Following a Stryker LFIT recall, patients who experienced complication may be eligible for legal action and compensation.

The Stryker LFIT recall was announced by the FDA and Stryker following reports that the hip replacement system was reportedly malfunctioning, resulting in revision surgery in some cases. Patients who developed complications related to the Stryker LFIT hip implant may be eligible for recompense to cover costs.

The Stryker LFIT hip replacement system is a metal-on-metal hip implant. In November 2016, the FDA announced the Stryker LFIT recall. According to the FDA record, Stryker initiated the recall due to several complaints of taper lock failure. The Stryker LFIT recall affected 42,519 units total.

In addition to the Stryker LFIT recall, a variety of complaints and complications have been reported. Reported complications include dissociation of the femoral head from the hip stem, fractured hip stem trunnion, excessive mental debris, insufficient range of motion, inflammatory response, insufficient soft tissue tension, noise, loss of implant/bone fixation strength, excessive wear debris, dislocation, joint instability, and implant construct with a shortened neck length.

This is not the first recall of a Stryker metal hip implant. In 2012, Stryker recalled the Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular hip replacement systems after repeated complaints that the hip implants were corroding due to wear. Patients with this complication were at risk for metal poisoning from the chromium and cobalt debris being released into the blood and tissues. Similar issues have been reported following the Stryker LFIT recall.

Metal-on-Metal Hips

Metal-on-metal hips have been long critiqued by the medical community as they are associated with unique risks. According to the FDA, metal-on-metal hip replacements have the risk of metal debris being released from the implant due to natural wear. The metal debris can cause many problems with the surrounding tissues including metal poisoning, tissue damage, and tissue death. These complications can lead to a higher risk of revision surgery, which can be costly, complicated, and associated with serious risks.

Although hip revision surgery may remedy the problems caused by a metal-on-metal hip implant, revision surgeries can be complicated and dangerous. In a hip revision surgery, the existing hip implant is removed and replaced with another device, commonly a metal-on-ceramic or metal-on-plastic design.

If the existing bone and tissue is damaged from a previous implant or injury, the surgeon may have difficulty finding the right fit with a new implant. Significant bone loss may require bone grafts or metal augments to allow a new implant to be placed.  According to the American Academy for Orthopedic Surgeons, risks of revision surgery include anesthesia complications, dislocation, excessive bleeding, blood clots, leg length inequality, fracture, infection, and further implant failure. More serious risks include damage to nerves or blood vessels, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, and stroke.

If you or a loved one were affected by the Stryker LFIT recall and experienced complications requiring revision surgery, you may be eligible for legal action. A products liability lawsuit could recover compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of consortium, permanent disability, pain and suffering, and more.