A hip replacement lawsuit has been filed against Howmedica Osteonics, which does business as Stryker Orthopaedics , and Stryker Corp., asserting that the prosthetic Stryker hip system frets, corrodes, and breaks inside patients. The suit alleges that breakage can result in painful and dangerous side effects, including adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) and tissue necrosis, as well as the need for further surgeries to repair or replace the device.

Plaintiff James H. says he received his hip transplant on or about Dec. 26, 2007. James was implanted with the LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Head on his right hip, according to his complaint.

He joined the Stryker hip system multidistrict litigation after a blood test allegedly showed excessively high levels of cobalt and chromium in his blood. He claims that these levels were caused by metal ions released during fretting and corrosion from the Stryker hip system. He is seeking compensation for his personal injury and economic loss.

Overview of the Stryker Hip System Lawsuit

The Stryker hip system is comprised of parts made from titanium alloy, cobalt, and chromium. Plaintiffs allege that when these parts rub against each other inside the joint, the incompatible metals release toxic metal ions and debris into patients’ blood streams. The plaintiffs further allege that Stryker knew about the dangers of using these metals together, citing a 2012 recall of several thousand Stryker hip systems that had the same issues of fretting and corrosion.

The Stryker LFIT CoCr V40 Femoral Head received FDA clearance on April 11, 2001. It was approved under Section 510(k) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Devices approved under Section 510(k) do not have to go undergo any kind of clinical study or human testing before being marketed to the public, according to the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs in the Stryker MDL allege that Stryker failed to adequately test the compatibility of the metals used in their products, and that the company was negligent in their failure to respond to early reports of device malfunction. They assert that the Stryker hip system is more prone to corrosion and the production of metal ions and debris than similar systems on the market.

Additionally, they claim that the Stryker V40 taper is the only hip replacement device on the market to have suffered complete separation of the femoral head from the femoral stem.

About the Stryker Hip System

The Stryker hip system is a prosthetic replacement for the hip joint. A natural hip joint is a ball and socket joint that connects the thigh and pelvis bones. The pelvis acts as a curved socket, into which the thigh bone fits. Both of these bones are covered with cartilage, allowing for smooth motion of the joint. Over time, this cartilage may become damaged due to disease, trauma, or age, necessitating a hip replacement. A total hip replacement uses various materials, including metal, plastic, and ceramic, to replace the damaged parts of the patient’s anatomy and allow for greater mobility.

James is seeking compensatory damages, pre- and post-judgement interest, statutory damages and relief, costs of suit, attorneys’ fees, punitive damages, and restitution.

This Stryker Hip System Lawsuit is Case No. 1:18-cv-12381-IT and is part of the Stryker LFIT V40 MDL, Case No. 17-md-2768-IT, in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.