Stryker Orthopedics initially claimed that its ABG II and Rejuvenate hip implants resisted corrosion and fretting of the metal – small particles flaking off and implanting into the body, even though it had not conducted any clinical trials of these medical devices.

However, in April, 2012, Stryker  issued an “Urgent Safety Alert” to surgeons ans hospitals regarding its ABG II and Rejuvenate hip implants due to evidence of, “[e]xcessive metal debris and/or ion generation,” caused by “fretting and/or corrosion at or about the modular neck junction,” which “may lead to increased metal ion generation in the surrounding joint space.”

As of July 6, 2012, Stryker  has recalled two models of its metal hip implants – the ABG II and Rejuvenate.   Approximately 20,000 Stryker hips were sold in the U.S.

If you have pain or swelling after having a hip implant, you should check with your surgeon right away.  Often, you may not know which brand hip implant the surgeon chose for you unless you specifically ask.  You may also be at risk for metalosis – metal toxicity in the bloodstream from cobalt and chromion ions being shaved off the metal hip implant.

The Styker hip implant lawyers at Kitrick, Lewis, & Harris may be able to help those who have suffered complications from a Stryker hip implant.

Stryker® is a registered trademark of Stryker Corporation. This law firm is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Stryker Corporation.