The femoral heads in certain Stryker metal hip implants have been the target of a recall due to taper lock failure. When these femoral heads fail, a number of complications can result.

The particular model subject to the Stryker femoral head recall is known as the Stryker V40 LFIT hip implant. At the junction where the hip stem meets the femoral head, the parts can touch and corrode, causing metal debris to be released into the body.

When metal particles enter the body, a number of complications can result. When the metal particles come into the bloodstream, they can travel throughout the body, causing damage.

The metal poisoning in the body can cause problems in a variety of organ systems and can disrupt endocrine function. Things like heart problems, thyroid and other hormonal problems and organ damage may result from high levels of metal in the blood.

When metal debris enters into the tissues surrounding the hip implants, localized problems can also occur. Metal particles cause inflammation, swelling and pain to occur near the site of where the metal debris is located. Cell and tissue death can also occur.

When the tissue around the implant dies, less of it is available to support the structure of the implant. Due to the reduction in tissue, the device can loosen, causing pain, fracture and dislocation and these can lead to further hip implant complications.

The Stryker femoral head recall is not the first recall of hip implant parts that the company has issued in recent years. In 2012, other recalls were issues for other hip implant systems with similar and varying complications.

Unfortunately, many patients who have a hip implant that has been subject to the Stryker femoral head recall will need to undergo revision surgery in order to repair any issues caused by the defective do you plant implant.

A hip revision surgery is more difficult than an initial hip replacement surgery because additional damage beyond the initial hip problem has occurred.

Also, depending on how long ago the hip surgery happened, there may be a shorter recovery time allowed from the first surgery before the revision surgery takes place. In general, revision surgeries are more likely to have complications than initial input hip implant surgeries and can take a larger toll on the body.

Due to the large number of product liability lawsuits that followed the Stryker femoral head recall, motions have been made to consolidate the lawsuits into a multidistrict litigation at the federal level. In New Jersey state court, parties have requested that their state-court cases be consolidated at the state level as well.

It is believed that hundreds more hip implant lawsuits will be filed against Stryker after more patients become aware of the issues associated with the Stryker femoral head recall.

Product liability lawsuits against Stryker state that the company designed and manufactured a defective product and that the company failed to warn of complications resulting from the use of the hip implant.

Plaintiffs who go on to file such product liability lawsuits seek damages related to medical expenses, emotional and physical pain and suffering, loss of companionship with a spouse, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and earning capacity and more.

If you have become injured after having been implanted with a hip replacement subject to the Stryker femoral head recall, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation as a result of your injuries. An experienced attorney can review your case and can guide you as you prepare to take legal action.