Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Austin, TX Residents - there has been a 1.4 billion dollar settlement in the Stryker Hip Implant MDL. Please take the time to get fully informed about the Stryker Master Settlement Agreement.

Stryker ABGII Hip Recall

The Stryker ABGII hip recall occurred in July, 2012, along with the Stryker Rejuvenate hip recall. Both recalled Stryker models share design details, although there are some differences as well. Both models were specifically geared toward younger, more active patients, and both are a kind of “hybrid” metal on metal hip implant in that they use a ceramic ball rather than a metal ball.

It was believed this change would prevent the release of metal ion debris, however it was later discovered that the ABGII and the Rejuvenate were experiencing corrosion and fretting at the metal neck stem junction, accounting for a significant amount of metal debris being released into the body. The small metal trundles located at either end of the neck component are also responsible for metal ion release. At the time of the Stryker ABGII hip recall, the company stated both models had a higher-than-normal rate of failure and were experiencing fretting and corrosion leading to excess metal ion debris releasing into the hip tissues and the bloodstream.

Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Dangers

There are a number of Stryker Rejuvenate hip dangers, including the development of Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis and chromium and cobalt poisoning. The Stryker Rejuvenate also has a much longer stem than the ABGII, which can have serious implications in the even Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery becomes necessary. The longer stem is implanted much deeper into the femur, making it more difficult to remove. The Rejuvenate is coated with a hydroxyapatite porous coating which is very rough and deep in order to allow the bone to grow more solidly into the device. This also factors in to making it extremely difficult to remove the Rejuvenate stem during revision surgery.

DePuy ASR Hip Metallosis

If you received a DePuy ASR metal hip, you may have developed symptoms of DePuy ASR hip metallosis which has also been described as the macroscopic staining of the soft tissues due to abnormal wear. When the metal surfaces of the hip components rub against one another during periods of activity, tiny metal ions shear away from the components, finding their way to hip tissues and to the bloodstream. As the metallic debris continues to accumulate in the soft tissues of the body, DePuy ASR hip metallosis can occur. 

The body perceives these ions as foreign bodies and attempts to dispel them by sending special white blood cells to attack. Unfortunately, the immune system becomes weakened from its repeated attempts to rid itself of the metal ions. The patient may experience chronic pain, whether in the hip, thigh, groin, or all of those areas. The tissue and bone can begin to degrade, eventually resulting in tissue and bone necrosis. The implant can loosen and fail completely, and the patient may be forced to undergo DePuy ASR hip revision surgery. Women who are smaller in stature as well as patients who are obese tend to have much higher levels of DePuy ASR hip metallosis.

DePuy Pinnacle Hip Chromium and Cobalt Poisoning

When metal ions find their way to the bloodstream, DePuy Pinnacle hip chromium and cobalt poisoning can occur. Chromium is used in medical devices for its superior strength and resistance to corrosion, however symptoms of chromium poisoning can appear as soon as three months following implantation of a metal hip device. While cobalt poisoning tends to receive greater attention, chromium poisoning is equally serious.

Cobalt poisoning can have such symptoms as inflammation, liver necrosis, the inability of the body to repair DNA, renal impairment, respiratory issues, including asthma, vision and hearing impairment, decreased levels of sperm, the formation of pseudo-tumors, short-term nerve impairment, dermatitis and an increased risk of developing certain cancers.  Cobalt poisoning can call hypothyroidism, cardiovascular issues such as changes in echocardiogram readings and fatal cardiomyopathy, neurological issues such as chronic headaches and vertigo, decline of cognitive functions, fatigue, poor concentration, muscle atrophy, seizures, convulsions, tremors and reproductive disorders.  

Austin, Texas DePuy ASR Hip Statute of Limitations

It is important that you be aware of the Austin, Texas DePuy ASR hip statute of limitations so you do not lose your right to bring suit against the manufacturer who had little care for your health and safety. In the state of Texas, any civil cause of action for a product liability case must be filed within two years of the time your injury occurs. It is beneficial to speak to an Austin, Texas DePuy ASR hip metallosis attorney in order to determine exactly when your statute will run.

Austin, Texas Hip Metallosis Litigation

DePuy and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson, are facing over 5,400 Pinnacle lawsuits and 11,000 ASR lawsuits, although the company settled approximately 7,000 of the ASR lawsuits toward the end of 2013 for $2.5 billion. Stryker is facing over 2,300 lawsuits related to the ABGII and Rejuvenate, although the company settled seventeen lawsuits through mediation for an undisclosed amount. Stryker recently followed DePuy’s lead, and settled a portion of the lawsuits for $1 billion.

Austin, Texas Metal on Metal Hip Attorney