Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Memphis, Tennessee 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.
Understanding the Stryker ABGII Hip Recall
If you are the recipient of a Stryker ABGII metal hip implant, then you might be quite concerned about the Stryker ABGII hip recall. At the time of the Stryker ABGII hip recall, the Rejuvenate was also recalled. The recalls took place in July, 2012. Both the Stryker Rejuvenate and the ABGII gained FDA approval through the 510(k) process. Beginning in early 2010, both devices were marketed aggressively, particularly to the younger, more active patient. As early as July, 2010, one surgeon noticed upon removal of the device from a patient that the ABGII was significantly fretted and corroded. Later, another surgeon noted evidence of corrosion at the modular junction, and in January of 2011 a surgeon notified the FDA that he had seen a substance similar to black rust on a removed Rejuvenate.
By early 2012, over 300 adverse event reports had been sent to the FDA regarding the ABGII and the Rejuvenate. The Australian Registry calculated a failure rate of at least 8.1% in the first year following implantation, yet Stryker continued to sell both models until the Stryker ABGII hip recall. While Stryker has refused to place an exact failure rate number on either model, research has placed that number anywhere from 12% to 65%.
Dangers of the DePuy Pinnacle Hip
There are any number of DePuy Pinnacle hip dangers, however the Pinnacle has not yet been recalled although the design of the recalled ASR was based on that of the Pinnacle. Patients with a metal Pinnacle device have suffered such health issues as metallosis, synovitis, ALVAL, the development of pseudo-tumors and DePuy Pinnacle hip chromium and cobalt poisoning. These issues occur when the metal components of the DePuy Pinnacle create friction when the patient is active, causing microscopic metal ions to shave off the device, flooding the surrounding hip tissues and the bloodstream. If you have been subjected to DePuy Pinnacle hip dangers, you could benefit from speaking to a Memphis, Tennessee hip metallosis lawyer.
Symptoms of Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Metallosis
When the tiny cobalt and chromium shards burrow into the hip tissues, the patient may find they experience chronic pain in the hip, thigh and/or groin area. This pain can range from nagging to extremely severe. The patient may have significant levels of inflammation in the hip area, and can experience deterioration of bone and tissue, death of bone and tissue, total failure of the hip implant and may be forced to undergo Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery.
When You Have Signs of DePuy ASR Hip Metal Blood Poisoning?
Once the cobalt and chromium ions enter the bloodstream and begin to build up, patients can experience a myriad of serious, adverse health effects. Some patients experience cardiovascular problems, including cardiomyopathy and myocardial injury as well as changes in echocardiogram readings. Many patients will experience neurological disorders including a decline of cognitive functions, depression, vertigo, anxiety, irritability, chronic headaches, visual impairment, atrophy of the optic nerves and hearing loss. Other symptoms of DePuy ASR hip metal blood poisoning include fatigue and poor concentration, renal failure, rashes, atrophy of muscles, hypothyroidism, tremors, convulsions and seizures, reproductive disorders, DNA alterations, the development of pseudo-tumors, liver necrosis, respiratory issues, including asthma and shortness of breath, nerve impairment, and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers.
When You Must Undergo Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Revision Surgery
When a metal hip implant fails, or when the patient develops serious symptoms of metallosis or metal hip poisoning, the patient may have to undergo Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery. This surgery can be considerably more dangerous than the original hip surgery, as the patient can be on the operating table as long as four to six hours. This leaves the patient open to excess bleeding, infection and nerve damage. While all revision surgeries are more complex, the Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery is even more so.
The stem of the Stryker Rejuvenate is especially long, and at the time of the original implant surgery the stem is planted deeply within the femur bone. When it must be removed, it requires the use of a special removal tool, and in some cases can result in the shattering of the femur. When this occurs, the patient is confined to a wheelchair until the surgeon can implant an artificial femur bone. The Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery is also expensive, and can result in recovery periods as long as six weeks.
Understanding the Memphis, Tennessee DePuy ASR Hip Statute of Limitations
If you are the recipient of a DePuy ASR hip implant, you are subject to the Memphis, Tennessee DePuy ASR hip statute of limitations. Each state operates under statutes of limitations for product liability cases. In the state of Tennessee, action must be brought within four years of when you were injured by your metal hip implant. Tennessee also has a statute of repose which runs six years following an injury and ten years following the purchase of a defective product. The statutes of limitations and the statutes of repose can be very complex, and you must not miss your narrow window of opportunity to file a case against the manufacturer who had little regard for your health and safety.
Update on Memphis, Tennessee Hip Metallosis Litigation
There are currently more than 11,000 DePuy ASR cases filed, 5,400 Pinnacle cases and 2,300 Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII cases. DePuy and its parent company, Johnson & Johnson settled approximately 7,000 of the ASR cases for $2.5 billion. The first Pinnacle case concluded in October, 2014, resulting in a decision for the defendant, and additional Pinnacle bellwether trials are set for November, 2104 and January, 2015. Bellwether trials are “sample” trials which gives both parties a good idea of how juries will react to evidence presented. If you have a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII, a DePuy ASR or Pinnacle, or a Biomet M2A Magnum, Smith & Nephew R3, Wright Systems Conserve THS / Profemur or Zimmer Durom metal hip device, you could benefit from speaking to a Memphis, Tennessee metal on metal hip lawyer.
Do You Need a Memphis, Tennessee Hip Metallosis Lawyer?
In order to ensure you do not exceed your Memphis, Tennessee Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations, it is important to speak to an experienced Memphis, Tennessee hip metallosis lawyer.