July 17, 2015 - In any type of hip implant, the ball and acetabular socket rub against one another every time the patient engages in virtually any level of activity. This friction results in tiny metal ions, shearing away from the implant, and becoming lodged in surrounding hip tissues, or entering the bloodstream. Among the many Stryker hip dangers, Stryker hip metallosis and Stryker hip metal poisoning have occurred in thousands of patients. Following the recall of the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implant in July, 2012, patients began filing lawsuits against Stryker related to injuries suffered from the metal-on-metal hip implants. In addition to cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal and renal issues, many patients suffered Stryker hip thyroid issues and Stryker hip skin disorders. In fact, many physicians consider the occurrence of thyroid issues to be one of the first reliable indicators of metallosis.
Stryker Hip Thyroid Issues
Stryker hip metallosis generally appears within nine months following the implantation surgery. Metallosis can lead to device failure and nearly always requires revision surgery. When metallosis occurs, the surgeon may consider revision surgery even earlier than usual in order to curtail the loss of bones, muscles and nerves. Doctors may perform such tests as joint aspiration, soft tissue imaging and blood tests in order to determine whether Stryker hip metallosis is present, and whether Stryker hip thyroid issues are present. Patients who are experiencing Stryker hip thyroid issues may have symptoms such as neck discomfort, fatigue, weight gain and feeling cold. Any of these symptoms should be taken seriously, and a visit to the doctor should be immediately scheduled.
Stryker Hip Skin Disorders
Stryker hip skin disorders such as rashes, eczema, hives, psoriasis and dermatitis are fairly common symptoms associated with Stryker hip metallosis. If you suffer from any type of rash or other skin disorder, it is important that you see your doctor immediately. These Stryker hip skin disorders can be an early precursor to more serious problems associated with Stryker hip metallosis.
Factors Which Can Increase the Risk of Adverse Effects Related to Stryker Hip Metallosis
Prior to the July, 2012 recall of the Rejuvenate and the ABGII, Stryker sent out a Product Correction Bulletin along with an Urgent Field Safety Notification. In the Product Correction Bulletin, Stryker noted certain factors which had the potential of increasing the risk of adverse effects of the metal hip device. These factors included inadequate locking or assembly of the Morse tapers, inadequate cleaning of the neck taper, excessive patient weight causing additional femoral offset and the patient’s prior history of such diseases as diabetes or infection. At this point, Stryker was still attempting to lay the blame for the many Stryker injuries on both the patients and the surgeons who implanted the devices. Yet as early as 2010, a surgeon noted evidence of corrosion at the modular junction, while in 2011, another surgeon noted corrosion which resembled “black rust” on a removed Rejuvenate implant. Another six notifications from surgeons also noted black material on the modular neck of the Rejuvenate or ABGII, as well as massive metallosis.
Getting the Help You Need
If you suffered injury from a recalled Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII hip implant device, you could benefit from speaking to an experienced Stryker hip lawyer. Your Stryker hip lawyer can help you determine whether you may qualify for the Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement.