August 02, 2014 - As more and more metal-on-metal hip devices have been implanted in patients, the incidence of pseudo-tumors among those patients has also increased. Following the Stryker hip recall in July, 2012—after little more than two years on the market—the number of Stryker hip lawsuits has reached over 2,000. In addition to metallosis and cobalt and chromium poisoning, many patients have suffered the development of pseudo-tumors. Pseudo-tumors are non-infectious (usually), non-cancerous, space-occupying tumors in the hip region. One study showed that those with a metal-on-metal hip implant had roughly four times the risk of developing a pseudo-tumor, when accompanied with elevated cobalt and chromium ion levels. In fact, over one-fourth of those with a metal-on-metal hip implant developed a pseudo-tumor.
What Causes Pseudo-tumors?
Physicians believe that patients with a hypersensitivity to cobalt and chromium are much more likely to develop pseudo-tumors than others with a metal implant. Many patients with a metal-on-metal hip implant may not even know a pseudo-tumor has developed until the tumor has reached a substantial size. Some of the symptoms of a developing pseudo-tumor include inflammation in the upper leg, foot or ankle region, a discernible lump in the hip area, hip and/or groin pain, weakness or immobility in the hip region or a clicking or popping noise when the patient engages in walking or any other activity involving the hip region.
Other Issues Associated with Stryker Pseudo-tumors
These Stryker hip pseudotumors may be accompanied by bone loss, and, when they are large enough, can also place undue pressure on surrounding body parts. While the vast majority of pseudo-tumors are not cancerous, they can nonetheless cause serious health problems. In some cases, when the patient is undergoing surgery to remove the pseudo-tumor, the tumor can explode. Pseudo-tumors can lead to the necessity of revision surgery; in particular, hip implants which are not perfectly positioned are more likely to cause pseudo-tumors. Women who are smaller-boned tend to be more likely to develop pseudo-tumors than larger-boned women or men.
How Your Doctor Will Determine the Presence of a Pseudo-tumor
Your doctor till take x-rays, blood tests, and possibly a multi-slice CT scan to determine whether you are suffering from a pseudo-tumor. If your physician believes there may be some infection associated with your pseudo-tumor, he or she may aspirate fluid from the hip joint. If you believe you may have developed a Stryker hip pseudotumor, or have more serious Stryker hip side effects such as chromium and cobalt blood poisoning, you may want to consider filing a Stryker hip lawsuit. The Stryker hip failure rates have been stated from 12% to 65%, depending on which study you read, however it is certain the failure rates are much higher than the 1.5-3% which is considered “normal,” among metal-on-metal hip implants.
At the time of the Stryker hip recall, Stryker noted a particular risk of Stryker hip corrosion and fretting, leading to chromium and cobalt blood poisoning. Some recipients of a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII may have received a Stryker hip Broadspire letter. It is highly advised that you speak to a Stryker hip attorney prior to signing anything which could remove your rights. The Stryker hip statute of limitations is closing in for recipients of a Stryker hip implant in those states with a two-year statute. A highly qualified Stryker hip attorney can discuss your state’s statutes with you and can offer you experience, knowledge and compassion you’re your situation. Speak to an experienced Stryker hip attorney today for a comprehensive evaluation of your specific case.