The total hip replacement industry has been hit hard through a series of recalls involving defective hip replacement prosthetics. Most of these recalls involved what is commonly known as MOM hips, or metal-on-metal. The New England Journal of Medicine found that these metal-on-metal hips have nearly three times the failure rate of the traditional hip replacement systems. Although these products had unacceptably high failure rates, it pales in comparison to the problems associated with the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II systems.
Recalled in July of 2012, these two modular hip systems developed by Howmedica and Stryker are failing at catastrophic rates. The failure occurs at the neck stem junction. The neck component is corroding, causing the release of cobalt chromium into the surrounding tissues. The release of these metal ions leads to necrosis of tissue and muscle, metallosis, destruction of bone, pseudotumor formation, and inflammation at or near the site of the hip replacement. Although early reports from Stryker suggested limited device failure, it is clear that those statements from Stryker were inaccurate. Although the final revision rates are unknown at this time, it would not be surprising to see most patients with this device requiring revision surgery down the road. Unfortunately, for patients requiring revision, surgery is painful and risky, and the road to recovery is long.
Although some steps are being taken by Stryker for the payment of out-of-pocket expenses, there are many legal battles that lie ahead. If you have a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II hip replacement, contact legal counsel at Meshbesher & Spence to protect your rights.