Across the nation, Stryker hip lawyers are working hard to assist those who were harmed by the recalled Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII hip implant. Believing Stryker’s new design to be much safer than other metal-on-metal implants on the market, surgeons, patients and Stryker hip lawyers expected good results. Unfortunately, both models were recalled in July, 2012, with Stryker stating a higher-than-normal risk of fretting and corrosion. This corrosion could, in turn, lead to the release of metal ions and, eventually, total hip failure.
Patients who were forced to undergo revision surgery to have their recalled hip implant removed were subject to a longer, more dangerous, and more expensive surgery as well as a recovery time of up to six weeks. The unfortunate patients who experienced significant adverse health effects from the Rejuvenate or ABGII were left with a stack of medical bills, the lack of a regular paycheck, as well as pain and suffering. Stryker hip lawyers worked hard to obtain all the necessary information regarding these recalled implants in order to best help their clients.
The potential health implications were among the information gathered by Stryker hip lawyers. It was discovered that when fretting and corrosion occurred in the hip devices, tiny metal ions would shear away and become lodged in surrounding tissues or find their way into the bloodstream. The metal shards in the hip tissue caused patients to experience chronic pain and inflammation. Even more alarming, the Stryker hip lawyers discovered, was that these microscopic metal ions could lead to the deterioration and death of surrounding bone and tissue, leading to total hip failure. Once the bone becomes compromised and the tissue dies, it becomes extremely difficult to accomplish a successful hip revision surgery. Many Stryker hip lawyers heard from patients across the United States regarding the nightmare their failed Stryker hip had become since the initial surgery.
Many other patients experienced metal poisoning when the metal ions traveled to the bloodstream. As any Stryker hip lawyer would tell their client, the symptoms of cobalt and chromium poisoning are extremely serious. Many recipients of the Rejuvenate or ABGII experienced such serious health symptoms as the development of pseudo-tumors, the loss of vision and hearing, memory loss, disruption of DNA, cardiovascular issues, gastrointestinal disorders, neurological problems and thyroid and kidney disorders. Many lesser symptoms were also reported to Stryker hip lawyers, and, although not life-threatening, these symptoms were nonetheless worrisome. Some recipients of a recalled Stryker implant relayed to their Stryker hip lawyer that they experienced creaking and popping noises, and even an inability to distinguish between sweet and salty flavors.
Patients who contacted an experienced Stryker hip lawyer were able to have some of their fears allayed through a professional who was knowledgeable about the symptoms of the recalled hip implants as well as the legal ramifications surrounding the devices. Stryker hip attorneys can help their clients pursue compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering while fighting to ensure the rights of the injured patient are fully protected.