While refinements in hip replacement devices have allowed patients to lead more active lifestyles and receive hip implants at even younger ages, the Chicago Stryker hip replacement lawyers at HM&M believe that many of these devices are defective because they have not been properly tested by their manufacturers.
Two such defective hip implants are the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II modular devices. Stryker designed these devices to be modular in that the surgeon had many options to choose from in selecting the length and angle of the femoral neck. Unfortunately, the femoral stem and the modular neck were made from dissimilar metals – the stem was made from a titanium-molybdenum-zirconium-iron alloy and the modular neck was made from a cobalt-chromium alloy. When micro-motion occurs at the junction of these dissimilar metals, fretting of heavy metal fragments and corrosion occur.
The fragments from these heavy metals – chromium, cobalt, titanium, molybdenum, zirconium, and iron – are believed by many to be toxic to human cells. The build-up of the chromium and cobalt fragments results in a condition called metallosis which is toxic to human tissues.
Heavy metal debris fragments build up in the body and also cause a condition known as osteolysis, which further weakens the surrounding bone, muscles, and tissues. The metal can also get into the bloodstream and can cause a host of illnesses.
On May 15, 2013, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery published a review of patients who had received Stryker’s Rejuvinate hip implant. Every patient in the study had evidence of tissue destruction and visible corrosion at the junction of the dissimilar metals at the femoral-neck junction. Each patient also had metallosis as evidenced by increased levels of chromium, cobalt and titanium in their blood.
Stryker has recalled its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular hip devices. Many of its patients will require revision surgeries where the defective components are removed from the femur and replaced with a non-defective stem.
Even if you are not yet showing symptoms from your defective hip implant, you may be entitled to compensation and should contact HM&M. Get the help of an experienced Chicago Stryker hip replacement lawyer today.
For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our online form to have a lawyer contact you.
