The Stryker Accolade is a metal-on-metal hip replacement device manufactured by Stryker Orthopedics, a subsidiary of Howmedica Osteonics Corporation.

There have been several issues reported surrounding the Stryker Accolade hip implant device, and several lawsuits have been filed against Stryker Orthopedics. Many reported problems are blamed on the metal-on-metal design of the Stryker Accolade hip implant.

According to reports, the TMZF femoral hip stem, manufactured by Stryker Orthopedics, is comprised of a single solid piece of titanium alloy. The acetabular cup in this knee replacement device is also metal.

When implanted into a patient’s hip, the metal parts then rub together. When this happens, they can release tiny metal particles into the patient’s soft tissue. Such a condition is termed metallosis.

The condition of metallosis, involving the depositing and build-up of metal debris in the soft tissues of the body, can be very painful. This can specifically cause damage to the soft tissue and bone surrounding the Stryker Accolade hip implant.

As the metal particles accumulate around the hip joint, this may further cause soft-tissue growths, inflammation, pain, swelling, and bone loss. The more this occurs, the more serious adverse reactions to the metal particles and adverse local tissue reaction that occurs, like necrosis.

Furthermore, implant loosening, pain and device failure may result. Other systemic reactions, and serious adverse effects, may also occur in the body because of metallosis. For example, some adverse effects include but are not limited to: psychological changes, blood poisoning, skin rash, cardiomyopathy (a heart condition), neurological impairment, and thyroid abnormalities.

Although the short term adverse side effects have been listed with the Stryker Accolade hip implant, the effects of the hip implant device long-term is unknown.

The Stryker Accolade Hip Implant Lawsuits and Recall

Stryker Orthopedics has faced many lawsuits pertaining to their alleged recall of the company’s LFIT anatomic V40 femoral head and Accolade TMZF hip stem.

According to the hip implant lawsuits being filed against the company, the corporation failed to adequately warn that the Stryker Accolade metal hip implant may possibly corrode. The combination of the components cause fretting and corrosion, resulting in metallosis, as well as damage to the bone and tissues.

In regards to metallosis, as the femoral head is made up of cobalt and chromium alloy and the hip stem is made of titanium alloy, reports indicate that the Stryker Accolade hip stem component parts, can release debris of chromium and cobalt metals into the bloodstream.

The Stryker Accolade hip implant TMZF was recalled in October 2012. According to reports by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Accolade TMZF Plus Hip Stems are being recalled due to grit blast media which was observed in the drive hole.” Grit blast media is the particulate matter used in grit blasting, also known as sand blasting, as part of the implant manufacturing process.

Many who had an Accolade hip replacement had to undergo a second hip surgery to remove the device.  If you or someone you love suffered injury from a Stryker Accolade hip replacement, you may have cause to file a legal claim.