The Stryker LFit V40 Femoral Head metal hip implants are being recalled by the Stryker Corporation, due to the alleged complications patients have reported.

These injury reports include serious injuries caused by implant failure and metallosis, or blood metal poisoning.

The Stryker LFit V40 Femoral Head recall was announced at the end of August 2016 and affects LFit V40 femoral heads manufactured before 2011.

The StrykerLFit V40 Femoral Head is designed to replace the natural femoral head, making it choice for patients researching different options for hip implants to consider.

The LFit V40 femoral head sits at the end of the implant’s femoral neck, and is meant to fit inside the acetabular cup. This creates the ball and socket joint of the artificial hip implant patients need for basic movement.

The reason for the recall of the hip implants relates to the device’s taper lock, which connected the femoral head to the femoral stem below it. The taper locks used in the LFit V40 heads have been allegedly linked to higher failure rates in artificial hip implants.

The problems reported in association with the LFit V40 heads included the detachment head from the femoral stem, and releasing metal debris into the blood stream.

Metallosis is a serious problem that has been reported in conjunction with metal on metal hip implants for years, with the LFit V40 heads being subject to the some of the most recent reports.

Overview of Metal Hip Implant Complications

Metallosis, or blood metal poisoning, occurs when metal debris from the al- metal ball and socket joints are shed into the bloodstream and ultimately cause a string of different problems.

These problems can include: infection, tissue death, formation of pseudotumors, pain, joint instability, mobility loss, and even device failure.

Oftentimes, metal hip implant complications force the patients to undergo revision surgery to have the device explanted and replaced. When all metal hip implants were first released, they were advertised to be overtly superior to their ceramic and plastic counterparts.

Not only were they thought to be more durable and longer lasting, but they were thought to be a better fit for young and more active patients. However, numerous injury reports have left health officials concerned over whether or not metal on metal hip implants have more risks than benefits.

Previously, in 2012, Stryker had been in hot water over its earlier all metal hip implant models, the Rejuvenate and ABG II modular hip replacement systems. Stryker had recalled these products after receiving word that patients had been suffering metal corrosion soon after device implantation.

Patients who had a Stryker LFit V40 Femoral Head metal hip implant recently implanted and suffered complications may be able to seek legal action. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility for a Stryker LFit V40 Femoral Head lawsuit.