A Michigan man has filed a legal action against Stryker Corporation after allegedly experiencing complications from the Stryker LFIT hip implant system.

According to the claim, the Stryker LFIT hip implant system was defectively made and caused him to suffer chronic injuries from the metal on metal hip implant.

Plaintiff Russell T. is filing this Stryker metal hip implant lawsuit alleging the metal hip implant manufacturer failed to warn him against potential complications associated with the Stryker LFIT hip implant system. Russell had opted for the Stryker LFIT hip implant system after going to his physician complaining of arthritis in his left hip.

After reviewing Stryker’s marketing materials, Russell says, he opted for the Stryker LFIT hip implant system and had it implanted on May 28, 2009 in his left hip. While he initially responded well to the Stryker LFIT hip implant system, Russell eventually began experiencing serious problems often reported with metal on metal hip implant complications.

Due to these complications, Russell was eventually forced to undergo revision surgery on Jan. 28, 2016 to remove and replace certain components of the Stryker LFIT hip implant system. Russell has since had to reportedly contend with his injuries and has had to be vigilant of any further complications.

Russell opted to file legal action against Stryker after leaning the company recalled certain components of the Stryker LFIT hip implant system on Aug. 29, 2016. The company recalled these devices due to reports of serious complications, including “excessive metallic debris” and “revision to alleviate hazardous situation.”

Overview of Metal Hip Implant Complications

Hip implants are used to replace damaged or deteriorated hip bones, to restore mobility and relieve pain. All-metal hip implants quickly became popular among younger orthopedic patients in the United States, with companies marketing their longevity and durability.

Along with most of them being customizable, metal hip implants are reportedly more durable. However, plaintiffs say there was a serious design flaw discovered too late after metal on metal hip implants entered the market.

When the ball and socket joint of the device interact, metal ions can be released into the bloodstream and can create a number of problems including fretting, corrosion, infection, the formation of pseudotumors, tissue death in the implant area, and metallosis or blood metal poisoning.

Oftentimes these complications force patients to undergo revision surgery to resolve the metal hip implant problems. Even though these metal hip implant complications can be potentially devastating to patients, Stryker and other manufacturers allegedly failed to adequately warn patients about them.

According to Russell’s Stryker metal hip implant lawsuit, there were no warnings or disclosure from the company before or after he received the Stryker LFIT hip implant system. Russell states that he never would have opted for the Stryker LFIT hip implant system if he had known about the potential metal hip implant complications.

This Stryker Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-12010-TGB-EAS, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division.