How the Wilmington, Delaware Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Statute of Limitations Could Affect You: If you have been implanted with a metal hip device, you may wonder how the Wilmington, Delaware Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations could affect your future. The state of Delaware requires that action be brought within two years of the time the injury is discovered—or should have been discovered. The Wilmington Delaware Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations is important for your future; should you miss this window of opportunity, you could be forever barred from recovering compensation for your injuries. The Wilmington, Delaware Stryker Rejuvenate hip statute of limitations can be complex, therefore it can be advantageous for you to consult with a skilled Wilmington, Delaware hip metallosis lawyer to help ensure your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.
The Stryker ABGII and Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Recalls: The Stryker ABGII hip recall and the Stryker Rejuvenate hip recall both occurred at the same time—in July of 2012. Prior to the Stryker ABGII hip recall, an Urgent Field Safety Notification was sent to hospitals and surgeons, acknowledging potential dangers of the two devices. The potential hazards Stryker listed for the Rejuvenate and ABGII included “excessive metal debris and/or ion generation…fretting and/or corrosion at the modular neck junction…and increased metal ion generation in the surrounding joint space.” Stryker also stated both hip devices had a higher-than-normal rate of failure, and that patients with a heightened metal sensitivity could experience more extreme allergic reactions, leading to revision surgery. Factors Stryker believed to increase the risk of adverse effects included femoral offset caused by excessive patient weight, a patient’s prior history of diabetes or infection and inadequate locking or cleaning of components.
The Many Metal on Metal Hip Dangers: There are a number of dangers associated with metal hips in general, including both Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII models, the DePuy ASR and Pinnacle, the Wright Conserve, Biomet M2A Magnum, Smith & Nephew R3 and the Zimmer Durom hip devices. If you were implanted with any of these hip implant devices, it is important that you monitor your health closely, and speak to a knowledgeable Wilmington, Delaware hip metallosis lawyer. Specific metal on metal hip dangers include the development of metallosis as well as chromium and cobalt metal poisoning or toxicity.
What Causes DePuy Pinnacle Hip Metal Debris? Among patients with a metal hip implant, metal ion debris is generated when the patient is engaged in activity, causing the metal components to rub against one another, shearing away metal particles. These metal ions can travel to the bloodstream, building up to toxic levels or can lodge in the hip tissues, causing other problems. DePuy Pinnacle hip metal debris can cause adverse health conditions which may or may not be alleviated when the device is removed. Those with pre-existing kidney problems can have a more difficult time excreting the heavy metals than those with full kidney function.
Do You Have Symptoms of Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Metallosis? You may have developed Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis when the cobalt and chromium ions burrowed into your hip tissues, causing the body to attempt to eliminate the foreign bodies by sending special white blood cells to fight. Unfortunately, the body is not able to eliminate the metal ions and the immune system becomes extremely stressed as it continues to try to do so. Symptoms of Stryker Rejuvenate hip metallosis include pain in the hip, groin or thigh, inflammation, deterioration or death of bone and tissue, total failure of the hip device and the necessity to undergo Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery.
How Stryker ABGII Hip Chromium & Cobalt Poisoning Can Affect You: The metal ions which reach the bloodstream can result in a litany of serious, adverse health problems. Stryker ABGII hip chromium and cobalt poisoning is extremely serious, and some of the symptoms may not immediately disappear after the device is removed. Some of the more common symptoms of Stryker ABGII Chromium and Cobalt Poisoning include:
- Gastrointestinal disorders;
- Neurological and Cardiovascular problems;
- Skin rashes;
- Vertigo and short-term memory loss;
- Loss of hearing and vision;
- Depression, anxiety and irritability;
- Reproductive disorders;
- The development of pseudo-tumors;
- DNA disruption;
- The development of certain types of cancers
When You Must Undergo Metal on Metal Hip Revision Surgery: DePuy ASR hip revision surgery as well as Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery, Stryker ABGII hip revision surgery and DePuy Pinnacle hip revision surgery are all considered much riskier than the original implant surgery. Revision surgery can take as long as four to five hours, exposing the patient to excess blood loss, infection and nerve damage. Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery is particularly difficult as the stem of the device is implanted deeply within the femur. Removing the stem component requires a special device, and, in some cases, results in a shattered femur. The recovery time for Stryker Rejuvenate hip revision surgery can be as long as six weeks, causing the patient to be off work during the recuperation period.
What is the Status of the Wilmington, Delaware Hip Metallosis Lawsuits? Following the recall of the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII, over 2,300 lawsuits were filed. Following the DePuy ASR recall, more than 11,000 lawsuits were filed, although approximately 8,000 were settled for a reported $2.5 billion. The DePuy Pinnacle is facing over 5,000 lawsuits, however the company continues to deny any responsibility for the Pinnacle. Seventeen Stryker lawsuits were settled for an undisclosed amount through mediation, and others are being chosen as bellwether trials. Many believe Stryker will follow Johnson & Johnson’s lead and settle the cases rather than risk huge settlement amounts at trial. One DePuy ASR case, tried in California, resulted in a settlement of more than $8 million; rather than chance similar settlements, DePuy made the decision to offer the 8,000 injured victims about $250,000. If you believe you should file a Wilmington, Delaware hip metallosis lawsuit, talking to a Wilmington, Delaware metal on metal hip lawyer could be a constructive first step.
Should You Speak to a Wilmington, Delaware Hip Metallosis Lawyer? In order to ensure your lawsuit is filed in a timely fashion and that you have an advocate in your corner, speaking to a Wilmington, Delaware hip metallosis lawyer could be beneficial.