Many Stryker hip replacement surgeries completed since 2001 could include components that are part of a Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant recall.

Earlier this year, Stryker Orthopedics issued a voluntary recall of its hip implant heads, specifically the LFIT V40 femoral heads. The joint where the metal stem and the V40 femoral head meet can cause corrosion, releasing metal debris into the body.

The recalled V40 devices were manufactured from 2001 through 2011. All of the products in the Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant recall have either been implanted or had expired, so it’s expected that none have to be removed from hospitals’ or suppliers’ inventories.

Stryker is no stranger to troublesome hip implants.

The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular hip implant systems caused metal poisoning, also known as metallosis, because of a problem with the stem and femoral head connection.

Microscopic particles of metal were being shaved off the parts as they rubbed together within the body, causing cobalt and chromium to leach into patients’ systems.

The V40 femoral head allegedly also can cause the similar release of these metals into the body.

As the metals enter surrounding tissue, the damage progresses to necrosis (tissue death) that causes pain and inflammation. The only way to stop metallosis is to complete revision surgery.

The Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant recall also points to possible taper lock failure, which means the device fails at the point it connects with the femoral stem. There are indications that the stem is too small to properly secure the head, leading to the need for revision surgery.

The recalled part was used in conjunction with other Stryker products, including the Accolade TMZF, Hfx, Citation, LASST, Accolade II, Anato, Secur-Fit Advanced, and LSP76.

Some doctors conduct surgery using hip implant parts made by different manufacturers. Depending upon a patient’s specific needs, a surgeon might use interchangeable components made by different companies.

Indications Your Implant is Part of Stryker Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant Recall

When the metal-on-metal parts erode and cause metallosis, the effects are gradual. A patient who has received a Stryker hip replacement surgery that includes the V40 femoral head might experience the following:

• User annoyance
• Loss of mobility
• Pain
• Inflammation
• Local tissue reaction, swelling
• Dislocation
• Joint instability
• Loosened implant, resulting in pain
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Leg length difference
• Bone fracture around the implant
• Chromium and cobalt poisoning
• Noise coming from the implant

The health journal Orthopedics published a 2012 study in that determined 95 percent of patients needed revision surgery within three years if their original metal-on-metal hip replacement surgery failed.

If you have received hip implant surgery using components included in the Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant recall, you could be eligible for compensation through a defective hip implant lawsuit.