Stryker Recall Effects Arkansas Residents – Lawsuits Imminent
Our hips are comprised of a ball connected to the top of the thighbone, or femur, in a round socket located on each side of the pelvis. The hip connects to the ball and socket with ligaments and is covered with cartilage that protects the bones. The remainder of the hip joint is covered with a thin substance called synovial membrane that acts as a lubricant to keep the bones from rubbing together.
About Arthritis in the Hip
The most common cause of pain in one or both hips is osteoarthritis, otherwise known as degenerative joint disease. This condition causes the cartilage to start wearing away, allowing the bones to rub against each other and causing pain, swelling, instability and stiffness.
An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate arthritic hips and may advise non-surgical treatment such as weight management and specific range of motion and strengthening exercises. These exercises may help reduce inflammation, increase flexibility and reduce pain in the hips. In addition, the doctor may prescribe topical pain medication and pain relievers, as well as cortisone injections to provide temporary pain relief.
However, if the arthritis has progressed to the point where non-surgical treatment is not effective, the hip may require replacement with an artificial hip implant via surgery. Hip replacement includes replacing the hip socket and the top of the thighbone. Several companies manufacture artificial hip implants for this purpose.
Stryker Hip Implant Recall
In July 2012, Stryker Orthopedics voluntarily recalled two implant models. These models included the the “Rejuvenate” and “ABG II” modular-neck hip stem implants. The recall followed over 60 reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the hip implants corroded and fretted, resulting in pain and swelling in the hip region. The FDA noted that these reports indicated a possible negative trend with the Stryker hip implants due solely to problems with the implants and not to associated problems resulting from arthritis or other medical conditions.
Stryker issued a press release that admitted that metal on metal bearings in the hip replacement implants could create metallic wear debris between 20 and 80nm in diameter when the bearings were in motion. When the debris corrodes, metal ions may create an adverse reaction in the local tissues and create swelling and pain. As such, the hip implant might fail prematurely because of aseptic loosening, osteolysis and occasionally a pseudo-tumor formation.
The specific hip implant models in question, “Rejuvenate Modular” and “ABG II” are different from hip implants from other companies as they are not a ball and socket formation. Instead, the models have a two-part modular neck, in which the components rub against each other every time the patient moves the hip. This motion may cause the corrosion and release of metal debris into the surrounding tissues.
Lawsuit
Following the July 2012 recall, a Stryker Orthopedics hip replacement attorney lawsuit filed in New Jersey alleged that the “Rejuvenate” modular-neck stem hip replacement resulted in the distribution of metal debris into a patient’s bloodstream. As a result, the patient experienced metal ion poisoning and required revision surgery. Moreover, the Stryker Orthopedics hip replacement attorney lawsuit alleged that the patient experienced bone necrosis, soft tissue problems and psuedo tumors due to the defective Stryker hip implant.
Stryker Hip Replacement Lawsuit
If you are a patient with a Stryker hip replacement, you may wonder what to do next, especially if you are experiencing pain, swelling or stiffness in the afflicted hip. Individuals living in Arkansas should know that there is a Stryker Orthopedics hip replacement attorney lawsuit in development and you may be able to participate if you have one of the “Rejuvenate Modular” or “ABG II” Stryker hip replacement models.
If you have one of the Stryker hip replacement implants and are experiencing potential side effects such as pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving, you may have the right to compensation as part of the Stryker Orthopedics hip replacement attorney lawsuit in Arkansas. Contact us today.
