Stryker Hip Implants

Published on: September 12, 2012

New Stryker Hip Replacement Lawsuits

Stryker hip replacement lawsuits are being settled in massive numbers, but more are being filed. Seven new plaintiffs have filed hip replacement lawsuits in New Jersey state court claiming injury from a defective Rejuvenate metal hip replacement system, which was recalled in July.

The plaintiffs live in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida but filed their lawsuits in New Jersey. Because Stryker is in New Jersey, there is no diversity jurisdiction which is why these plaintiffs are traveling to get to New Jersey. This practice drives Stryker crazy, and I can’t entirely say that I blame them. But if you meet the right criteria, these are good cases and most of them will reach a reasonable settlement.

Published on: March 9, 2012

Problem with Metal Hip Replacements

By Ronald V. Miller, Jr.

It is easy to forget what a rarity hip replacement surgery used to be. Today, people with artificial hips are ubiquitous. Direct costs of hip and knee replacements exceed $35 billion in the United States. More than 285,000 hip replacements are performed annually in the United States, and it is projected that this will increase to 4 million patients because of the aging population. Until very recently, hip replacements have been applauded as a wonderful, revolutionary way to get people back on their feet with less or no pain. But with this revolution came medical device makers looking to make as much money, and get as much market share, as possible.

The temptations for hip makers were extraordinary. Hip replacement surgery may be recommended in cases where hip pain limits daily activities, continues while resting (night or day), limits the ability to move or lift the leg, or in cases where pain relief is not provided by physical therapy, walking supports or anti-inflammatory drugs. Hip replacement surgery has a high rate of success, due to improvements in surgical techniques and technology. Total hip arthroplasty (total hip replacement) involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing it with prosthetic components. These components did not come cheaply, but health insurance companies readily admitted that this was the appropriate treatment for people with compromised hips.

Though many hip replacement surgeries are successful, there is a risk for infection, failure, and other adverse effects. Concerns have been raised in peer-reviewed publications relating to metallosis, the build-up of metal debris in soft tissues or blood. Reports are generally restricted to metal-on-metal devices or those constructed with acetabular polyethylene liner. Metal-on-metal devices often contain cobalt or chromium. Although the occurrence is rare (occurring in approximately 5.3% of patients), it is a serious complication associated with these devices. Metallic debris can occur because of malpositioning of the implant, subluxation, or jamming of the femoral head.

Published on: October 20, 2009

Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Implant Lawsuit

By Miller & Zois

In July 2012, Stryker recalled its Rejuvenate and ABGII hip replacement systems. The recall, which was late in coming, was because the Stryker hips have been demonstrated to be vulnerable to corrosion and fretting, joint dislocation, and, because they are metal-on-metal implant, they release of metal into the body that can cause a whole host of problems.

This recall is for 30,000 of the Stryker hip systems. As you can expect when a company says, “Oops, this product is messed up”, lawsuits have followed in massive numbers.

Stryker sold these implants hard. And people were buying. Like crazy. The ability to go in and surgically replace or reinforce deteriorating body parts almost seems like science fiction. Who wouldn’t want a chance at a second lease on life with a new hip that is hoped to work almost like a new one?