According to the Digital Journal, patients who received Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABG II hip replacements within the past five years may need to have an additional surgery since Stryker recalled these hips. Roughly, one million people are affected by this massive recall.
What Is Cobalt Toxicity?
The main health issue with the hip implants is metal poisoning, also known as metallosis. Researchers and lawyers are concerned over the condition called cobalt toxicity. The health effects of metallosis can be massive, and, little is known about the long-term effects of this affliction.
What Are the Stryker Hip Replacements Made From?
In 2009 and 2010, Stryker introduced the latest evolution of its hip replacements: the Rejuvenate and the ABG II.
Both hip implants were constructed of cobalt and chromium neckpieces and titanium alloy stems. The two pieces articulate, or move against each other. The design of these devices caused metal-on-metal rubbing, which led to them corroding and releasing metal ions in to patients’ bloodstreams and surrounding tissue.
The Digital Journal says studies found that the hip replacements were failing due to “unnecessary friction.” They also concluded that Stryker may have designed the devices poorly by making them loose or too steeply angled to allow for normal flexibility.
Patients began to report high levels of metal in their blood, because tiny fragments from the hips were breaking off and entering their bloodstream. Due to this, Stryker recalled the defective devices in June 2012.
What is the Settlement for Revision Patients?
Stryker and the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee in the Stryker modular hip litigation recently announced a settlement offer for Stryker Rejuvenate and AGB II revision patients. The settlement is uncapped for Stryker and is valued around $1 billion with an estimated 3,000 qualifying patients. You can find out more details about the settlement and qualifications on our website.
Zoll & Kranz, LLC – Defective Medical Drug and Device Lawyers
ZK Law Note: According to DigitalJournal.com, the Stryker hip replacement recall has affected about one million patients across the world.
