An urgent warning regarding certain Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant notifies medical professionals and patients about unusually high injury and failure risks.

In a medical device product field action notification, sent to medical professionals worldwide in late August, orthopedic device manufacturer Stryker warns of “potential hazards” associated with its LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Heads.

“Stryker has received higher than expected complaints of taper lock failure for specific lots of the following certain sizes of LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40TM Femoral Heads manufactured prior to 2011,” the notice states.

The letter also details catalog numbers, head diameters and offsets for affected Styker metal-on-metal hip implant.

While the action has not been specifically labeled a Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant recall, the voluntary warning notice may prompt an FDA recall, as medical providers are being urged to review their inventory and “quarantine all subject devices pending return to Stryker.”

Additionally, the notification specifies contact procedures if medical professionals “have any question related to this recall….” Stryker goes on to apologize to surgeons, saying they “regret any inconvenience this action may cause you.”

What’s the Problem with the LFIT V40 Femoral Head?

Stryker says the problem is “possible taper lock interface inconsistency.” Simply put, it’s severe corrosion that can cause a host of other physical and medical problems in people who have this Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant.

Reportedly, the Stryker LFIT femoral head is known to corrode between the femoral head (ball shaped part) and the stem (longer part). This metal corrosion is similar to rusting and can weaken the connection between the head and the stem.

This corrosion or wearing down can release metal ions into a patient’s bloodstream, causing a serious medical condition known as metallosis. Metallosis a type of metal poisoning from exposure to the microscopic cobalt and chromium debris.

Metallosis from a defective LFIT femoral head can trigger a serious immune system response like skin rashes, liver and kidney problems, tissue death, bleeding, cancer, pseudotumors, and even cognitive impairment.

Australia’s FDA Issues Metal Hip Safety Alert

On September 27, 2016 Australia’s version of the FDA issued a Hazard Alert for the LFIT V40 femoral head, citing a high incidence of taper lock failures. Stryker warns that patients could experience the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Loss of Mobility
• Tissue reaction or tissue death around the hip area
• Hip dislocation
• Joint instability
• Broken bones around the implanted joint
• One leg shorter or longer than the other

Were You Harmed By a Stryker Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant?

Lawsuits claim the design of the Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant is defective and have caused serious injuries, such as: tissue death, metal poisoning, and fracture or snapping of the implant.

All of these injuries typically mean a patient will undergo a risky revision surgery to remove and replace the failed Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant.

If you or a loved one received a Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant with an LFIT V40 femoral head and suffered from any of the above complications, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced metal hip injury attorney today for a free, no obligation consultation regarding your legal options.