Stryker Corporation and subsidiary Howmedica Osteonics Corporation is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) consisting of claims for patients who suffered device complications soon after having one of the company’s metal-on-metal hip implant implemented.

One of the most recently filed claims comes from a married couple, alleging the metal-on-metal hip implant was defective and worsened the husband’s health.

Plaintiff Stephen M. and Jill M. are jointly filing this Stryker metal hip implant lawsuit, alleging the metal-on-metal hip implant caused Stephen to suffer a number of device complications that required revision surgery.

Like numerous other patients, Stephen had been recommended the Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant to treat his growing hip degeneration problems. Patients who are recommended hip implant surgery typically suffer from some form of arthritis or suffered traumatic damage, which interfered with the hip joints.

The metal-on-metal hip implant consists of the LFIT V40 Femoral Head and TMZ Stem as the artificial ball and socket joint components, with the head being the subject of a recent market withdrawal.

However, Stephen says he was unaware of the problems reported with this femoral head, and he agreed to have the metal-on-metal hip implant implemented on Dec. 1, 2011. According to the Stryker metal hip implant lawsuit, Stephen suffered no initial device complications, but this changed not long after.

Stephen had reportedly suffered device complications commonly associated with metal-on-metal hip implants, which caused debilitating pain and limited movement. He claims these device complications eventually forced Stephen to undergo revision surgery to have the metal-on-metal hip implant explanted on Sept. 29, 2016.

Stephen alleges that Stryker either knew or should have known about the potential device complications associated with their metal-on-metal hip implant, and he claims the company is liable for his injuries.

Overview of Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Complications

Many hip implant lawsuits have been filed over the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head after patients reportedly developed serious device complications like metallosis and early device failure. The majority of metal hip implant complications stem from the all metal ball and socket joint components interacting and shedding metal ions into the bloodstream.

When metal ions enter the bloodstream, biological metal ion levels rise to dangerous levels that can cause other problems like infection, corrosion, and formation of pseudotumors. These metal hip implant complications often force patients to undergo revision surgery, which is riskier than the initial implant procedure because of higher risk of infection.

Even though metal-on-metal hip implants are marketed to be superior to plastic or ceramic models, plaintiffs say manufacturers allegedly failed to warn the general public against these complications.

Stephen and Jill’s Stryker metal hip lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2768, consisting of product liability claims alleging similar injuries allegedly caused by the company’s metal-on-metal hip implant. By joining an MDL, the claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

Stephen and Jill are seeking multiple counts of damage against Stryker and Howmedica, including negligence and failure to warn. Stephen states he would not have agreed to have the metal-on-metal hip implant implemented if he had known about the potential device complications and the likelihood of revision surgery.

This Stryker Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-10983-IT, in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts.