Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Little Rock, Arkansas 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.

The Cause of Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Metal Debris: In patients with a metal hip implant, Stryker Rejuvenate hip metal debris can occur; when the patient engages in physical activity, the surfaces of the metal components rub against one another. The friction and abrasive wear experienced between the two components causes cobalt and chromium metal debris to be released into the body.  One estimate claims that every step a patient with a metal hip takes produces between 100,000 and 1 million microscopic particulates of debris to be released. The release of Stryker Rejuvenate hip metal debris can lead to serious, adverse health issues for the patient.

Exposure to Stryker ABGII Hip Dangers: When the cobalt and chromium ions burrow into the hip tissues, the patient is exposed to Stryker ABGII hip dangers such as metallosis and metal toxicity or metal poisoning. Other Stryker Rejuvenate hip dangers include ALVAL and the development of pseudo-tumors. It is estimated that the risk of developing pseudo-tumors—non-infectious, non-cancerous, space-occupying tumors—is four times as high in those with metal hip implant devices. It is generally believed that patients who are hyper-sensitive to heavy metals are more likely to develop a pseudo-tumor.

Pseudo-tumors can cause swelling in the leg, clicking or popping noises while walking, immobility or an obvious lump. In some cases, pseudo-tumors will put pressure on surrounding body parts, causing other serious health issues. ALVAL (aseptic lymphocyte dominated vasculitis associated lesion) is another type of soft tissue mass, causing pain in the groin area. One way of diagnosing ALVAL is for the physician to aspirate fluid from the hip area. When that fluid is a grey-green color, it is likely the patient suffers from ALVAL.   

Were You Affected by the DePuy ASR Hip Recall? You may have been stunned when you heard of the DePuy ASR hip recall, the Stryker Rejuvenate hip recall or the Stryker ABGII hip recall if you have one of those models. Other models which have suffered serious problems include the Biomet, the Wright, the Smith & Nephew and the Zimmer Durom. The DePuy ASR hip recall may well represent one of the largest medical device failure in recent history. The DePuy ASR hip recall was issued in August, 2010, due to the high rate of failure.

The DePuy ASR implemented a metal cup and ball which was responsible for excessive amounts of metal ion debris during periods of activity. It is estimated there are more than 100,000 of the DePuy ASR models implanted worldwide, and between 2008 and 2010, the FDA received more than 400 adverse event reports regarding the ASR.  The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII were recalled in July, 2012, after more than 300 adverse event reports were received by the FDA. Stryker noted a higher-than-normal failure rate as well as fretting and corrosion at the neck junction leading to excess amounts of metal ion debris generation. The DePuy Pinnacle has not been recalled although the metal liner was pulled from the market in 2013.

Symptoms of DePuy Pinnacle Hip Metallosis: When tiny metal particles lodge in the surrounding hip tissues, symptoms of DePuy Pinnacle hip metallosis can occur. The body perceives these particles as foreign particles, and attempts to dispel them from the body. As the ions continue to build up, the immune system becomes weakened. The patient may experience pain in the groin, hip or thigh, deterioration of the bone surrounding the implant, tissue deterioration or death, loosening of the device and the necessity of Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery. Physicians are unclear why some people react much more strongly to heavy metals than others, although sensitivity to metals could create a lower tolerance. Several studies have shown that obese patients and those who are small in stature tend to have a higher risk of developing metallosis. 

Potential Symptoms of Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Chromium and Cobalt Poisoning: When the cobalt and chromium ions travel to the bloodstream, they can build up to dangerous levels. The kidneys, if healthy, can excrete a certain amount of heavy metals, but as the ions are continuously released, the body cannot keep up. The cobalt and chromium ions damage the kidneys, making it even harder for the body to defend itself. Some of the symptoms of Stryker Rejuvenate hip chromium and cobalt poisoning include:

• DNA disruption;
• Hypersensitivity;
• Necrosis of the liver;
• Impaired kidney function;
• Neurological and cardiovascular disorders;
• Loss of hearing and vision;
• Respiratory issues including asthma;
• Reproductive disorders;
• The formation of pseudo-tumors;
• Short-term nerve impairment;
• Gastrointestinal disorders;
• Hypothyroidism;
• Dermatitis;
• Fatal cardiomyopathy;
• Poor concentration;
• Vertigo;
• Extreme fatigue and chronic headaches

Possible Dangers Associated With Stryker ABGII Hip Revision Surgery: If you have accumulated serious levels of cobalt and chromium in the body, or if your implant has failed, you may be forced to undergo Stryker ABGII hip revision surgery. Revision surgery is riskier than the original implant surgery, and requires four to five hours on the operating table. This can expose you to excess bleeding, infection or nerve damage. If you are undergoing Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery, your surgeon has an additional problem. The stem of the Rejuvenate is exceptionally long, and is implanted deeply within the femur. Many surgeons have likened removing the stem to removing rebar set in hardened cement. If you are undergoing Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery you can expect to have at least six weeks’ recovery period.

Understanding the Little Rock, Arkansas Stryker ABGII Hip Statute of Limitations: If you reside in Little Rock, Arkansas you should be aware of the state's Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations. The Arkansas statute of limitations allows three years from the time your injury is discovered—or should have been discovered—for a civil cause of action to be filed. Because of the many variables associated with the statutes of limitations, it could be beneficial to speak to a knowledgeable Little Rock, Arkansas metal on metal hip lawyer. Your Little Rock, Arkansas hip metallosis attorney can work hard to protect your rights and help to ensure your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.