The Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head is a component of an artificial hip joint used in a total hip replacement. In a real human hip joint, there are two holes or sockets on either side of the pelvic girdle. These sockets are roughly located on the left and right side at the level of the pubis bone.

The concave surfaces of the acetabulum hold the femoral head, or round ball of the upper leg bone, the femur, in place with a complex arrangement of connective tissue. Lining the acetabulum is cartilage, allowing for the smooth movement of the leg’s ball and socket system.

When a real human hip joint deteriorates through aging or physical trauma, it is most often the cartilage that wears down and fails to replenish itself. The smooth movement that once occurred, can no longer do so, and extreme pain results from necessary ambulation.

The Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head

The Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head is a replacement for the real head of the femur which is amputated during a full hip arthroplasty or total hip replacement. This has a stem on it which is nailed and often cemented into the femur bone to articulate with the socket.

The interior of the existing acetabulum must be replaced with a strong metal liner and inside of it, a faux cartilage consisting of ceramic, plastic or metal must also be placed to allow for smooth movement.

Together, the individual components function as a whole, allowing for comprehensive movement of the joint upon surgical recovery.

Why did the FDA Issue a Recall on the Stryker V40 Femoral Head?

The FDA announced a Class II medical device recall for the Stryker 40 Femoral Head hip prosthesis as of Nov. 9, 2016 after action was initiated by the company earlier in August.

The recall was requested because of numerous complaints about a situation developing known as ‘taper lock failure’ in which the stem of the artificial femoral head begins corroding, requiring early revision surgery and possible secondary total hip replacement.

The corrosion of the stem of the Stryker prostheses has been found to leach cobalt, chromium, and titanium into the blood of the surgical recipient when it corrodes. If very specific blood tests are not ordered, however, the hip joint component can continue to corrode until the patient experiences significant pain, swelling, total dislocation, or fracture.

According to Stryker Howmedica Osteonics Corp., the Mahwah, N.J.-based company, several model numbers have complaints of this nature filed against them. There are 42,519 units that have been distributed nationwide in the U.S. and internationally.

If you feel you are experiencing pain secondary to a total hip arthroplasty, but do not know the type of prosthesis that was implanted, you can check with your orthopedic surgeon. A consultation with a products liability lawyer can properly advise you on getting the compensation you deserve.