What are the signs of a defective Stryker hip implant?

Hip replacement surgery has been one of the major successes of modern medicine, allowing millions of Americans to reduce or even eliminate pain entirely, regain mobility, and achieve a level of independence once thought lost for good. However, a key factor in the success of a hip replacement is the quality of the replacement hardware installed. Stryker is a major manufacturer of hip replacement components and has released several products over the years that have led to recalls and lawsuits. Recently, the Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head has come under legal fire from many patients, alleging that defective hardware has caused serious harm.

Warning Signs of a Failing Stryker Hip Implant

When the LFIT V40 and other metal-on-metal hip replacements begin to fail, the metal components may begin to grind together or corrode. As the failure worsens, cobalt and chromium metals can leach into the body, causing a condition known as metallosis, or metal poisoning. Metal debris released from a defective hip implant can build up in the area surrounding the joint, where it can be carried into the bloodstream and do harm to almost every major system and organ in the body. Some of the signs of hip failure or metal poisoning may include:

  • Pain, swelling, or inflammation in the hip, groin, or leg region
  • Mobility issues or limping
  • Bone, muscle, or tissue death (necrosis)
  • Hip dislocation
  • Pseudotumors or fluid pockets
  • Decreased kidney function or kidney failure
  • Nerve damage
  • Unexplained nausea or vomiting
  • Skin rashes on the body
  • Visual impairments or difficulty with hearing
  • Cognitive or mental changes, including depression or anxiety

There may be other symptoms that a doctor can diagnose with appropriate tests, so it’s important to obey instructions from your doctor or health care team regarding appropriate follow-up care after your surgery. If you have concerns about your implant, it’s wise to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hip implant failure, contact your healthcare provider right away to get help.

Recalls Plague Stryker

The LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 femoral head is the most recent in a series of Stryker hip replacement products to have difficulty. This product is intended for use with the Stryker Accolade TMZF, Stryker Accolade 2, Citation, or Meridian hip stems.

Over the past few years we’ve seen multiple recalls of several of these products, including a 2009 recall of the Citation TMZF hip stem, a 2011 recall of the Accolade TMZF hip stem, and a 2012 recall of the Rejuvenate and ABG II modular neck stems. The Rejuvenate and ABG II resulted in settlements of over $1 billion from the company in 2014, and more cases are pending.

Just last year, in 2016, Stryker initiated a recall on certain LFIT V40 femoral heads due to taper lock failure, where the femoral head and neck are connected. Taper lock failure can cause separation of the implant and release of metal debris into the body.

Plaintiffs File for Multi-District Litigation Against Stryker

In January of 2017, the plaintiffs on six federal cases against Stryker filed a motion to consolidate not only their own cases, but also all future cases, into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in Massachusetts. Plaintiffs allege that Stryker has known that the LFIT V40 was defective for years, yet failed to notify patients of the risk of failure. Stryker is facing thousands more cases, and the move to consolidate could save time and money for victims who believe that they have suffered due to failing Stryker implants. Many have needed revision surgery to correct the failing implant, resulting in long and slow recuperation and expensive medical bills, and seek compensation from the company for the failed implants.

If your Stryker hip implant has failed, reach out to one of our Texas offices to talk about your legal situation. Our no-obligation consultations are free, so call us today.

Start Your Case

Fill out my online form.

Top FAQs: