The Stryker Corporation is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging problems with Stryker metal on metal hip implant modules.

One of the most recent claims alleging these complications comes from a man from Massachusetts, alleging he developed serious injuries from the company’s Stryker metal on metal hip implant.

Plaintiff Maurice S. alleges he had been recommended a Stryker metal on metal hip implant for typical treatment purposes, which often include difficulty walking or moving from a debilitating disease like arthritis or traumatic injury. At the time Maurice was recommended the Stryker metal on metal hip implant, he claims, he and his physician relied on the marketing materials and statements from the company.

These advertisements allegedly stated the Stryker metal on metal hip implant would be a safe and reliable prosthetic and gave no indication for the potential of serious device complications.

With these statements in mind, Maurice underwent total right hip replacement surgery on Sept. 21, 2007, getting the replacement system with the LFIT V40 Femoral Head and Accolade TMZF Stem components. Maurice underwent total left hip replacement surgery on Jan. 17, 2008, opting for the same Stryker metal on metal hip implant with the LFIT V40 Femoral Head and Accolade TMZF Stem components.

While Maurice initially responded well to the Stryker metal on metal hip implant, he says he soon began experiencing painful device complications. Maurice eventually had the Stryker metal on metal hip implant removed on Nov. 02, 2017, and later learned that he was suffering from metallosis.

This condition was discovered after Maurice underwent a blood test that showed dangerously high levels of chromium cobalt levels, he claims. Metallosis or blood metal poisoning has become widely associated with all-metal hip implants, which has forced numerous patients to undergo revision surgery.

Certain Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head components were recently recalled by Stryker after the company had received numerous injury reports indicating metallosis. Maurice says he was not aware of this association until after getting notice of the recall, which prompted him to file legal against Stryker.

Overview of Stryker Metal on Metal Hip Implant Complications

Metallosis and the majority of other complications associated with metal on metal hip implants allegedly stem from the all metal ball and socket components that interact without any kind of interference. This causes metal ions to be shed into the bloodstream, which can develop into metallosis and cause a multitude of other problems including:

• Debilitating Pain
• Corrosion
• Fretting
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Limited Movement
• Tissue Death

Oftentimes patients have to undergo revision surgery to correct these complications, which is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure due to a higher risk of infection.

This is not the first time Stryker metal on metal hip implant models have come under fire for these complications, with the company having to recall their Rejuvenate and ABG II models in 2012 also for metallosis concerns.

Even though these problems can be potentially devastating for the patient’s health, Stryker allegedly failed to warn the public of these problems in a timely manner.

Maurice’s Stryker metal hip implant lawsuit is being filed in MDL No. 2768, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging problems with the Stryker metal on metal hip implant.

This Stryker Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-10642-IT, in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts.