Stryker Corporation is facing a new metal hip implant lawsuit from a Wisconsin man alleging its metal on metal hip implant had caused him serious injury. After having the Stryker Accolade hip implant surgically placed, the man reported suffered numerous complications that eventually forced him to undergo revision surgery.

Plaintiff James M. had the Stryker Accolade hip implant implanted on Dec. 30, 2008, after reviewing different options with his orthopedic doctor. Even though James had the Stryker Accolade hip implant implanted to help restore his mobility, he experienced unexpected complications often associated with metal hip implant side effects.

The metal hip implant complications eventually became so bad that James was forced to undergo revision surgery on Feb. 07, 2014. During the procedure, several components of the Stryker Accolade hip implant had to be removed and replaced in order not to further complicate James’ condition.

Even though the revision surgery went well, James may still be at risk for post-surgical complications and will have to go through an extensive recovery process. At all times relevant, James nor his orthopedic physician was aware of the complications associated with the Stryker Accolade hip implant.

James states that he never would have opted for the Stryker Accolade hip implant if he had known of the defective nature of metal on metal hip implants.

Metal Hip Implant Complications

When metal hip implants were first released in the United States, patients were excited for them due to their customizable features and their durability.

These medical devices were marketed to be longer lasting than their ceramic or plastic counterparts, and could reportedly take harsher physical movements like running or exercise. The Stryker Accolade hip implant was no different in this regard, with thousands of patients opting for the metal hip implant.

Patients across the country reported problems, which occurred soon after the metal hip implant would be implanted into the patient’s body. One of the most significant metal hip implant complications reported is metallosis, or blood metal poisoning, due to the device reportedly corroding.

When the device’s ball and socket components interact, metal ions are shed into the blood which quickly compounds the patient’s condition. Along with elevated metal levels in the blood, metallosis can also cause infection, tissue death, device fretting, corrosion and the formation of pseudotumors.

Patients often feel immense pain as this happens, often resulting in limited or complete immobility. Even though these complications can be deadly to patients, manufacturing companies allegedly failed to disclose this information to the public.

Stryker Corporation was no different in this by allegedly failing to warn James and other patients against the defective nature of the Stryker Accolade hip implant.

This Metal Hip Implant Lawsuit is Case No. 2:17-cv-00182-DEJ, in the U.S. District Court of for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.