Sullo & Sullo LP Opens Up a Facebook Support Group for Individuals Affected by the Recall of the Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate Hip Implants
Houston, TX, January 17, 2014—In an effort to assist the many people affected by the Stryker hip implant recall (the ABGII and Rejuvenate, specifically), the Houston law firm of Sullo & Sullo has begun a Facebook support group. Those people who have suffered harm from the Stryker hip implant recall could benefit from having the Sullo & Sullo attorneys actively assist them by checking qualification criteria for possible legal action.
This past October, Stryker Corporation estimated the costs associated with the Stryker hip implant recall to be as high as $1.1 billion—up substantially from a cost estimate in January, 2013 of between $190 and $390 million. Following the July, 2012 recall of the Rejuvenate and ABGII, hundreds of lawsuits have been filed, with hundreds more expected. Approximately 20,000 Rejuvenate and ABGII implant devices were sold and likely implanted in the three years following FDA approval.
The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII were approved by the FDA in 2008 and 2009, yet only a few months after marketing of the devices began, negative reports associated with the implants began filtering in to the agency. While the metal hip implants were expected to last from 15-20 years—considerably longer than ceramic or polyethylene implants—it soon became clear that when the metal parts rubbed against one another, tiny metal ions were released. In particular (and according to an Urgent Field Safety Notification issued by Stryker in April, 2012) fretting and corrosion can occur at the neck/stem junction, causing the release of metal ion debris and increasing the risk of failure of the hip implant device.
While the Stryker hip implant recall stated no definitive numbers as far as the risk of implant failure, some independent reports place the number well above 30%. When metal ions lodge into the hip tissues, serious inflammation, chronic pain, deterioration and death of tissue and bone and the necessity of revision surgery can occur. Cobalt and chromium ions which enter the bloodstream can lead to very serious health issues including neurological issues, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems, renal and thyroid issues, chronic headaches, reproductive disorders, some types of cancer, short-term memory loss, diminishment of vision and hearing, disruption of DNA, chromosomal abnormalities, the development of pseudo-tumors, depression, anxiety, irritability and loss of balance. The Stryker hip implant recall has affected hundreds, possibly thousands of patients, with the potential of affecting many, many more.
Stryker’s reported third-quarter 2013 net earnings were down 70% due to the Stryker hip implant recall lawsuits. In addition to the over 600 cases headed to trial in New Jersey, another 462 cases have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation in the District of Minnesota. When the New Jersey MCL was formed in January, 2013, there were only ten plaintiffs participating; by September, that number had increased to 382, and is now at 607. If you or a loved one are a victim of the Stryker hip implant recall the Sullo & Sullo law firm invites you to visit the new Facebook Stryker Support Group Page, where those affected by the recall can share their experiences and receive the level of support and help needed. Attorneys of the Sullo & Sullo law firm believe those persons harmed by a Stryker ABGII or Rejuvenate can benefit from our commitment, caring and legal skill as well as our comprehensive level of understanding of the facts related to the Stryker hip implant recall.
Contact:
Sullo & Sullo, LLP
Southwest Fwy, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77098
713-839-9026
Fax: 713-523-6634