Stryker Recalls Two Hip Implant Devices

Medical device manufacturer Stryker Orthopaedics has announced that it will recall two of its hip implant devices, the Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems. The company has said that the recall was due to worries and reports about “the potential for fretting and/or corrosion at or about the modular-neck junction, which may result in adverse local tissue reactions manifesting with pain and/or swelling.” It has been suggested that this recall is indicative of the industry-wide problems regarding metal-on-metal hip implants. Patients who have received either Stryker implants are advised to consult their surgeons.

The company has said that the recall was due to worries and reports about “the potential for fretting and/or corrosion at or about the modular-neck junction."

Stryker has said that the devices are being recalled because they present the potential for fretting and corrosion at the modular-neck junction which may lead to adverse local tissue reactions. There is a design difference between the Stryker devices and other hip implants (a metal neck inside a metal stem instead of a metal ball in a metal socket), but the injuries sustained due to their failure are believed to be similar. In addition to tissue problems, other similar devices have also led to metallic poisoning. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers like Stryker, DePuy, Smith & Nephew, and Biomet for allegedly marketing dangerous hip implants with high failure rates.

An advisory committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently met and reported that it sees little reason for the use of metal-on-metal hip implants. The panel recommended annual x-rays to check the condition of the implants, blood tests to see whether there are elevated metal ions in the bloodstream, and updated implant labeling warning about potentially serious side effects. The FDA is currently considering whether to make metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implant systems subject to more rigorous testing and premarket review requirements.

Have you or a loved one received either the Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II modular-neck hip stems? If you have received one of these implants or any other and have experienced any adverse effects, you may be entitled to pursue a lawsuit seeking compensation. This Stryker hip implant recall illustrates the serious risks that patients may face if corrosion or fretting occurs on the metal devices. You may be eligible to pursue remuneration for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Do not hesitate to receive a consultation by filling out the free case review form on the right.