The Reasons Behind the Stryker Hip Implant Recall
The Stryker recall which occurred in July of 2012, likely left the thousands of Rejuvenate and ABGII implant recipients filled with dismay. Stryker claimed their innovative hip design would allow younger, more active patients to remain active for much longer than a traditional hip implant—as long as 15-20 years—yet many patients have suffered hip failure within two years after receiving a recalled Stryker device. The Rejuvenate was approved by the FDA in 2008 and the ABGII in 2009.
Both models received approval through a program which allows medical devices clearance if they are substantially similar to another device already on the market. The hip implant device Stryker based both recalled models on was the Wright Medical Profemur which has experienced problems of its own, including fretting, corrosion, fracture, and an 11.2% failure rate with the original titanium neck (in 2009 the company changed the neck material to chromium and cobalt metals. Stryker was required by the FDA to complete a study entitled “Rejuvenate Modular Outcomes Study,” and show that patients were revision-free after five and ten years post op, however this will likely not occur considering the many Stryker patients with serious injuries.
Stryker ABGII Dangers and Stryker Rejuvenate Dangers
Over 500 adverse event reports were submitted regarding Stryker hip implant damages associated with the Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABGII prior to the recall. Most of these reports clustered around individual surgeons’ reports regarding problems experienced by their patients following their hip implantation surgery with a recalled Stryker model. When the metal hip junction of the Rejuvenate or ABGII undergoes friction during periods of activity, tiny metal shards shear away from the implant, entering the bloodstream or the surrounding hip tissues. Metal ions in the hip tissues can lead to inflammation, chronic pain, destruction and death of tissue and bone and hip failure, making revision surgery necessary. Cobalt and chromium in the blood stream can cause a variety of very serious, adverse health issues from cardiovascular problems to loss of hearing and vision.
Where Do the Stryker Hip Implant Lawsuits Stand?
In December, 2013, four patients who received a Rejuvenate or ABGII settled their claim regarding alleged Stryker hip implant damages. These cases were settled for an undisclosed amount of money, and are the first cases to reach a resolution following the Stryker recall. Six cases were chosen by both parties and Superior Court Judge Brian Martinotti. Attorneys were able to hammer out a resolution to four of the cases, however negotiations fell through regarding the other two cases. Over 600 lawsuits have been filed against Stryker in New Jersey with others filed in individual states and thousands more expected since more than 20,000 patients are believed to have received a Rejuvenate or ABGII. As of January, 2014, the same New Jersey state court announced plans to send 10 Stryker hip lawsuits to mediation. Stryker announced in October that as much as $1.1 billion dollars would be set aside for ABGII and Rejuvenate-related Stryker hip implant litigation.
Do You Need a Stryker Hip Lawyer for Your Stryker Hip Implant Injuries?
If you feel you suffered Stryker hip implant damages, it could be beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Stryker hip attorney who can thoroughly assess your case and determine whether you should join the Stryker lawsuits. A well-qualified Stryker hip lawyer can help protect your rights and fight for your future following the Stryker hip implant recall.