Stryker News Update – Hazard Alert Issued on 7 Stryker Products
On September 27, 2016, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, in consultation with Stryker Orthopaedic, issued a hazard alert for a range of LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 femoral heads.
According to the alert, some of these femoral heads manufactured prior to 2011 have a higher than expected incidence of taper lock failures.
These Stryker hip implant femoral heads are known to be used on the stems for Accolade TMZF, Accolade 2, the Meridian and Citation.
Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
$1.4 Billion Settlement for Stryker Recalled Hip Implants
In November 2014, Stryker set aside $1.43 billion to settle the many Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implant lawsuits filed by patients who have had these implants removed. This settlement amount, according to Stryker, could go higher “depending on many factors that are difficult to predict.” What this means is that the settlement does not put a cap or a limit on how much Stryker could end up paying out.
Nash & Franciskato Law Firm is accepting all Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip cases, even those that are not part of the settlement. Even though Stryker has said you do not need an attorney to participate in the settlement program, you should still consult an attorney who will negotiate on your behalf to ensure the settlement payout you receive is what you deserve. Contact us immediately to discuss your situation.
Recalled Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABG II
Howmedica Osteonics, a subsidiary of Stryker, sold 20,000 of the Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABG II implant systems. Both the Rejuvenate and the ABG II modular-neck hip stems were recalled because the devices were linked to high failure rates and corrosion of the joint’s metal components. This can damage the surrounding tissue and lead to a variety of issues including:
- Joint wear
- Excessive inflammation
- Metallosis (metal poisoning)
- Osteolysis (bone dissolution)
- Joint failure or loosening
- Necrosis (tissue death)
Related Content
Hip Replacement Danger: Stem and Neck Fractures
More people are choosing to have a hip replacement to give them back their mobility, improve their ability to perform daily activities, and improve their quality of life.
Unfortunately, over time, some metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacement devices are failing due to stem and neck fractures.
Considering Revision Surgery?
Making the decision to undergo a revision surgery is a medical decision, not a legal one. However, if you and your surgeon agree on this course of treatment for your Stryker hip implant, talk with a lawyer as well. If you decide to pursue legal action, it is essential to take possession of the implant as soon as it is removed to preserve it as evidence for your case.
Revision surgeries tend to be expensive procedures with a long recovery time. This puts undue stress on you as well as your family and can have a huge financial impact as well.
Defective medical device lawsuits are complicated. The experienced attorneys at Nash & Franciskato Law Firm will help you build a case to obtain the compensation you deserve. Even if you don’t have any symptoms right now, it’s important to review your situation to make sure you protect your rights in the future.
Questions? Our knowledgeable staff is available at (877) 284-6600.
What Are the Issues with Metal-on-Metal Hip Implants?
Metal-on-metal hip implants provided an alternative to those coated with plastic or ceramic. All-metal implants were shown to be more resistant to wear and to reduce the risk of dislocation.
However, people with metal-on-metal hip implants have a much higher risk of serious complications than other types of hip devices. That’s because of problems with the way manufacturers designed these joints. Many patients experience pain, loose hip joints, and heath problems from metal poisoning.
Any metal-on-metal hip replacement can become a medical problem to a patient who has a severe reaction. However, research shows that certain brands are failing at a much higher rate than others are, one of which is Stryker.
Proven Results
We are a leading national law firm in the area of hip replacement litigation. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling hip replacement and knee replacement lawsuits, obtaining over $50 million in Collective Settlements involving defective knee and hip replacements.
Receive A Free Evaluation from Experienced Attorneys
Our experienced attorneys want to help you. Contact the Nash & Franciskato Law Firm if you have a Stryker hip implant and have experienced complications or undergone a revision surgery. One of our attorneys will contact you right away for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your legal options.
FAQ
The difference is in the components that make up the hip implant. Both the Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABG II are dual modular implant systems. What makes a dual modular system different is the addition of a separate neck component. This separate cobalt-chromium neck is joined with a titanium alloy stem, which is then joined with the head component of the implant. This creates another junction point within the implant that can be subject to wear and deterioration.
The Stryker Rejuvenate and Stryker ABG II were recalled in July of 2012. The problem is that the junction where the stem and the neck meet is made of two different metals: titanium and cobalt chromium. These metals can undergo an unusual reaction that can cause extreme wear and corrosion. That’s when patients begin to have problems with adverse reactions in the tissue surrounding the hip replacement. Many people need a second corrective hip replacement surgery to repair the damage in their joints. This can be an extremely invasive procedure if the stem is removed after becoming fused with the patient’s femur bone.
A quick overview of the settlement includes:
- The agreement pays out a base compensation of $300,000, which can be much higher if the patient had complications, infections, numerous surgeries, or if his or her medical needs are extraordinary.
- The settlement includes all patients who had revision surgery before November 3, 2014.
- March 2, 2015 is the deadline to submit a claim for the settlement deal.
- Patients who agree to the settlement can expect the first payments in late 2015.
You can read the entire master agreement for more specific details.