Stryker Hip Implant Recall
In July of 2012 Stryker Orthopaedics, a leading hip implant manufacturer, recalled two metal hip replacement components due to concerns that the devices may cause pain, swelling and harm to surrounding body tissue. Metal on metal hip implants often become linked to adverse side effects, accordingly, if you have suffered injuries as the result of a metal-on-metal hip implant of any type, contact the Clark Law Firm, PC, today.
Most recently, Stryker hip implants have been implicated in around 346 law suits as potentially defective products, linked to metal poisoning and allegedly prone to failure. Parties to these lawsuits are seeking damages for medical expenses, physical and emotional pain and suffering and numerous other claims of loss related to their allegedly defective hip implants. Stryker hip implants are facing scrutiny mainly for their alleged tendency to fret, corrode and fail prematurely.
Stryker Orthopaedics is alleged to have failed to properly test their implants before introducing them into the marketplace; has allegedly falsely marketed the implants as a Aperfect fit@ for younger patients, leading doctors and patients to wrongly favor Stryker over other implants; likewise, Stryker Orthopaedics allegedly failed to warn of the dangers of the implant, including the potential for corrosion, deterioration and severe metal toxicity in patients.
Metal toxicity in patients is one of the most adverse side effects that may occur due to the use of a Stryker hip implant. Stryker hip implants contain a metal neck positioned inside of a metal stem which when agitated may lead to metal poisoning for implant recipients. If the stem and neck piece experience friction, it is alleged that microscopic metallic debris may be generated by the device, causing deterioration of the joint tissue, loosening of the hip replacement and premature failure of the implant. The metal ions allegedly released by the hip implant may also enter a patients= blood stream, potentially leading to metal toxicity with the following consequences:
- impaired kidney function;
- thyroid problems, including weight gain, neck discomfort, fatigue and feeling cold;
- depression, cognitive impairment or other psychological issues;
- skin rashes;
- hearing and or vision impairments;
- cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle
For more information on potential side effects, visit: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/MetalonMetalHipImplants/ucm241594.htm#risks
If you or a loved one believes you have been harmed by the use of a Stryker hip implant, contact the Clark Law Firm, PC today. Your health is of paramount importance and any product or company that threatens that well-being should be held accountable. Call to speak with a representative at the Clark Law Firm, PC, today.
