Recipients of the Stryker recalled Rejuvenate or ABGII hip implants may have many questions relating to the damage one of the metals—chromium—can do to the human body. Both these Stryker models were recalled in July 2012 at which time Stryker cited the risk of fretting and corrosion, leading to the release of metal ions and a higher-than-normal failure rate. While cobalt poisoning has received a great deal of attention due to the extremely serious side effects, there are grave health issues related to chromium as well.
What Type of Chromium is Present in the Stryker Hip Implants?
Hexavalent chromium is the same substance which showed up in the water supply in Hinkley, CA. The extremely high levels of this type of chromium caused at least 196 cases of cancer in the small town. The World Health Organization has labeled hexavalent chromium a cancer-causing agent, therefore those recipients of a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII must take care to have their chromium levels tested in order to determine whether their hip implant has caused an increase in chromium levels in the body. The hexavalent chromium found in the Stryker recalled hip implants has been found to degrade in the body into trivalent chromium.
What are the Side Effects of Excess Chromium in the Body?
A typical metal hip implant device is composed of 20-30% chromium however the exact numbers for the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII are not known. While patients who suffer from elevated chromium levels may share some of the same symptoms as those who have elevated cobalt levels, there are some specific differences as well. Although cobalt poisoning has been found to cause cardiovascular issues, chromium does not appear to do the same. Chromium can, however, be responsible for problems with the reproductive system as well as mutated DNA. Such issues as decreased sperm, abnormalities in sperm and a reduced number of follicles have been noted among those with high levels of chromium. Chromium is also responsible for liver necrosis at higher levels.
Is There a Safe Level of Chromium?
There is a wide range of numbers which are considered “safe” regarding chromium and cobalt levels. Many doctors feel that any number above two parts per billion is dangerous while others set the number at 5 parts per billion or even seven parts per billion. Further, different patients will have different reactions to chromium in the body. While some may suffer severe symptoms at relatively low levels, others may show few symptoms at much higher levels. Even so, there really is no entirely safe level of this type of chromium in the body. If the body is continually exposed to high levels of chromium as a result of a metal hip implant such as the Rejuvenate or ABGII, the body will have a more difficult time processing the chromium ions through the normal elimination process. Those with prior kidney damage could suffer chromium poisoning much more quickly.
Have You Suffered Chromium Damage?
Because the metal ions being released from the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII are coming from a joint that was not supposed to show any wear, lower levels of chromium in the bloodstream can be just as dangerous and can signal failure of the hip implant. If you are the recipient of a Stryker recalled hip implant device and are wondering “What damage does chromium do in my body from a hip?” you should seek both medical as soon as possible. Have your doctor test the levels of chromium in your bloodstream then take appropriate actions to safeguard your future.