Most victims of a dangerous drug or medical device are left reeling when they find their health has been harmed by a product they were told was perfectly safe. The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implants were recalled in July, 2012, after only a few short years on the market. Despite gaining FDA approval in 2008 and 2009, the FDA began receiving adverse reports from consumers implanted with both devices. Prior to the recall a field safety notice was issued by Stryker to hospitals and physicians, stating the ABGII and Rejuvenate both had the potential of fretting and corrosion at the metal neck juncture. At the time of the recall, Stryker stated these higher-than-normal risks of fretting and corrosion could lead to metal toxicity and the failure of the hip implant.
The Potential Problems Related to the Recalled Stryker Hips
Failure of hip implant devices can occur when tiny metal ions—resulting from the corrosion—shear away from the device, entering the bloodstream or lodging in nearby hip tissue. The ions in the hip area can lead to deterioration and loss of bone and tissue, extreme inflammation, chronic pain, and eventual hip failure. Metal toxicity occurs when the ions enter the bloodstream and can result in cardiovascular, renal, thyroid, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, loss of hearing and vision, anxiety, irritability, depression, DNA disruption and the formation of pseudo-tumors.
Getting Help for Your Lawsuit against Stryker
Since the time of the recall, lawsuits have been filed against Stryker who, many believe, knew or should have known of the risks associated with the ABGII and the Rejuvenate. Although Stryker stated the failure rate of the ABGII and Rejuvenate at approximately 12%, since that time several studies have placed that number much higher. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, although the average is two years from the time of the recall therefore consulting with an attorney for your Stryker hip should be a priority.
Your Stryker Hip Attorney Will Protect Your Rights
Because of the undue risks of failure of the recalled Stryker hip implants, even those patients who have not experienced any adverse health effects should ask themselves “Should I hire an attorney for my Stryker hip?” The answer to that question should be carefully thought out since once the statute of limitations has passed, it can be extremely difficult to file a lawsuit and receive a settlement to cover your expenses related to revision surgery and other health problems which were a direct result of your Stryker ABGII or Rejuvenate.
Qualified Stryker hip recall attorneys will assess your case thoroughly, laying out your options in a concise manner. Hiring an attorney for your Stryker hip will ensure that your rights are protected and that the statute of limitations is not exceeded. A good Stryker hip attorney will work and fight hard to try and recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.