Stryker Corporation and subsidiary Howmedica Osteonics are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging Stryker hip implant defects. The Stryker hip implant defects described in this MDL all center on allegations that a Stryker hip implant component is defective in ways that led to unexpected complications.

By consolidating these similar Stryker hip implant defects claims, they will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

Overview of Stryker Hip Implant Defects

The litigation against Stryker ramped up around the time the company issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of its LFIT V40 femoral heads on Aug. 29, 2016, stating that there were a “higher than expected” number of reports of taper lock failure.

Stryker identified several “potential hazards” associated with taper lock failure including:

• Dislocation of the femoral head from hip stem
• Fractured hip stem
• Dangerous levels of metal debris
• Excessive wear debris

The recall went on to further state that numerous patients who had the LFIT V40 femoral head implanted had suffered inflammatory responses, adverse local tissue reaction, and periprosthetic fracture.

Overall, these alleged Stryker hip implant defects allegedly worsened the health of these patients and required many of them to undergo additional surgeries.

When metal-on-metal hip implants were first released into the market, they were thought to be overtly superior to their plastic or ceramic cousins. However, it was not long before patients started reporting serious injuries allegedly causing by these all-metal hip implants.

Each of the Stryker hip implant defects described in this MDL stem from the all-metal ball-and-socket joint components interacting, which is supposed to simulate hip movement.

Each of the claimants had metal on metal hip implants consisting of the Stryker V40 femoral head and Accolade stem, or similar metal hip components manufactured by Stryker. Regardless of the exact model, all the components involved in this MDL are Stryker all metal hip implant components.

The LFIT V40 heads consist of cobalt and chromium alloy, which can cause some serious complications for the patient when interacting with the Accolade stem.

When these metal on metal hip implant components interact, metal ions are shed into the bloodstream and can cause the development of metallosis or blood metal poisoning. In addition to metallosis, the Stryker hip implant defects that have been reported include but are not limited to:

• Debilitating pain
• Limited movement
• Corrosion
• Fretting
• Formation of pseudotumors
• Surrounding tissue necrosis

These Stryker hip implant defects often force patients to undergo revision surgery, which is considered riskier than the initial implant surgery due to higher risk of infection.

Each of the patients involved in this MDL had agreed to have Stryker hip replacement systems implanted after discussing the option with their physician, and reviewing the company’s marketing materials.

At all times relevant, these patients say they and their doctors had relied on the product information provided by Stryker and had no reason to believe they were at risk for serious Stryker hip implant defects.

Each of the claimants alleges they would not have agreed to have the hip replacement system implanted if they were aware of the potential Stryker hip implant defects.

These Stryker metal hip implant lawsuits are consolidated in MDL No. 2768, seeking multiple damages from the company such as negligence and failure to warn.

This Stryker Hip Implant Defects Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-11840-IT, in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts.