Stryker Hip Replacement Lawsuit
In the late 2000s, Stryker Orthopaedics developed and released 2 models of modular-neck hip implants: the Stryker ABG II and the Stryker Rejuvenate, both of which include 4 moving parts:
- Femoral Stem
- Modular Metal Neck
- Ball
- Acetabular Cup
The keystone of these implants was the modular neck. This is an interchangeable component, designed to be more adjustable to fit differentiating body types. It unfortunately ended up increasing the incidence of metallic corrosion, resulting in a release of toxic, metal ions into the surrounding tissues.
Stryker hip implant recall
Stryker Orthopedics issued a voluntary recall of these two models in July 2012 due to the potential health hazards associated with these implants. These devices had been implanted in thousands of patients from 2007 until 2012. These specific Stryker hip implants had a history of early failure and as a result, thousands of personal injury lawsuits were filed throughout the country.
Our Stryker hip implant lawyers have been handling these cases in Pennsylvania, Chicago and other states from the beginning. We specialize in personal injury medical cases and have obtained substantial compensation for our clients. Our team consists of medical analysts, financial consultants, rehabilitation experts as well as our crack legal professionals. We are not intimidated by the size of the opponent and are well respected as a firm that is capable of preparing for a long drawn out trial although we rarely have to go to that extent. Once our opponents see the futility of dragging out the process, realistic and generous settlement offers are responsibly negotiated.
Recalled: Stryker Hip Implants Are you injured or suffering from this device?
Slipshod Approval Process
According to section 510(k) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, medical device manufacturers must notify the FDA of their intent to market a medical device. This is known as Premarket Notification, and it allows the FDA to determine if the device may be categorized as “substantially equivalent” to devices already on the market.
If the FDA considers the device to be “substantially equivalent,” it does not go through pre-market testing or clinical trials. Instead, it is simply marketed and sold, having been “cleared” by the FDA. This is to be distinguished from “FDA-approved.”
If the submitted device is significantly different, it must go through the rigorous premarket approval process, which includes clinical studies and ensures the device is safe and effective.
The Result
Both Stryker hip replacement models were approved through the 510(k) process, meaning neither model was subjected to testing or clinical studies before being used in actual patients.
Stryker conducted post-market surveillance, but the implants had already been installed in a large number of patients. Upon surveillance, it was discovered that the modular-neck stem was susceptible to corrosion and fretting. This discovery led Stryker to initiate a voluntary recall of both hip replacement models in July 2012.
$1.4 billion in settlement funds provided for implant revision costs
In November 2014 Stryker Orthopedics agreed to a settlement due to the volume of lawsuits pending in the courts. The settlement provides a fund of $1.4 billion to settle lawsuits on the merits of each individual case. This is unusual and beneficial to plaintiffs who each have varying degrees of medical costs particularly in those who have undergone multiple revision surgeries.
There are specific conditions that must be met to access settlement funds. The settlement covers only those who had undergone a revision surgery prior to November 3, 2014. Those who have or will need revision surgery after that date will need to file a lawsuit which will likely be settled at a future date.
Settlement is quite complex and requires the dogged work of a dedicated personal injury legal team to ensure that each client receives fair and meaningful compensation. For example, there is a base sum of $300,000 allocated for each revision surgery. Each case is judged on the facts specific to it so in cases where there were complications, or multiple revision surgeries, the award is increased up to $600,000.
Getting everything you are entitled to is our goal
Our Stryker hip implant lawyers are very familiar with every minute detail of this 100 page settlement agreement. The settlement provides for additional compensation for infection treatment, multiple revision surgeries, and health related issues such as heart attack, blood clot formation and death. Apart from medical compensation, the settlement provides for loss of wages compensation and future complications that have not become evident at the time of settlement.
While the ordeal of undergoing revision surgery to replace a device is very troubling, our exceptional Stryker hip implant lawyers strive to obtain monetary compensation which hopefully eases the pain, suffering and mental anguish that such an ordeal causes. Our goal is to obtain meaningful financial compensation that removes at least the financial stress associated with the various complications that can occur.
Known complications arising from these models include:
- Blood toxicity from metal debris, potentially resulting in chronic pain, inflammation, loss of vision or hearing, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular issues, and more
- Death of surrounding tissue (necrosis)
- Hip dislocation
- Broken bones around the site of the implant
- Metallosis
If you received a Rejuvenate or ABG II hip implant, it is recommended that you contact your surgeon. If you are uncertain if you have one of these models, consult your surgeon or your medical records.
If you are frustrated in your attempts to discover if your hip replacement problems are related to having Stryker hip implants, contact our offices today. We can help you get a straight answer to the question of what type of hip implants you have.
We do not charge our clients for consultations or any aspect of their case until we win it. You have nothing to lose by retaining one of our top Stryker hip implant lawyers to help you with your case.