July 22, 2014 - If you received a Stryker ABGII hip implant between 2010 and the recall on July 3, 2012, it is likely that—even if you have not yet experienced problems with your Stryker device—you have experienced a serious level of anxiety, wondering whether you will suffer any of the health problems associated with the recalled ABGII. At the time of the recall, the company noted that Stryker hip corrosion and fretting was much more likely to occur in patients with the ABGII, leading to serious medical issues and possibly even Stryker ABGII revision surgery. Since the time of the ABGII recall, Stryker has been under fire from patients experiencing an entire litany of Stryker hip side effects including chromium and cobalt blood poisoning. At this juncture, over 2,000 lawsuits have been filed against Stryker, with many more expected as the statute of limitations grows near for those in certain states.
Stryker’s Failure Rate and the Broadspire Letter
Early marketing for the Stryker ABGII told patients that the innovative design was perfect for younger, more active people, and that the implant would last as long as 15-20 years. Yet little more than two short years later, the ABGII, as well as the Stryker Rejuvenate, were recalled.
Some industry sources believe the Stryker hip failure rates could be as high as 50%, although Stryker has not put an exact number on the rate of failure. Stryker executives have stated that Stryker will be reimbursing patients for such things as testing, treatment, revision surgery and certain other costs related to the Stryker hip recall.
Stryker has partnered with Broadspire, a third-party claims administrator in order to manage reimbursement requests, however patients with a potential Stryker hip lawsuit should always consult an experienced Stryker hip lawyer prior to signing anything such as a Stryker hip Broadspire letter. Unlike traditional hip implants, featuring a single femoral component, the Stryker ABGII contains two pieces which fit inside one another, giving the surgeon the ability to custom-fit the device to the individual patient. This design, however, has been linked to an increased risk of problems resulting from microscopic cobalt and chromium ions which occur when the neck portion rubs against the titanium femoral stem.
Stryker Hip Lawsuits and Bellwether Cases
Over 825 of the current Stryker cases are pending in the federal court system in Minnesota, and over 1,200 suits are pending in a New Jersey state court—also home of the manufacturer of the ABGII. The U.S. District Judge presiding over the Stryker hip lawsuits has indicated that the cases currently being prepared for early trial dates—known as bellwether cases—will be divided into categories based on the level of problems being experienced by the individual patients and the date of the hip implantation surgery. These cases are meant to be representative of other complaints in the Stryker litigation; the outcomes will help gauge how juries will respond to certain evidence and testimony that will be similar among large groups of plaintiffs.
If you have experienced Stryker hip blood poisoning, Stryker hip pseudotumors, Stryker hip infection, Stryker hip corrosion and fretting or other Stryker hip side effects, it could be very beneficial for you to speak with a knowledgeable Stryker hip attorney. This will allow you to determine what your options are and whether you should file a Stryker hip lawsuit to recover any expenses associated with the Stryker hip recall and your Stryker ABGII hip device.