The Stryker ABGII hip implant device was recalled in July, 2012, after being on the market since only 2009, when it received FDA approval. At the time of the recall, Stryker noted the risk of fretting and corrosion, leading to excess metal ion debris generation. These microscopic cobalt and chromium ions travel to the bloodstream or become lodged in the hip tissues, leading to serious health problems in some people. Stryker has been relatively quiet about why the ABGII hip implant has had so many problems, particularly since the design was believed to be a particularly novel approach which would correct many of the problems associated with all-metal hip implants.

The July, 2012 Stryker ABGII hip implant recall affected thousands of patients—potentially as many as 10,000. Many of these patients had experienced adverse health symptoms related to their ABGII implant, soon after their surgery. For others, the symptoms had not manifested at the time of the recall, but the potential for problems remained. Many recipients of the ABGII—as well as their surgeons—were shocked to find that the hip implant they believed to be safe, came with many serious health risks. Although the Stryker ABGII hip implant is not considered a “true” metal-on-metal hip implant, the health issues associated with the ABGII are much the same.