Stryker Corporation recently recalled its Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II Modular-Neck hip stems after reports that these implants can cause serious injuries including metallosis, necrosis, osteolysis, pain, and total implant failure. The recalled Stryker implants are thought to cause these dangerous side effects because the devices break down after installation and release dangerous levels of metallic debris into the patient’s blood stream.
The Rejuvenate and ABG II hip systems are unique because the neck and stem portion of the consists of several metallic components, unlike most hip implants in which the neck and stem are a single, indivisible piece. The interchangeable nature of the components was intended to give physicians more flexibility in crafting the right implant for each individual patient, and Stryker claimed that the product was safe and resistant to corrosion. Unfortunately, it is now clear that the intersection of the various metal pieces, which are made of chromium, cobalt, and titanium, leads to a release of debris into the surrounding tissue and the blood stream. In addition to the significant health problems that can be caused by the presence of harmful metallic ions in tissue and the blood stream, the gradual degradation of the implant means that many patients have to undergo a revision surgery to remove and replace the faulty device.
By July, 2012, less than three years after the products hit the market, Stryker and the FDA had received so many adverse event reports that Stryker issued a recall of both the Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II systems. If you or a loved received either of these devices and have experienced metallosis, necrosis, osteolysis, pain, or failure of the implant, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your injuries.
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