A confidential Stryker LFIT hip replacement settlement was reached between patients who have undergone revision surgery and the manufacturer of the allegedly defective components.

The settlement was announced in November 2018 and covers two multidistrict litigations. One MDL in Massachusetts federal court includes approximately 125 cases; the other MDL in New Jersey state court includes more than 140 cases.

The Stryker LFIT hip replacement settlement resolves allegations related to the LFIT Anatomic Cobalt Chromium V40 femoral head. Thousands of these devices were subject to a recall in November 2016 in response to reports of taper lock failure.

The Stryker LFIT V40 cobalt/chromium femoral heads were marketed in conjunction with the Accolade TMZF stems, which consisted of a proprietary titanium alloy. The pairing was supposed to result in optimal hip mobility with a decreased risk of hip dislocation. The TMZF stem was advertised as a stronger, more pliable choice than that of competitors made of other alloys.

The metal-on-metal design allegedly resulted in the release of tiny bits of metal shavings because of the friction that wore away the differing metals.

As the small particles settled into surrounding tissue, the body reacted with inflammation and fluid retention. The irritated tissue eventually died, and metal poisoning entered the bones and blood stream of many patients. A blood test determines the levels of metal in the patient’s system and the extent of the metal poisoning.

Problems with MoM Hip Implants

While all artificial and prosthetic joint implants come with a risk of wear and tear, metal on metal implants come with additional dangers. In these kinds of implants, both the ball and socket that form the artificial joint are made of metal. These pieces slide against each other while patients bend, walk, and run.

Over time, these metal surfaces may begin to grind, instead of smoothly sliding. When this happens, tiny metal particles may be ground off, and released into the blood stream and surrounding tissue.

These metal particles and ions are toxic, and may lead to metal poisoning, inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the joint, allergic reactions, pain, and device failure. Eventually, the grinding of the metal parts of the device may lead to the device breaking or falling apart inside the patient’s body. Patients who suffer serious adverse effects like device failure may require revision or replacement surgery to repair or replace their joint prosthetic.

Patients who have suffered adverse effects after being implanted with a metal on metal hip implant may be able to hire an experienced attorney and file a class action lawsuit against their device manufacturer. Recent class action lawsuits regarding metal on metal hip implants have resulted in huge financial settlements and payouts for victims.

Stryker LFIT Hip Replacement Settlement Covers Variety of Injuries

The rough surface of the stems encouraged the patient’s own bone to grow into the stem, stabilizing the implant. The Stryker hip implant was intended to be a permanent part of the femur bone.

If the patient suffering from implant failure also has bone grown deeply into the implant, a doctor can refuse to remove the failed hip system because the risks to the patient are too great. Some patients have had to have their femur cut in half to even remove the Stryker hip implant.

According to a study published in the July 2012 issue of the medical journal Orthopedics, 95 percent of patients with needed revision surgery within three years due to failed metal-on metal hip systems.

Plaintiffs in the cases covered by the Stryker LFIT hip replacement settlement complained of a variety of problems with the femoral heads, including:

• Impaired mobility
• Chronic pain
• Inflammatory response
• Local tissue reaction, swelling
• Pseudotumors
• Dislocation
• Instability of the joint
• Implant loosening
• Periprosthetic fracture (broken bone around the implant)

Physicians who have examined the failed head-and-stem combinations insist Stryker should have marketed the Accolade TMZF stems exclusively with ceramic heads.

Some doctors have insisted that even if the metals were compatible, the head and neck allegedly simply do not fit together well. The V40 metal heads purportedly are too large for the stem, leading to an increased risk of hip implant failure.

The Stryker LFIT hip replacement settlement will be overseen by settlement administrator Archer Systems LLC.

The cases covered by the Stryker LFIT Hip Replacement Settlement are In re: Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Head Products Liability Litigation, Case No. 1:17- md-02768, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and In re: Stryker LFIT CoCr V40 Femoral Heads Hip Implant Litigation, Case No. 624, docket number BER-L-7859-17, in the Superior Court of Bergen County, New Jersey.