Stryker Corporation is facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), alleging problems with the LFIT V40 femoral head metal-on-metal hip implant component. One of the most recent claims comes from a Michigan woman alleging the defective nature of the LFIT V40 femoral head component compounded her medical condition and caused the need for revision surgery.

Plaintiff Margaret P. is filing this Stryker metal hip lawsuit alleging problems with the LFIT V40 femoral head component, stating that the all-metal hip implant parts shed metal ions into her bloodstream and caused her to develop metallosis.

According to the Stryker metal hip lawsuit, Margaret underwent right hip replacement surgery with the LFIT V40 femoral head on July 19, 2007. During this same procedure, Margaret also had the Accolade TMZF stem metal hip implant component implanted as the complementary part to the LFIT V40 femoral head.

Margaret opted for the Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant for typical treatment purposes after reviewing marketing materials provided by the manufacturing company. According to the Stryker advertisements, the LFIT V40 metal hip implant was a superior choice for patients and is longer lasting than competing products.

However, not long after Margret’s hip replacement procedure, she began experiencing painful symptoms and was eventually diagnosed with metallosis. Eventually Margaret had to undergo revision surgery on March 16, 2017, having the LFIT V40 femoral head removed to resolve the hip implant complications.

Upon having the device explanted, doctors noted excessive abnormalities of a type linked with blood metal poisoning.

Overview of Metal Hip Implant Complications

The LFIT V40 femoral head and Accolade TMZF stem are components of metal-on-metal hip replacement systems manufactured by Stryker Corporation, and are typically prescribed to patients suffering from hip deterioration or injury.

Like other metal on metal hip implants, Stryker marketed these products as superior and longer lasting compared to plastic or ceramic models.

However, when the ball and socket joints interact, metal ions are shed into the bloodstream and can lead to the development of metallosis. This can cause a number of other health problems including:

• Fretting
• Corrosion
• Limited movement
• Formation of pseudotumors
• Tissue death

These complications often force patients to undergo revision surgery to resolve these problems, which is often riskier than the initial procedure due to higher risk of infection. Even though these metal hip implant complications can cause serious health problems to patients, Stryker allegedly failed to warn against them.

Margaret is filing this Stryker metal hip lawsuit in MDL No. 2768, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries. By joining the MDL, Margret’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

Margaret alleges Stryker failed to warn her against the alleged defective nature of the LFIT V40 femoral head, as well as the likelihood of metallosis. Margaret states she would not have agreed to have the Stryker metal-on-metal hip replacement system implanted if she had known the problems associated with the LFIT V40 femoral head.

This LFIT v40 Femoral Head lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-10208-IT, in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts.