Stryker Hip Settlement Alert for Wichita, Kansas 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 Causes of Stryker Rejuvenate / Stryker ABGII Hip Metal Debris: There have been hundreds of thousands of metal hip implants sold to consumers over the past decade. While these metal implants were touted to the public as being long-lasting and safe, and were marketed particularly to the younger, more active patient, there are significant complications associated with the metal hips. When the patient is active, the metal components rub against one another, causing microscopic metal ions to shear away and enter the bloodstream or the hip tissue. As those metal ions build up in the body, Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis and Stryker ABGII hip chromium and cobalt poisoning can occur.
Other Stryker Rejuvenate / ABGII hip dangers include loosening of the hip implant, squeaking and popping noises and joint dislocation. While all metal hip devices must be FDA approved, the 510(k) program has allowed metal hip manufacturers to skip over rigorous testing. Currently, the Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate, the DePuy ASR and Pinnacle and the Zimmer Durom, Wright Conserve, Smith & Nephew R3 and Biomet M2A Magnum devices have all undergone problems, with some being recalled.
The DePuy ASR Hip Recall—Were You Affected? The DePuy ASR hip recall was issued in August, 2010, after gaining FDA approval in 2005 by claiming the device was substantially equivalent to the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant. As early as 2006, it was clear there were problems with the ASR, however over 100,000 of the devices were sold worldwide. The FDA received over 400 adverse event reports over the next few years, and when Australian officials discontinued sales of the ASR prior to the U.S recall, Johnson & Johnson officials maintained the implant was pulled due to a decline in sales rather than safety issues. In fact, the DePuy ASR was responsible for harming the health of thousands of people across the globe.
The Stryker Rejuvenate / ABGII Hip Recalls: The Stryker Rejuvenate hip recall and the Stryker ABGII hip recall occurred at the same time, in July, 2012. Stryker recalled the models voluntarily, but only after the FDA had received hundreds of adverse event reports related to harm suffered by the hip devices. At the time of the recall Stryker noted a higher-than-normal failure rate as well as fretting and corrosion at the neck junction leading to the excess release of metal ions.
When You Experience Symptoms of DePuy Pinnacle Hip Metallosis: The metal ion debris generated by metal hip implants can lead to symptoms of DePuy Pinnacle hip metallosis. Symptoms of metallosis include inflammation, chronic pain in the hip, groin and thigh, deterioration and death of hip tissue and bone, loosening of the hip device and the necessity for the patient to undergo DePuy Pinnacle hip revision surgery. Metallosis is a serious issue which, in some cases can only be resolved through potentially dangerous revision surgery.
The Symptoms of Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Chromium and Cobalt Poisoning: When tiny metal ions reach the bloodstream, the kidneys will attempt to excrete the particles. In patients with well-functioning kidneys, the body will be successful in getting rid of at least a portion of the cobalt and chromium ions, however heavy metals cause renal functioning to decline, meaning the body will have a harder and harder time ridding itself of the heavy metals. Some of the symptoms associated with Stryker Rejuvenate hip chromium and cobalt poisoning include the following: gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, renal, thyroid, gastrointestinal and reproductive disorders, skin rashes, vertigo, irritability, seizures, depression, chronic headaches, fatigue, DNA disruption, the development of pseudo-tumors, certain types of cancers, hypersensitivity, respiratory issues and hearing and vision loss or impairment.
The Potential Dangers Associated With Stryker ABGII Hip Revision Surgery: If you have tested at dangerously high levels of cobalt and chromium are experiencing symptoms of Stryker ABGII hip metallosis or if your hip implant has loosened or failed, you may be forced to undergo Stryker ABGII hip revision surgery. Revision surgery is considered much more dangerous than the original implant surgery with a 2.5% mortality rate as compared to a 1% mortality rate. The patient will be on the operating table for as long as five hours, leaving them exposed to infection, excessive bleeding and nerve damage.
The Serious Considerations of Stryker Rejuvenate Revision Surgery: The recovery time for Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery can be as long as six weeks. For the Stryker Rejuvenate in particular, the surgeon can have difficulty removing the device due to the especially long stem which is implanted deeply within the femur. During Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery, the femur can shatter as the surgeon attempts to remove the device, leaving the patient immobile until a new femur can be constructed.
The Status of Wichita, Kansas Hip Metallosis Litigation: Like many other patients harmed by a metal hip implant, you may be entitled to take part in Wichita, Kansas hip metallosis lawsuits. There are more than 11,000 DePuy ASR lawsuits filed, although approximately 7,000 were settled for $2.5 billion at the end of 2013. The DePuy Pinnacle has over 5,000 lawsuits pending, and the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII have more than 2,300 lawsuits pending.
Understanding the Wichita, Kansas Stryker ABGII Hip Statute of Limitations: If you are a victim of problems associated with a Stryker ABGII metal hip implant, you must be aware of the Wichita, Kansas Stryker ABGII hip statute of limitations. While the statutes vary from state to state, the Kansas Stryker ABGII hip statute of limitations allows two years from the date your injury occurs. This window of time can be affected by a number of factors, therefore it is important that you speak to an experienced Wichita, Kansas metal on metal hip lawyer at the earliest possible time. Because of the high Stryker ABGII failure rates, a large number of these devices could end up causing serious problems for recipients, therefore it is complicated to know just when your window of opportunity will be drawing to a close. Don’t lose your right to recovery—speak to a knowledgeable Wichita, Kansas Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis attorney. Only a well-qualified Wichita, Kansas hip metallosis attorney can properly determine exactly how much time you have to file your claim.