Stryker Orthopaedics Settlement

In 2016, Stryker Orthopaedics announced it was extending the settlement affecting lawsuits concerning the Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implant components. Initially, the settlement program affected only patients who had revision surgery before November 3, 2014. The extended settlement affects patients who had revision surgery prior to December 19, 2016.

Even with that extended settlement, there are still patients who have been affected by the Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant or the Stryker ABG II hip implant but did not have revision surgery in the window required to be eligible for that settlement.

Patients who have had revision surgery to repair issues with any Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant in the last two years could still be eligible to file a lawsuit. Their ability to file a lawsuit depends on the state they live in and when the revision surgery occurred. Any patients who have had revision surgery in the past two years or who are actively seeking revision surgery to repair problems with their Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant should contact an attorney who is familiar with Stryker litigation to determine if they have a claim.

What were the concerns about the Stryker hip implants?

In 2012, Stryker Orthopaedics voluntarily recalled its Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck stems. That decision was made due to post-market reports that suggested the devices could be prone to corrosion and fretting at the neck junction, which could lead to early device failure.

Some patients who had either device implanted required revision surgery to remove and replace the hip implant. Stryker hip lawsuits were filed against the company, alleging patients were put at increased risk of hip implant failure but were not adequately warned about the risk of the device failing, nor of the possible consequences of hip implant failure.

What are some complications linked to defective metal-on-metal hip implants?

Complications linked to the hip implants:

• Implant failure
• Groin pain
• Hip pain
• Implant loosening
• Hip clicking or crunching
• Hip fracture
• Swelling
• Infection
• Cardiomyopathy
• Impaired kidney function
• Thyroid dysfunction

What was the initial Stryker hip implant settlement?

The initial settlement was announced in 2014 and involved patients who had undergone revision surgery prior to November 3, 2014. In 2016, the settlement was expanded to include patients who had revision surgery before December 19, 2016. Patients who enrolled in the settlement were eligible for a base award of up to $300,000. Patients who experienced specific events resulting from revision surgery to remove the implant were eligible to receive more.

Who is eligible to file a Stryker hip implant lawsuit?

Anyone who has had revision surgery in the past two years or is actively seeking revision surgery to repair their Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant could be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes patients who had implants in both hips and had one revision surgery in time to be eligible for the settlement but did not have the second hip revision surgery until after the deadline.

What is revision surgery?

Revision surgery is a complicated procedure to remove and replace the failed hip implant. It is typically more complex than the initial hip implant surgery and can require a longer recovery time, with greater risks of complications. Patients undergoing revision surgery often require longer to recover.

How do I know if I received a Stryker metal-on-metal hip implant?

Hip replacement patients are typically given a card that identifies the implant they have received. If you received a hip implant and are experiencing complications but are not sure what implant you received, we can obtain your medical records to determine whether or not you received one of the Stryker metal-on-metal implants.

What are the symptoms of hip implant failure?

Symptoms to watch for include pain in the hip, lack of function or mobility, unusual sounds (including clicking or grinding) in the joint, and elevated levels of metal in the blood.

Hip Implant Attorney

Sacramento attorney Brooks Cutter has been involved with hip implant litigation for 10 years and has represented clients nationwide. He was a member of the plaintiffs’ steering committee and co-chair of the Hip Discovery Committee for the Ohio multidistrict litigation regarding Sulzer hip complications. In November 2013, he was part of a small group of leading attorneys across the U.S. to guide proceedings in the multidistrict litigation regarding the Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant.