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Stryker Recall may cause Revision Surgery for Many

October 15th, 2012

For some patients, the recent hip implant recall by Stryker Orthopaedics will lead to revision hip surgery. Hip revision surgery will unfortunately be needed to replace their faulty Rejuvenate or ABG II module implants. This is truly unfortunate because the typical lifespan of a well-functioning artificial hip joint is 10-15 years and revision surgery brings a lengthier and riskier procedure, as well as greater uncertainty of its outcome.

Few Options Available for Patients

The most pressing and problematic issues with the Stryker recall devices center on its fretting and corrosion, which may lead to metallosis, a serious condition from metal debris leaking into a patient’s bloodstream, the loosening of the implant causing grave pain and discomfort, and the inflammation and damage to surrounding bone and tissue. All of these conditions may warrant a hip revision surgery and bring forth new complications that the patient and surgeon need to consider, for example:

  • Quality of patient’s bone and the ability to securely fit revision hip replacement into position
  • Higher chance of hip dislocation after surgery due to weaker tissue surrounding the bone as well as more fragile bone
  • Lengthier surgery by having to remove old implant and securely placing new one
  • Longer rehabilitation timeframe
  • Possibility of smaller range of motion
  • New prosthesis won’t last as long (eight to 10 years vs. 10-15 years)

If your physician is recommending hip revision surgery because of the Stryker recall and its inherent problems, contact us as soon as possible. Legal options may be available.

For more information about the Stryker hip implant recall and your legal options, visit www.seegerweiss.com/stryker-hip-recall.


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