Howmedica Osteonics Corp. faces a Stryker LFIT hip replacement lawsuit filed by a woman alleging she suffered severe injuries as a result of the device’s implantation.

Plaintiff Peggy K. filed the Stryker LFIT hip replacement lawsuit, joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) against the company, in Massachusetts federal court. The lawsuit was filed on May 22, 2018.

According to the Stryker LFIT hip replacement lawsuit, Peggy is a resident and citizen of the state of Delaware. She says that she was implanted with the LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Head on her right hip on April 5, 2011 at Saint Francis Hospital. She became implanted with the Accolade TMZF as the device’s femoral stem during the same procedure.

However, because of complications she suffered, the device was explanted on April 18, 2018. She claims damages because of severe injuries she suffered, including economic loss. Peggy also says that it wasn’t until she had blood drawn that she was advised of the excessive levels of chromium and cobalt in her bloodstream that is indicative of a faulty and defective LFIT Anatomic CoCr Femoral Head and Accolade TMZF device.

The Stryker LFIT hip replacement lawsuit was filed on multiple counts including negligence; negligence per se; defective design; manufacturing defect; failure to warn; breach of express warranty; breach of warranty as to merchantability; breach of implied warranties; violation of Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act; Violation of Consumer Fraud; negligent misrepresentation; unjust enrichment; and punitive damages.

Peggy demands a trial by jury.

Overview: Stryker LFIT Hip Replacement

Howmedica Osteonics, a subsidiary of Stryker Orthopedics, are facing a multitude of lawsuits from patients alleging that they suffered severe adverse side effects and complications. Some reported side effects have included but have not been limited to: corrosion, metal toxicity, fretting, loss of bone fixation strength, hip stem fractures, and dissociation of the femoral head from the stem.

There have also been complaints of metallosis, or the deposit and buildup of metal debris in the body’s soft tissues; leading to even more adverse side effects and damages. Some additional damages have also included joint damage, pain, swelling, and soft tissue growth.

The company was founded in 1970 and specializes in the manufacturing of hip systems, knee systems, and spinal systems. The LFIT Anatomic V40 Femoral Head and TMZF hip stem, part of the total hip replacement system, received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2000.

However, recognition of a failing hip replacement device has at times come much too late for many patients. For patients, like Peggy, they have only been able to confirm that their hip replacement device has failed after checking their blood for elevated levels of cobalt and chromium ions — indicative of a device that is shedding metal particles. As a metal-on-metal device, the LFIT V40 femoral head and TMZF femoral stem rub together, potentially releasing metal ions into the blood stream and surrounding tissues.

On Aug. 29, 2016, Stryker announced a voluntary recall of the LFIT Anatomic V40 Femoral Head, releasing an “Urgent Medical Device Recall Notification” to surgeons across the U.S. implanting patients with the hip replacement device.

The Stryker LFIT Hip Replacement Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-11074-IT, in the U.S. District Court of for the District of Massachusetts. The Stryker V40 Lawsuit is in re: Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 17-md-2768-IT, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.