On July 6, 2012, Stryker Orthopedics announced it was recalling its Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implants and ceasing global production of the two models. Stryker hip attorneys note that at the time of the recall, the company stated there was a higher-than-normal risk of implant failure due to excessive fretting and corrosion. This excess corrosion was found to lead to a release of metal ions into the body. The tiny metal ions which settled around the hip joint resulted in excess inflammation in the area, pain for the patient, tissue and bone degradation, and even total hip failure. Some patients reported to their Stryker hip attorney that groin pain was also experienced.
The metal ions which found their way to the bloodstream caused varying levels of metal toxicity. After speaking with hundreds of injured patients, Stryker hip attorneys found that when metal levels were tested, some patients with relatively low levels of cobalt and chromium nonetheless experienced serious health issues. Other patients, whose levels of cobalt and chromium were much higher, had yet to experience any significant adverse health problems. Stryker hip attorneys questioned doctors about this phenomenon and found that it could be attributed to the fact that some people are much more sensitive to heavy metals than others. In any case, as your Stryker hip attorney will tell you, an accumulation of cobalt and chromium in the body will eventually cause serious health issues in most all people, such as:
· Cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, thyroid and neurological disorders
· Loss of hearing and vision
· Reproductive disorders
· DNA disruption
· The development of pseudo-tumors
· Depression, irritability, anxiety
A qualified Stryker hip attorney should have a thorough understanding of the design and construction of the Rejuvenate and ABGII. Both the Rejuvenate and the ABGII implemented a ceramic ball, leading surgeons to believe the implants were a safer alternative than the all-metal implants. Stryker hip attorneys soon began receiving calls from patients who were experiencing adverse health issues following implantation of a recalled Stryker hip device. The recalled devices failed at a higher-than-normal rate, resulting in many patients being forced to undergo risky and expensive revision surgery as well as to contact a Stryker hip attorney.
When speaking with a Stryker hip attorney you will learn that because revision surgery is much more serious than the original implant surgery, you could be off work for as long as six weeks. A good Stryker hip attorney can help you pursue some of the losses resulting from your recalled Stryker hip implant. Your Stryker hip attorney will have compassion for your health problems as well as the necessary background and knowledge to go after compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. An experienced Stryker hip attorney will also make sure that your case is thoroughly assessed and that every available option is explored. After speaking with your physician and taking care of your health, it could be beneficial to speak with a Stryker hip attorney.