September 03, 2015 - Thousands of patients have suffered serious injury over the past few years related to metal-on-metal hip implants such as the recalled Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABGII. Many patients have been forced to have their Stryker hip implant removed and replaced with a safer alternative—Stryker revision surgery. Others have developed symptoms of Stryker hip metallosis and Stryker hip cobalt and chromium poisoning. Among the many Stryker hip dangers associated with Stryker hip metallosis are Stryker hip cardiovascular issues and Stryker hip heart problems.
The Link between Cardiovascular Disease and Heavy Metals
Cardiovascular disease is an ever-increasing world health problem primarily due to environmental, dietary and lifestyle factors. There is also a less well-defined association between heavy metals such as a chromium and cobalt and cardiovascular issues. It is theorized that impaired antioxidants metabolism and oxidative stress may play a significant role in Stryker hip cardiovascular issues and heavy metals. While the cardiovascular system is not typically the primary target for heavy metal toxicity and Stryker hip metallosis, altered gene expression brought on by heavy metals can, in turn lead to cardiovascular issues such as heart attack and stroke.
Prior to the commonplace implantation of metal-on-metal hip implants such as the Stryker Rejuvenate and the Stryker ABGII, the primary impact heavy metals had on human health occurred primarily through occupational exposure, environmental contamination and in vegetables grown on contaminated soil. Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant devices are comprised of a titanium stem paired with a cobalt and chromium neck. A significant body of research has pointed to the fact that when mismatched metals are paired together, the incidence of metal poisoning due to metal shear increases.
Heavy metals have cumulative, adverse effects which can cause chronic, degenerative changes in the human body, particularly to the nervous system, liver and kidneys. The liver and kidneys attempt (unsuccessfully) to filter the heavy metals out of the body, and can become damaged in the process. In countries such as India, China, Japan, Hungary, Argentina and Chile, exposures to the heavy metal arsenic have been related to an increase in cardiovascular mortality, causing hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and stroke, however the link between chromium and cobalt with cardiovascular issues is less well-researched.
A limited number of studies have suggested oxidative stress and vascular inflammation may be the by-product of the cobalt and chromium ions which enter the hip tissues and the bloodstream of those with a Stryker metal hip device. Heavy metals in general are suspected of causing changes relevant to atherogenic events such as inflammatory response, coagulation activity and oxidative stress. Some people may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of cobalt and chromium than others. This means that some people may test at relatively low levels of chromium and cobalt, yet still suffer serious, adverse effects while others may test high levels of the heavy metals yet experience fewer serious problems.
Contacting an Experienced Stryker Hip Lawyer
If you have suffered injury due to a Stryker Rejuvenate or Stryker ABGII, it can be extremely beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Stryker hip lawyer who can thoroughly explore your options after hearing the facts of your specific case.