Thousands of innocent patients have been forced to undergo hip replacement surgery after their metal-on-metal hip implant failed or caused symptoms of metal toxicity. The primary question on the minds of these victims may well be--How do I know if my Stryker hip was recalled? While many of those who received a Stryker ABGII or Rejuvenate received a letter from the manufacturer informing them of the recall in July, 2012, there are those who received no notification. Medical device manufacturers do not typically know exactly which patients have been implanted with their hip devices, they know only which hospitals and doctors order their implants.
Why You May Not Have Been Notified of the Stryker Hip Recall
This means that when a recall is issued, the surgeons, physicians and hospitals are notified then the manufacturer largely relies on this group of medical professionals to in turn notify all implant recipients. While most doctors will be diligent regarding notification of a recalled hip implant, there are instances in which those notifications can slip through the cracks. Perhaps the doctor who implanted your Stryker hip device has retired, or sent you a letter but you have since moved from the address where you lived at the time of the surgery. It is a pretty sure bet that the doctor who implanted your Stryker hip, while not personally harmed, is nonetheless upset about a product they believed to be safe being recalled. Most times the surgeon or physician actually chose the implant therefore he or she may feel responsible for your health issues.
Lack of U.S. Database Registries May Affect Stryker Hip Implant Recipients
While other countries around the world have registries which compiles detailed information regarding those individuals who have received hip implant, the United States has no such database in place. Congress and the FDA are working to change that fact, and there are bills in Congress presently to create the type of database registry other countries enjoy. In the meantime if you have received no notification from your physician or hospital, then it is time for you to be proactive. Call your doctor’s office and ask them to tell you the specific type of implant you received. Even if they seem to dismiss your questions and fears, telling you not to worry because your hip replacement has not been recalled, you must persevere. You are entitled to this information, therefore speak to as many people as necessary to find out whether you were implanted with a recalled Stryker ABGII or Rejuvenate. A recalled Stryker hip implant can lead to hip failure, revision surgery and symptoms of metal toxicity—all of which are extremely serious.
It’s important to have this information available in case you develop adverse symptoms from your metal-on-metal hip implant and also important to remember that even if your hip implant has not yet been recalled, this does not necessarily mean it is not wreaking havoc in your body. It could be beneficial to contact an experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate personal injury attorney to help you determine whether your Stryker hip was recalled and how to proceed from there.