In July of 2012, two of the Stryker brand hip implants were voluntarily recalled by Stryker Orthopedics. The recalled models included the Rejuvenate and the ABGII, both manufactured with a specific type of modular-neck hip stem. Stryker was founded in 1941 by Dr. Homer Stryker and today the company produces a wide range of orthopedic and other medical specialties used in joint replacement, spinal surgeries, endoscopic procedures, communications and digital imaging systems, and trauma surgeries. According to Stryker Vice-President Stuart Simpson, while modular-neck stems provide surgeons the option of correcting specific aspects of a patient’s anatomy, it appears there are potential risks associated with fretting and corrosion. The Michigan-based company has over $8 billion in sales with 13% of that coming directly from their line of hip implants.
Stryker officials notified physicians of the potential risks some two months prior to the recall in an attempt to lessen the overall scare of the announcement. The Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABGII hip implant’s problems are that the stem goes deeply into the leg’s femur bone and has the risk of corrosion. These Stryker models have exhibited an early failure rate and it is believed that there are many issues associated with the recalled devices. The Stryker hip recall has serious potential consequences for the recipients of the devices.
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Learn What Problems Arose with the Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABGII Before the Recalls...
Before the voluntary Stryker recall, there were indications of problems associated with the Rejuvenate and ABGII for months—or even years before Stryker took the initiative to recall the potentially dangerous implants. There was little laboratory testing of the Stryker Rejuvenate prior to marketing the product to the public despite the design which differs from many other hip implants. While the traditional hip implant is constructed with two parts – a femoral stem with a ball and a cup – the Rejuvenate and ABGII have four parts: the femoral stem, a metal neck, a ball and an ace tabular cup.
The premise of this new design is that when a surgeon is given more parts he or she can choose the best length and angle for the individual implant. Despite Stryker’s claims of improved function, the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons noted no clinical evidence of improved function from the use of a modular neck. The issue with the newer design is that every time there is a metal-on-metal joint, the risks of Stryker hip fretting, corrosion of the metal neck and the release of metal ions from the friction between the metal parts increases.
Implant recipients of the Stryker ABGII and Rejuvenate have reported chronic pain, squeaking or popping noises from their implants, uneven wear of the implant, breaking and chipping of the implant, broken bones and fractures and difficulty walking. While these complaints are related to the fretting and corrosion of the implant, there are further issues associated with metallosis which can occur when metal parts rub against one another during normal recipient activities.
Stryker’s Comments Regarding the Recall
Stuart Simpson, Vice-President and General Manager of Stryker Orthopedics, at the time of the recall, said in a statement that “While modular-neck stems provide surgeons with an option to correct certain aspects of a patient’s anatomy and hip biomechanics, given the potential risks associated with fretting and corrosion at the modular neck junction, Stryker Orthopedics decided to take this voluntary action.”
How to Get Help Following the Stryker Rejuvenate & Stryker ABGII Recall
Hip implant recipients who received a Stryker hip implant device between 2009 and July of 2012 should speak to their surgeon or physician regarding whether they have one of the defective Stryker hip devices (Rejuvenate and/or ABGII). Should you have a Rejuvenate or ABGII Stryker implant you and your physician will make the determination as to whether you are a good candidate for revision surgery. Remember that even if you are not currently having problems with your implant, you could have them in the future. All of your medical expenses associated with the recalled Stryker hip implants (Rejuvenate and/or ABGII) should be recorded in detail in order to provide comprehensive documentation to Stryker Orthopedics should you be entitled to reimbursement.
For those patients harmed by a recalled Stryker hip implant, it can be important to have a Stryker hip attorney by their side when determining how to proceed. An experienced Stryker hip replacement attorney can make the difference between receiving a fair compensation for damages, including metallosis or metal poisoning symptoms, and having to deal with the substantial expenses on your own. Your Stryker hip recall attorney has extensive knowledge regarding the history of the Stryker implant as well as the many risks and potential problems associated with the implant. Manufacturers of defective medical devices have had instances of attempting to shift the blame for their product to the victims. Your Stryker attorney has your best interests at heart and will work hard to prevent that from occurring.
Andrew Sullo, Managing Partner at Sullo & Sullo, LLP Can Help Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABGII Hip Implant Recipients
Sullo & Sullo, LLP is a qualified Texas products liability law firm who can help you with a Stryker Rejuvenate or Stryker ABGII hip implant case in the following ways:
The hip implant recall lawyers at Sullo & Sullo, LLP can protect your claim. Because there are specific statutes of limitations involved in product liability cases, it is important that you have a qualified attorney by your side that is aware of those deadlines. If an attorney in our firm determines you have a potential case against Stryker Orthopedics, they will file a claim on your behalf. Missing a deadline in cases like this could be very serious, negating your right to bring suit against Stryker in the future regardless of the extent of your injuries resulting from the Stryker Rejuvenate or Stryker ABGII hip implant.
The highly qualified lawyers at Sullo & Sullo, LLP have the crucial information you may need regarding your Stryker Rejuvenate and/or Stryker ABGII hip implant. Our attorneys can provide counsel, advice and compassion for your situation. We will evaluate your situation and your potential case then advise you on the best course of action should we determine you have a valid claim. Our attorneys will fight hard for compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering.
Once you have determined you are a recipient of a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII it is important to speak with a qualified attorney regarding potential litigation against Stryker for any injuries you have suffered as a result of a defective hip implant. The experienced attorneys of Sullo & Sullo are standing by to provide a no-cost comprehensive consultation and evaluation of your specific hip implant case.
Don’t wait too long to have your potential case reviewed – Contact Sullo & Sullo, LLP before you forfeit your right to file your claim.