July 31, 2015 - Following the Stryker metal hip recall in July, 2012, many people came forward to file lawsuits due to the serious, adverse health effects they suffered from a Stryker Rejuvenate or Stryker ABGII hip implant. The next two years would see more than 4,000 lawsuits filed against Stryker. After trying a handful of the cases, which were won by the plaintiffs in the case, Stryker decided to follow the lead of DePuy, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. J & J offered a settlement for those injured by a DePuy ASR metal hip implant, after it appeared they would not be successful in the lawsuits filed against them.
In November, 2014, Stryker proposed the Stryker Hip Settlement Agreement which would provide a base award, as well as qualified enhancements to patients who had been forced to undergo revision surgery due to injuries from their Rejuvenate or ABGII. Stryker hip metallosis and other Stryker hip dangers were relatively commonplace among those with a recalled Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII. Patients suffered gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, renal and thyroid issues as well as disruption of DNA, reproductive disorders and the formation of pseudotumors.
Stryker Hip Pseudotumors
The incidence of Stryker hip pseudotumors as well as the overall incidence of pseudotumors among those with metal-on-metal hip implants has grown by leaps and bounds since metal hip implants were widely used. Generally, pseudotumors are non-infectious and non-cancerous, however they occupy space in the hip region and can cause serious health problems. A study done in the Netherlands concluded those with metal-on-metal hip implants had a staggering four times the risk of developing pseudotumors when accompanied with elevated cobalt and chromium levels.
Approximately 28% of those who took part in the study did develop a pseudotumor, although pseudotumors are generally believed to occur more frequently among those who have a particular sensitivity to heavy metals. Many patients are unaware of the pseudotumor until it has grown to a fairly large size. Hip, thigh or groin pain may be an indicator of a pseudotumor as well as a discernible lump in the hip region, inflammation in the upper leg, foot or ankle, a popping or clicking noise when the patient engages in activities, or a nerve disorder, leading to weakness and possibly even immobility.
Pseudotumors which are caused by a metal hip implant tend to grow rapidly, and can, in some instances, place severe pressure on surrounding body structures. Many surgeons have been surprised by an exploding pseudotumor when they open a patient up. Some pseudotumors can cause the patient to undergo revision surgery to have the metal hip implant removed, and a safer device implanted. A less-than-perfect placement of the original metal hip device can create an environment conducive to pseudotumors, and women with small bones and shallow hips are also more likely to suffer from pseudotumors. A multi-slice CT scan may be necessary in order to locate the pseudotumor, and aspiration of the hip joint may be deemed necessary in order to rule out infection.
Stryker Hip Gastrointestinal Disorders
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are also commonly seen in those with metal-on-metal hip devices implanted in their body. Stryker hip bowel problems, upset stomach, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders can strike those with a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII hip implant. It can be extremely beneficial to speak to an experienced Stryker hip lawyer regarding the individual circumstances surrounding your Stryker hip implant. Your Stryker hip lawyer can provide you with your options and help you make the choice with the best long-term consequences.