An Illinois man has filed a Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit, joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) consisting of other claims alleging similar complications relating to the company’s metal on metal hip implant components.

The Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit alleges the claimant needed revision surgery due to a defect in the metal on metal hip implant components, and is currently contending with the aftermath of recovery.

Plaintiff Robert C. filed the Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit soon after discovering this metal on metal hip implant component had been recently recalled in 2016. Certain makes and models of Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head were recalled from the market, due to numerous reports of sudden device failure.

Hip implants with a metal on metal design have been implicated in many cases of metallosis. Also known as blood metal poisoning, metallosis has been frequently reported in conjunction with metal on metal hip implants due to the interaction of the device’s components. More specifically, the femoral heads can shed metal ions into the bloodstream when interacting with the femoral stems.

This causes metal ion levels in the blood to rise to dangerous levels, and can cause infection and inflammation in the surgical area. This also leads to fretting, corrosion, tissue death, and formation pseudotumors, with each of these complications causing debilitating pain.

According to the Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit, Robert claims he suffered similar injuries and had to have the device explanted in 2016.

Robert initially had the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head component implanted on his right side on Dec. 11, 2014, for typical treatment purposes. At the time Robert was recommended the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head by his physician, after reviewing marketing materials provided by Stryker and subsidiary Howmedica Otseonics.

Even though Robert had followed all recovery instructions given to him after his hip replacement surgery, he claims, he still suffered metal hip implant complications.

Robert is filing this Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit alleging multiple counts of negligence, stating Stryker either knew or should have known about the potential metal hip implant complications.

Overview of Metal Hip Implant Complications

When metal on metal hip implants were first introduced to the market, they were marketed to be overtly superior to ceramic or plastic models. Metal on metal hip implants were advertised to be more durable and longer lasting, which made them be more suitable for harsher activities like exercise.

This made them popular for younger patients, with most metal on metal hips being customizable for patients. However, not long after metal on metal hip implants were released, numerous patients reported instances of metallosis and painful device failure.

Often patients have to undergo revision surgery to resolve these complications, which is considered riskier than the initial implant surgery. Stryker has faced criticism for metal on metal hip implants before with the ABG II and Rejuvenate hip implants, which were previously recalled from the market in 2012.

Robert’s Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2768, where it will be streamlined through the litigation process. By joining an MDL, Robert’s claim will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges and duplicate evidence being repeatedly shown to juries.

Robert is seeking compensation for all medical bills relating to the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head, along with any other relevant damages.

This Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-10325-IT, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.