December 18, 2015 - Did you receive either a Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant or Stryker ABGII hip implant after both models were marketed in early 2010? If so, you may have been one of the device recipients who suffered adverse health issues soon after receiving your Stryker hip implant, or, perhaps you have not yet experienced any problem with your implant. If you suffered Stryker hip blood poisoning or Stryker hip metallosis, you may have been forced to have your device removed in a procedure known as Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery or Stryker ABGII hip revision surgery. You could have also developed Stryker hip pseudotumors or Stryker hip infection and may have questions regarding specific Stryker hip side effects and Stryker hip failure rates.
The Failure Rate of the Recalled Stryker Hip Implants
The failure rates have not been specifically addressed by Stryker, other than to say they are “higher than normal.” Some research indicates the Stryker hip failure rates could be as high as 40 percent or more, however studies disagree on the actual numbers. In addition to the other potential problems associated with the Rejuvenate and ABGII, patients with one of these recalled devices can potentially suffer osteolysis, hip dysplasia and osteotomies. The simplest explanation of osteolysis is deterioration and death of bone and tissue. Cobalt and chromium ions can shear away from the hip implant in some people, traveling to hip tissues or the bloodstream. This can trigger an autoimmune response in some people, which leads to resorption of living bone tissue.
Osteolysis has been found to occur within a few months of the initial implantation surgery of an ABGII or Rejuvenate in some cases, or may occur later. Since osteolysis is generally progressive, revision surgery will likely be required. One study noted early osteolysis in patients with metal hip replacements could possibly be linked to a delayed hypersensitivity to heavy metals, however there are currently no accurate tests for metal hypersensitivity. Should osteolysis or hip dysplasia occur in those with a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII hip implant, the defective implant will be replaced with a safer, alternative device.
Osteotomies During Revision Surgery
Depending on the level of damage, the surgeon may perform an osteotomy (removal of a wedge of bone near the damaged joint), shifting the weight from the damaged tissue to an area of healthier cartilage. Because the stem of the Rejuvenate is especially long, patients with this device may experience a much more complex revision surgery. In some cases, the surgeon is required to pry the stem of the Rejuvenate from the femur bone; in some cases a shattered femur can result. The surgical procedure can last as long as six hours and the patient may be exposed to infection, excessive blood loss and nerve damage.
If you are required to have your Rejuvenate or ABGII hip device removed as a result of osteolysis—or any other reason—it can be advantageous to speak to a knowledgeable Stryker hip attorney regarding your legal options.