Stryker Hip Replacement Failures: Know the Facts

In June 2012, Stryker recalled its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular systems hip implants for concerns over fretting and corrosion. Although the company says that the risk associated with using these hip implants is “very low,” the injuries that a defective implant can cause may be severe, and an injured person may wish to consult an experienced Kentucky injury attorney to learn more about his or her legal rights.

Major concerns associated with the hip implants include fretting and corrosion. Fretting can cause metal fragments to shed from the hip implant, while corrosion oxidizes the metal, resulting in the release of metal ions into the body. Both processes can cause injury or illness in the form of:

• heavy metal toxicity resulting from the release of a toxic amount of metal or metal ions into the body,
• allergic reactions caused by the buildup of heavy metal,
• tissue damage and chronic pain or swelling caused by a buildup of metal or metal ions,
• bone loss or damage at the implant site.

Other injuries may also result from the use or failure of the recalled hip implants.  In many situations, the implant will need to be removed, which requires additional surgery. Patients who do not have the implant removed or who are waiting for surgery may also need additional medical care to treat pain, toxicity, or allergic reactions resulting from the implants.  This medical care may result in unexpected costs, as well as require time away from work, hobbies, and other activities while an injured person recuperates.