If you are a resident of Fort Worth and have a Stryker Hip Implant, you may well be asking yourself the question, “Do I need a Stryker hip attorney for my recalled Stryker hip implant.” If you have already experienced adverse health effects from your Rejuvenate or ABGII, then the answer to that question is likely a resounding “yes.” Even if you have not yet experienced problems with your Stryker hip implant, keep in mind that at the time of the recall of both devices in July, 2012, Stryker placed the failure rate at 12%--still much higher than the average rate of 3-5%.
Why the Stryker Recall Was Issued
The company stated the recall was being issued because the devices had exhibited a higher-than-normal rate of corrosion and fretting, leading to the release of metal ions into the surrounding hip tissue and bloodstream. Because of the innovative new design of the ABGII and the Rejuvenate as well as the fact that they are not “true” metal-on-metal hip implants, it was not expected there would be trouble with metal ion shear. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the Stryker models implemented a ceramic ball and cup rather than a metal one, it was discovered that there was significant corrosion at the metal neck juncture as well as under the small metal trunnions located on either end of the neck piece. While there is not the amount of metal surfaces to rub against one another, the Stryker models have been found to wear in places they were not meant to wear.
Revision Surgery—Risky and Expensive
When the cobalt and chromium ions shear away from the neck and trunnion locations, they may become lodged in the hip tissues, causing inflammation, pain and the destruction of bone and tissue. When that destruction has reached a certain level, the hip implant will fail and revision surgery will become necessary. Because the stem portion of the Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate is buried deeply within the femur, revision surgery can be both risky and expensive. The stem piece must literally be dug out of the bone which has grown around it—some liken the process to removing a piece of rebar from cement which has set up.
In some cases the femur fractures or even shatters during the revision procedure. Even under the best of circumstances most patients will require several hours on the operating table and up to six weeks’ of recovery time following the surgery. Those who have insurance may still find themselves facing huge medical bills, and those without insurance may see their financial future wrecked forever. The six weeks of recovery time causes many patients to lose their jobs, or at the very least lose their income for the time they are off work.
Where are the Stryker Hip Implant Recipients?
It appears that Forth Worth and other metropolitan areas may have more than the average number of Stryker hip implant recipients, and there may be similar concentrations in various places across the United States. A qualified Stryker hip lawyer will encourage you to get the medical treatment you need and then work hard in pursuit of compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of your recalled Stryker hip implant device. Stryker lawsuits have already reached into the hundreds of plaintiffs, and it is expected the next year will see a flurry of additional suits. Texas operates under a two-year statute of limitations and it is important to make sure every deadline is met in a timely manner. Don’t delay—whether you have suffered adverse health effects from a recalled Stryker hip implant or not.