July 03, 2014 - The majority of metal hip implants are constructed of cobalt and chromium; the Rejuvenate has a cobalt and chromium neck component paired with a titanium stem. When patients with a metal hip implant are active, the metal components rub against one another, causing cobalt and chromium ions to shear away, entering the bloodstream or the surrounding hip tissues. Patients with metal sensitivity can experience significant adverse health effects, even when their tested levels of cobalt and chromium are relatively low.
Other patients may have dangerously high levels of cobalt and chromium in their body according to medical tests, yet are asymptomatic, at least for now. Chromium and cobalt blood poisoning is extremely serious and can cause many different negative health problems. While some of the adverse symptoms are the same for both metals, there are some disorders which result only from cobalt exposure or only from chromium exposure.
Stryker Rejuvenate Chromium Poisoning
There are different types of chromium; chromium VI can be found in stainless steel, automotive parts and medical implants, while Chromium III is used in minute amounts as a dietary supplement. The chromium ions which enter the bloodstream are sent to the liver and kidneys in an attempt to excrete the toxic metal. Unfortunately, chromium can impair the ability of the liver and kidneys to purify the blood as intended. Chromium poisoning can cause the following symptoms:
· Renal failure or impairment
· Shortness of breath, asthma and other respiratory issues
· Liver destruction
· Severe inflammation
· Inability of the body to repair DNA
· Hearing loss
· Vision impairment
· Reproductive disorders
· The development of pseudotumors
· Nerve impairment
· Dermatitis and other skin conditions
· An increase in the risk of developing certain cancers
Stryker Rejuvenate Cobalt Poisoning
Cobalt is found in minute amounts in the human diet, and is necessary for the body to transport oxygen and regulate metabolism. A number of industrial processes use cobalt compounds; those who breathe cobalt dust can suffer a build-up of cobalt in the body, leading to serious health issues. Cobalt can also enter the body as metal ion shear from a metal Rejuvenate hip implant. As with chromium, the liver and kidneys work hard to excrete cobalt however the chronic exposure seen in patients with a Stryker Rejuvenate hip device can lead to significant levels of damage to the patient. Some of the symptoms associated with cobalt poisoning from a Rejuvenate hip implant include:
· Fatal cardiomyopathy
· Myocardial injury
· Changes in echocardiogram readings
· Other cardiovascular issues
· Hypothyroidism
· Hearing and vision loss
· Tinnitus
· Vertigo
· Chronic headaches
· Decline of cognitive functions
· Depression, anxiety, irritability
· Muscle atrophy
· Rashes
· Seizures, convulsions and tremors
· Reproductive disorders
· DNA changes
· The development of pseudo-tumors
There have been increasing reports of patients with metal hips developing athroprosthetic cobaltism. These patients presented with extreme fatigue, heart failure, hypothyroidism, cognitive decline, severe headaches or hearing and vision impairment and most had serum cobalt levels of 60 µg/L. Considering that normal levels of cobalt in the body are less than 1 µg/L and that most physicians consider anything above 5.0 to be toxic, you can see how serious such high levels of cobalt really are. Many of those patients who tested at high levels of cobalt and chromium, then had their implant removed still tested at higher than normal levels a year later. This means that the liver and kidneys have to work very hard for a significant length of time to fully excrete all the harmful metals.
Getting the Help You Need
As a victim of the Stryker hip recall, you may have experienced some level of chromium and cobalt blood poisoning. There is no treatment for high levels of cobalt and chromium in the body, rather the source must be removed—the Stryker Rejuvenate. You may be forced to undergo Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery to remove the source of the dangerous metals. It can be extremely beneficial to speak to an experienced Stryker hip lawyer who can evaluate your injuries and help you determine whether you should file a Stryker hip lawsuit. Over 2,000 lawsuits have been filed, with many more expected—a qualified Stryker Hip Attorney can help you through this difficult time.