If you had a hip replacement prior to 2012, you may have been implanted with a device affected by the 2012 Stryker hip implant recall.

The Stryker Hip Implant Recall

Major medical device manufacturer Stryker Inc. announced a voluntary recall in 2012 of certain hip devices, warning affected customers that the devices are defective and may present a risk of major side effects.

The specific devices affected in the Stryker hip implant recall include the ABGII Modular and Rejuvenate Modular Hip Systems.

While the devices had received a “reported rate of less than one perfect for revisions potentially associated with fretting and or corrosion,” Stryker saw fit to remove the affected product from the market. Indeed, though “less than one percent,” this is still a statistically significant number, given how common the surgery is.

Approximately 120,000 patients undergo hip replacement surgery each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Less than 10 percent of these operations require further surgery.

The cause of the problem? Often the metal-on-metal devices caused corrosion and the release of cobalt and chromium metals into the blood, surrounding tissue, and bone. This condition is called metallosis, a kind of metal poisoning.

“While modular neck hip stems provide surgeons with an option to correct certain aspects of a patient’s anatomy and hip biomechanics, as part of Stryker’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of patients we decided to voluntarily recall these modular-neck stem hip systems,” reads a statement on Stryker’s site.

The Rejuvenate Modular system was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in June 2008. The ABG II system was approved by the FDA in November 2009. Stryker issued its voluntary recall on April 23, 2012 to affected customers.

Symptoms of Hip Implant Failure

Be on the lookout for symptoms of hip implant failure. Patients experiencing failure of their hip implant device may have pain in the hip, difficulty walking, and more.

In some cases, hip implant failure can necessitate removal and replacement of the device during revision surgery. Of course, revision surgery brings with it its own risks of complications, like infection, as well as further medical expenses.

Filing a Stryker Hip Implant Lawsuit

Thousands of lawsuits have so far been leveled against Stryker over hip implant complications, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn about the side effects associated with the device.

If you or someone you love has suffered from complications of a defective Stryker hip implant device, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by implant complications, it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Top Class Actions can put you in touch with an experienced hip implant attorney who can help you determine if you have a legal claim.