Hip replacement surgery is an incredibly common medical procedure. In fact, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 285,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States.
Total joint replacement involves surgery to replace the ends of both bones in a damaged hip joint to create new joint surfaces. In a total hip replacement, the upper end of the thighbone (femur) is replaced with a metal ball and the hip socket in the pelvic bone is resurfaced with a metal shell and plastic liner. Some hip replacements involve metal-on-metal hip implants, which consist of a ball, stem and shell, all made of metal materials.
Before a patient undergoes hip replacement surgery, he or she must consider the type of hip implant that will be used. Earlier this summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that the risks associated with metal-on-metal hip implants outweighed any benefits of such medical devices. As the article states, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a report indicating that data compiled by the FDA indicates that metal-on-metal hip replacement systems are more likely to fail than other hip implant devices.
Although the FDA did not ban metal-on-metal hip implants, several manufacturers of metal-on-metal him implants have recalled their products, including , including Stryker’s recall of its Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck Hip Implant Systems on July 6, 2012 and DePuy Orthopedics’ recall of two of its popular hip replacement systems – the DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System – in August 2010.
The Stryker hip implants were recalled due to risks of corrosion and fretting which can damage or injure surrounding tissues. Metal-on-metal hip implants, like the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants, have been associated with significant risk of developing serious complications including the following:
- Tissue damage
- Device failure
- Bone and muscle deterioration
- Necrosis
- Hip and groin pain
- Swelling and inflammation
- Numbness
- Metallosis, or the buildup of metallic ions in the tissues of the body
- Dislocation of non-cemented implants
- Pseudotumors
- Gait issues and inability to walk
- Adverse affects to nervous system, heart, and thyroid gland
Some patients may require a subsequent corrective surgery to remove and replace the recalled Stryker hip product.
Like all surgeries, a hip replacement is a serious medical procedure that should not be entered into lightly. Patients must carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of a particular hip implant and review all facts and medical information with his or her doctor.
If you suspect that your hip implant system is causing medical problems, such as swelling or pain, you should see your doctor immediately. You may also wish to consult with a skilled hip implant attorney as you may be entitled to compensation for injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, in a product liability or medical malpractice lawsuit. Contact the Chicago product liability lawyers at Ankin Law, LLC at (312) 600-0000 to learn more about the Stryker hip implant recall.
