgeons to choose the necessary components based on the patient’s size and level of activity. Unfortunately, within a relatively short time adverse reports regarding the Rejuvenate and ABGII began coming in to the FDA. By the time of the recall in 2012, over 53,000 Stryker implants had been marketed and the majority of those implanted. At that time Stryker stated corrosion, fretting and early implant failure as the reason behind the recall.
If you have had problems with your metal-on-metal hip implant and are wondering—How do I know if I have a Stryker hip?—it’s important to first consult with your physician. You may also benefit from consulting an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you determine whether your implant is a Rejuvenate or ABGII and where to go from there.