Patients implanted with a Stryker ABGII or Rejuvenate who are aware both models were recalled last July are likely anxious, worried, and wondering “What should I do if I have a Stryker hip?” The answer to that question could well affect your entire future, therefore it is a question that should be carefully considered as well as discussed with a highly experienced product liability attorney. Of course your health is the number one consideration; if you have already begun having ill effects from your Stryker hip implant, then your first priority is to see your doctor who can determine the extent of your injuries.
You may have suffered severe inflammation as a result of fretting and corrosion leading to metal ions shearing away from your Stryker hip implant. Chronic pain as well as deterioration and death of the tissue and bone in the hip region can occur, resulting in a revision surgery. Metal toxicity may also occur when the metal shards of cobalt and chromium enter your bloodstream, resulting in such adverse health effects as:
· Gastrointestinal disorders
· Neurological and cardiovascular disorders
· Renal and thyroid issues
· DNA disruption
· The formation of pseudo-tumors
· Depression, anxiety, irritability
· Vertigo
· Memory loss
If you have already had to undergo a painful, risky revision surgery, then you may want to consider filing a lawsuit against Stryker like the hundreds of others who are doing the same. You will likely want to contact the surgeon who performed your original implant and obtain your medical records. This will give you the brand and type of implant you received as well as pertinent identifying serial numbers and product information codes. Even if you have not yet experienced adverse health symptoms from the recalled Stryker hip implants, consider the fact that despite Stryker’s claim of a 12% failure rate, further studies placed that number much higher.
This means that even those people who have not yet suffered ill health from their Stryker hip implant stand a very good chance of having problems in the future. Due to the statute of limitations regarding product liability cases, waiting too long to file a claim against Stryker could result in a total loss of any settlement to cover the expenses related to the defective hip as well as lost wages and pain and suffering.
Therefore, to answer the question of “What should I do if I have a Stryker hip,” the answers are as follows:
· See your doctor immediately to discuss any health issues you may have developed as a result of your Stryker hip.
· Contact the surgeon who performed your initial surgery and obtain your medical records.
· Even if you have not yet experienced problems, continue to insist on regular blood tests to measure your levels of cobalt and chromium
· Ask for a CT or MRI scan which can determine the health of your Stryker hip implant and a bone scan to assess the strength of your bones.
· Consider speaking with an experienced product liability attorney who can answer your questions regarding potentially filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of your Stryker Rejuvenate or Stryker ABGII Hip Implant(s)