Many patients with a metal-on-metal hip implant ended up with metallosis or cobalt and chromium poisoning. Stryker hip metallosis is caused when the metal device corrodes inside the body, subsequently releasing microscopic metal ions into surrounding hip tissues. When a patient with a metal-on-metal hip device engages in any type of activity—even walking—the metal surfaces come into contact with one another, allowing excess wear, fretting and corrosion. As the tiny cobalt and chromium ions begin to accumulate in the soft tissues of the body, they are perceived as “foreign.” The body attempts to dispel the ions, and when that is not possible it sends special white blood cells to attack the metal shards. Again, with no success. Healthy tissues can be seriously damaged when macrophages (white blood cells) attack the foreign bodies.
As the metals remain in the body, and continue to accumulate, the tissue and bone surrounding the device can begin to deteriorate, and may even die completely. Stryker hip metallosis can also cause inflammation, chronic pain in the hip, thigh and groin areas, gray discoloration of tissues surrounding the thigh, hip and groin, loosening of the device and the necessity for the patient to undergo Stryker revision surgery. While there are many Stryker hip dangers, Stryker hip kidney problems and Stryker hip renal failure are among the more serious effects of a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII hip device. It is unclear why some patients will have a much stronger reaction to the cobalt and chromium in the body, while others have a much higher tolerance for heavy metals. Doctors believe sensitivity to heavy metals is akin to an allergic reaction as it triggers the immune system.
While cobalt tends to get more press, chromium poisoning can be equally dangerous. When microscopic chromium ions shear away from the Stryker hip device, they are sent to the liver and kidneys, where the body will work hard to expel the ions. Unfortunately, when the tiny ions arrive at the liver and kidneys, an oxidative reaction can occur, leaving these important organs unable to purify the blood as they are meant to do. Chromium poisoning can lead to Stryker hip kidney problems and Stryker hip renal failure, causing impairment of normal kidney functions. Since excess levels of chromium can lead to kidney damage, this in turn makes it that much more difficult for the body to excrete the chromium.
Both chromium and cobalt can be retained in body tissues for long periods of time. Cobalt enters the hip tissues in the same way as chromium, leading to Stryker hip metallosis and Stryker hip kidney problems. In an otherwise healthy person, approximately 40% of cobalt in the bloodstream is eliminated within 24 hours and 70% after a week. Unfortunately, after one month, approximately 20% of the cobalt was found to be retained in the body, with more than 10% after a year. With a metal-on-metal Stryker hip, however, the body is constantly inundated with more and more cobalt and chromium, making it extremely difficult—if not impossible—for the kidneys and liver to continue doing their job.
If you have suffered Stryker hip kidney problems or Stryker hip renal failure, it is important that you speak to an experienced Stryker hip lawyer regarding a potential Stryker hip lawsuit.