It’s been almost two years since Stryker Rejuvenate hip implants and ABG II hip stems were recalled. In July 2012, the hip implant company took the product off the market after discovering their high potential of causing fretting and corrosion of the joints. But taking it off the market then did little to help those that already had the implants and were experiencing complications. Possible complications include tissue inflammation, pain, and swelling around the joint – issues that a hip implant is typically meant to relieve, not aggravate. Some affected patients have suffered metal contamination and loosening of the joint before seeing the need for revision surgery.
Lawsuits continue to be filed against Stryker today. Even after all these months, the true scope of the products’ effects is still being determined. So far, Rejuvenate and ABG II recipients who experienced complications related to the Stryker hip recall and have already sought compensation have gained reimbursement for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.
Because not all patients will experience adverse symptoms, Stryker has been sending follow up statements regularly, warning physicians and patients of the need for metal contamination blood and imaging tests for anyone with a Rejuvenate component or an ABG II stem.
The growing number of lawsuits shows that progress is being made, but there is still a ways to go in eliminating these defective devices and the harms they continue to cause. If you know of somebody who has received a Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II implant, please urge them to consult a medical professional immediately. Whether they are dealing with adverse side effects or not, early medical examination could help prevent future complications and future operations.
