Stryker has issued a voluntary recall of its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular hip implants due to the risks associated with the modular-neck systems of these devices. The recall states that the metal components of the modular neck hip stems carry a high risk for fretting or corrosion which can cause swelling and pain for the patient. Patients are urged to contact their physician if they are experiencing any pain or swelling in the hip joint.
Stryker is not the first hip replacement manufacturer to recall a product that has a metal on metal component. In 2010, DePuy recalled its metal-on-metal ASR hip implant due to high failure rates and patient complaints of pain, swelling, infection, and other injuries. Many of these device failures happened within the first five years of the initial surgery.
The problem with metal-on-metal hip replacement components occurs when the two metal pieces rub against each other. This friction can cause the metal to flake off of one or both pieces of the device releasing debris into the nearby tissue. These metal shavings can cause damage to surrounding muscle and soft tissue. Components of the metal may also dissolve into the blood stream which could lead to metal blood poisoning.
Lawsuits have been filed by patients who have experienced severe injury due to metal-on-metal hip implant devices. If you or someone you care about has a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II modular hip implant, or another type of metal-on-metal hip implant and have suffered a serious injury, contact our experienced product liability attorneys to learn of your legal rights and options.