Can I Still Collect Damages for a Stryker Hip Revision Surgery

In 2012, the Stryker Osteonics Corporation recalled the ABG II and the Rejuvenate hip implants-two of its most popular artificial joint impact devices-over serious concerns regarding patient safety. A few years later, Stryker voluntarily recalled its LFIT Anatomic V40 femoral head devices over similar concerns.

Thousands of patients have suffered severe side effects following hip implant surgeries, including fractured femurs and pelvic bones, joint instability, hip dislocation, cognitive problems, severe pain, and other medical conditions.

If you a person has undergone a hip replacement procedure and, afterward, suffered any of these symptoms, or if a person has been forced to undergo a hip replacement or revision surgery after receiving a Stryker hip implant, the person may be entitled to compensation for one's injuries. To see whether the person has a claim, one should contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Arnold & Smith, PLLC to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers have assisted many families in making informed decisions about pursuing justice and obtaining the compensation they deserve for their injuries.

Over a decade ago, the Stryker Corporation developed a range of metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. The company promised surgeons that its devices promised patients more options and the ability to customize their treatment. The company developed artificial hip joints with an acetabulum socket-a pelvic concave indentation with a femoral head (ball)-available in assorted sizes.

Unfortunately, patients who received the implants complained that the hip devices caused serious injuries. Some patients reported complications immediately after receiving metal-on-metal hip implants. Other patients began reporting injuries and symptoms months after receiving the implants.

In numerous legal actions against Stryker, claimants have alleged that components from defective metal-on-metal hip implants break down after implantation. The metal rubs on metal, creating flakes of metal that break off into a patient's body. This flaking and corrosion can cause several dangerous medical conditions.

After learning about the conditions, the Stryker company sent out an urgent safety notice alerting professionals in the medical community that components of the devices had a high failure rate that produce serious side effects, including:

• Metal poisoning, or metallosis: When the metal parts of the hip implant grind against each other, the implant releases toxic metal chromium and cobalt particles. The implants also release dust, debris, and other dangerous particles into a patient's bloodstream. Metallosis can cause heart problems, nervous system damage, thyroid problems, and conditions involving the kidneys, lymph nodes, muscles, and liver;
• Osteolysis: The repetitive motions of the hip joint can damage an implant, which can, in turn, damage the bone tissue surrounding the hip;
• Necrosis: The defective design hip implant can cause tissue and bone death at the site of the affected hip;
• Bone fractures: Patients can experience bone fractures at the site of the hip implant. Bone fractures can result in serious and life-threatening conditions;
• Limited or loss of mobility: Patients who receive hip implants do so to increase their mobility. Unfortunately, defective Stryker hip implants can cause or enhance difficulty walking, standing, and climbing stairs due to joint instability and tissue inflammation;
• Hip Arthroplasty Pseudo-Tumors: Pseudo tumors can develop in the body, a result of the collection of fluid and metal flakes from the defective implant;
• Intense pain: Failing Stryker hip implants can cause intense pain in the groin, abdomen, hip, and thigh area, especially when a person stands up from a seated position.

A person who has been forced to undergo a Stryker hip implant revision surgery may be entitled to pursue a claim for damages. In many cases, persons who have already received a revision surgery have suffered injuries that created a right to pursue compensation. In order to prove a claim, an affected person must demonstrate, with testimony and evidence, that one's damages and injuries were proximately caused by the defective hip implant.

Under North Carolina law, manufacturers of defective products are liable for any injuries caused by the defective products. These actions are called "products liability" claims. North Carolina's "Products Liability" statute contains specific requirements for pursuing such claims. The professionals at Arnold & Smith, PLLC can assist persons in pursuing products liability claims.

If you or someone you love has undergone a hip implant revision procedure necessitated by a faulty Stryker hip implant, it is essential that the affected person speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact our Charlotte personal injury law firm to schedule a free initial consultation today.