August 6, 2014 - Many recipients of a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII are likely extremely worried about their health and their future following the Stryker hip recall. Stryker marketed the two hip devices aggressively in early 2010, after the Rejuvenate received FDA approval in 2008 and the ABGII in 2009. Stryker claimed the innovative design of the two devices made them perfect for younger, more active patients, that the devices were safer than traditional metal-on-metal hip devices and that the devices would last much longer than other hip devices—possibly even 15-20 years. Unfortunately, these claims failed to hold up, and just months into 2010, both surgeons and patients reported serious difficulties associated with the Rejuvenate and ABGII.
Why Was the Rejuvenate Recalled?
At the time of the Stryker hip recall, Stryker hip corrosion and fretting were found to be very common at the neck junction, leading to the release of cobalt and chromium ions into the body. The ions which made their way to the bloodstream caused symptoms of chromium and cobalt blood poisoning, while the tiny metal shards in the hip tissues led to Stryker hip metallosis. Many surgeons found it necessary to perform revision surgery on their patients just months following the original procedure.
What is the Failure Rate of the Stryker Rejuvenate?
In an Urgent Field Safety Notification Stryker sent out to patients and doctors in April, 2012, Stryker claimed a reported rate of less than one percent for revisions potentially associated with fretting or corrosion at the modular neck junction. The reality would turn out to be vastly different than this claim. In a medical study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, the conclusion was that between 2009 and the Stryker hip recall in July, 2012, over 28% of patients who received a Rejuvenate implant were forced to undergo Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery. In the face of studies claiming the Stryker Rejuvenate failure rate could be as high as 28%-65%, Stryker remained silent, refusing to put a number on the failure of the Rejuvenate. Many believe the Stryker hip recall could turn out to be an even bigger disaster than that of the DePuy ASR, however only time will tell. In the meantime, thousands of people have been injured by a Stryker Rejuvenate, forced to undergo Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery.
How Long Will My Rejuvenate Last?
If you have yet to experience any difficulty associated with the Stryker Rejuvenate, you may wonder just how long you can expect your Rejuvenate to last, and whether you will require a Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery in the future. Unfortunately, nobody knows the answer to that question, but in light of the number of Rejuvenate recipients who have already experienced chromium and cobalt blood poisoning, Stryker hip infection, Stryker hip metallosis and Stryker hip pseudotumors, your statistical chances of developing problems are high. Even if you believe the research placing the failure rate at 28%, you must keep in mind that particular study was done less than three years after the release of the Rejuvenate. Since revision rates increase over time, those with a Rejuvenate stand a very good chance of suffering harm from their Rejuvenate hip implant and being forced to undergo revision surgery.
If you have suffered injury from your Stryker Rejuvenate, it is important to speak with an experienced Stryker hip attorney who can assess your situation and help you determine whether to file a Stryker hip lawsuit. At this point, over 2,000 recipients of a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII have filed suit against the company; Many Stryker hip lawyers expect more individuals to join in as the statute of limitations grows near in states with a two-year statute.