July 29, 2014 - Infection remains a serious complication of hip implantation with a metal-on-metal hip device, or a mostly-metal hip device such as the Stryker Rejuvenate and the Stryker ABGII. Along with infection, those with a recalled Stryker hip device can develop chromium and cobalt blood poisoning, Stryker hip pseudotumors, and Stryker hip metallosis. When a patient is implanted with a metal hip device, the components of the implant rub against one another during periods of activity, causing tiny metal ions to shear away from the component. These metal shards may burrow into the tissues of the hip region or can travel to the bloodstream, causing symptoms of metal poisoning. Stryker hip metallosis and chromium and cobalt blood poisoning may become severe enough that the device must be removed in a Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery.
How Infection Occurs
Infection can occur, literally without warning; the joint may become infected at the time of the surgery or from weeks to years following the surgery. Symptoms of infection include a hip area which becomes inflamed and painful, causing stiffness in a previously well-functioning joint. Infections are usually caused by bacteria entering the body through breaks or cuts in the skin such as those resulting from hip replacement surgery. There are a number of additional symptoms of infection in the joint; there may be warmth and redness around the wound, wound drainage, fevers, fatigue, chills and night sweats. Some people are more likely to develop an infection following hip replacement surgery, particularly those with immune deficiencies, diabetes, vascular disease, obesity and immunosuppressive treatments such as chemotherapy or corticosteroids.
Treating the Infection Prior to Revision Surgery
There can be many difficulties associated with treating infection in a person with a metal hip implant, however the physician will generally want to get the infection under control prior to putting the patient through revision surgery. Infections are generally classified as stage I, which occurs within six weeks of implantation, stage II, which has a delayed, yet chronic presentation, stage III infections which occur in previously well-functioning hip implants and stage IV being an unexpected positive culture in what was believed to be a successful revision.
Some patients may experience antibiotic sensitivity, making it much more difficult to treat a serious hip infection, while other patients may have taken an abundance of antibiotics in the past, which renders the infection resistant to treatment. Once the infection has been “contained,” the surgeon must determine how to remove the implant, replacing it with a safer device made of ceramic or polyethylene. There may be a certain amount of necessary bone re-construction if the infection was severe enough to cause deterioration of bone and tissue surrounding the hip.
Getting the Help You Need When You’ve Been Harmed by the Stryker Hip Recall
If you are a victim of the Stryker hip recall and have developed symptoms of Stryker hip infection, chromium and cobalt blood poisoning or Stryker hip metallosis, it is important that you speak to an experienced Stryker hip lawyer regarding your right to file a Stryker hip lawsuit. Particularly if you are forced to undergo risky and expensive Stryker Rejuvenate revision surgery, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. A knowledgeable Stryker hip attorney can thoroughly assess your case, and then clearly present your options.