Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Anchorage, Alaska Residents - there has been a 1.4 billion dollar settlement in the Stryker Hip Implant MDL. Please take the time to get fully informed about the Stryker Master Settlement Agreement.
Have You Been Exposed to Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Dangers? If you received a metal-on-metal hip implant, then you may have been exposed to the many Stryker Rejuvenate hip dangers. Prior to 1999, the majority of hip implant devices were constructed of ceramic, polyethylene and metal-on-plastic. The femoral stems were constructed of cobalt and chromium, with a cup liner made of polyethylene. Metal-on-plastic and ceramic devices have a high wear resistance and are reliable and fairly long-lasting, however many of these implants had the tendency to make loud squeaking noises. The metal-on-metal hip implant gained FDA approval in 1999 and began to be widely used, garnering over 40% of the market at one point. Unfortunately, Stryker Rejuvenate hip dangers came to light, and hundreds of patients experienced adverse health issues associated with the metal hip devices.
How Stryker ABGII Hip Metal Debris Occurs: A patient with a metal hip implant will experience at least some level of metal ion shedding during periods of activity. These tiny metal ions either burrow into the surrounding hip tissues or travels to the bloodstream. Stryker ABGII hip metal debris can lead to serious metallosis issues or Stryker Rejuvenate hip metal blood poisoning. It is generally believed that any level of cobalt and chromium in the bloodstream over five parts per million is toxic to the patient, although some experts believe that any level of heavy metals in the body is dangerous. While those with well-functioning kidneys may be able to excrete a certain amount of the cobalt and chromium ions, these microscopic particles can cause serious, sometimes irreversible health problems.
The Symptoms of DePuy ASR hip Metal Blood Poisoning: When the tiny metal shards build up in the bloodstream, DePuy ASR hip metal blood poisoning can occur. This cobalt and chromium toxicity can occur in any metal hip implant, including the Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate, the DePuy ASR and Pinnacle, the Biomet, Smith & Nephew, Wright and Zimmer Durom hip devices. While doctors are uncertain why some people will be more severely affected by cobalt and chromium, they believe it could be due to a metal sensitivity. Some of the symptoms of Stryker Rejuvenate hip chromium and cobalt poisoning include:
- Gastrointestinal, neurological, cardiovascular, renal and thyroid disorders
- Vision and hearing loss
- Memory loss
- Vertigo
- Depression, anxiety and irritability
- Skin rashes
- Asthma and respiratory diseasesPsuedo-tumor development
- Reproductive disorders
- Chronic headaches
How DePuy Pinnacle Hip Metallosis Can Change Your Life: When the tiny metal cobalt and chromium ions make their way into surrounding hip tissues, DePuy Pinnacle hip metallosis can occur. Pain, sometimes severe and chronic may be the primary hallmark of Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis. Other symptoms include inflammation, degradation and death of tissue and bone and gray discoloration of the surrounding hip tissues. Should the implant loosen, failure will occur and Stryker ABGII hip revision surgery may become necessary.
When You Must Undergo Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Revision Surgery: Surgeons generally consider the removal of a metal hip implant much more complex than the original hip implant surgery. It can take surgeons a significant length of time to remove the stem of the metal hip implant from the femur, particularly during a Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery due to the especially long length of the Stryker stem. The patient may be on the operating table during a Stryker ABGII hip revision surgery for as long as four to five hours. This can expose the patient to infection, excessive bleeding and nerve damage. The Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery requires the use of a special modular neck extractor which engages the taper, pushing the stem from its position in the femur bone. The mortality rate for hip revision surgery can be as high as 2.5%, compared to a 1% mortality rate for the original hip implant surgery and the recovery time can last as long as six weeks.
Anchorage, Alaska Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Statute of Limitations: Residents of Alaska who have suffered injury from a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII or a DePuy Pinnacle or ASR, may be entitled to file Anchorage, Alaska hip metallosis lawsuits. It is important to take note of the Anchorage, Alaska Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations, which allows a civil cause of action to be brought within two years form the time the injury is discovered—or should have been discovered. Even if you believe you have exceeded the Anchorage, Alaska Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations, you should speak to a qualified Anchorage, Alaska metal hip attorney. The statutes of limitations can be quite complex, and only an experienced Anchorage, Alaska Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis lawyer can determine when your statute will run.
The Current Status of the Anchorage, Alaska Hip Metallosis Litigation: The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII were recalled in July, 2012, and the DePuy ASR was recalled in August, 2010. Over 5,000 DePuy Pinnacle lawsuits have been filed, as well as more than 11,000 ASR lawsuits and 2,300 Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate lawsuits. DePuy settled approximately 7,000 ASR lawsuits for a reported $2.5 billion, however the remainder are still pending. Johnson & Johnson has not admitted responsibility in the Pinnacle lawsuits, maintaining the safety of the device despite the fact the design is very similar to the recalled ASR. While the metal liner of the Pinnacle was taken off the market in 2013, the Pinnacle has NOT been recalled and is still being sold.
How an Anchorage, Alaska Hip Recall Lawyer Can Help: Those who have suffered injury from a metal hip implant could experience benefits from speaking to an Anchorage, Alaska hip metallosis lawyer. A knowledgeable and qualified Anchorage, Alaska metal on metal hip lawyer can help protect your rights and also help to ensure the timely filing of your lawsuit. A well-qualified Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis attorney should be able to pursue an equitable settlement on your behalf for the injuries you sustained from a metal hip device.