August 16, 2015 - You may be one of the thousands of consumers who have a pending Stryker hip lawsuit. If so, you are well aware of the Stryker hip recall, which took place in July, 2012, as well as the recent Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement, proposed in November, 2014. Under this Agreement, those patients who have undergone Stryker hip revision surgery following implantation with a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII could be eligible for a base award payment as well as certain enhancements. Even if you missed a deadline for the Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement, or are not sure whether you are eligible under the Agreement, it could be extremely beneficial to speak to a Stryker hip lawsuit.
Symptoms of Stryker Hip Metallosis and Cobalt and Chromium Poisoning
Perhaps you developed serious symptoms of Stryker hip metallosis or cobalt and chromium poisoning. Stryker hip metallosis develops when microscopic metal shards shear away from the Rejuvenate or ABGII, burrow into the tissues surrounding the hip device and cause inflammation, chronic pain, loss of bone and tissue, loosening of the hip device and the necessity for Stryker revision surgery. Other Stryker hip dangers include reproductive disorders, DNA disruption, the development of pseudo-tumors as well as neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal and thyroid issues.
Stryker Hip Vision Loss and Stryker Hip Hearing Loss
Some of the most serious disorders associated with the neurological system are hearing loss and vision disturbances. Sensory changes such as audio and visual impairments may accompany cognitive impairment. One patient who was the subject of an Alaskan case study developed hearing loss, ringing in the ears and loss of peripheral vision as well as vertigo, poor coordination and memory loss. Some patients suffered total vision loss and/or hearing loss which did not reverse itself after the metal hip implant was removed and the levels of cobalt and chromium began to decline.
While both cobalt and chromium can lead to hearing and vision loss, cobalt is the more likely culprit in the destruction of optic nerves. A single dose of cobalt decreases within 24 hours as the liver and kidneys work hard to expel the foreign bodies, eliminating approximately 40%. Within a week about 70% of the cobalt is expelled, however in tests done a full year later—with only a single dose of cobalt—at least 10% of the heavy metal remained in the body. Chronic exposure to cobalt, such as that seen in patients with metal-on-metal hip implants can lead to significant damage to the body, including vision and hearing loss.
Getting the Help You Need from a Stryker Hip Lawyer
If you have experienced symptoms of Stryker hip metallosis, Stryker hip vision loss, Stryker hip hearing loss of other Stryker hip symptoms of metallosis or metal poisoning, it may be in your best interests to speak to a knowledgeable Stryker hip lawyer. You will want to discuss your individual circumstances and get a good idea of your options prior to making a decision regarding your Stryker hip implant which could well affect the rest of your life.