Stryker Rejuvenate/ABGII and DePuy ASR Hip Implants: Airport I.D. Card Misidentification

In light of DePuy Orthopedics’ 2010 recall of its ASR hip implant and the more recent 2012 recall issued by Stryker of its Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implants, the need for hip implant recipients to properly identify the exact type of hip replacement device they have has become increasingly more important. The DePuy ASR hip implant was recalled due to findings of elevated Chromium and Cobalt levels, blood toxicity, metallosis, and other medical issues in implant recipients. The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implants were recalled because of the propensity of hardware components to corrode, resulting in pain and discomfort and other health issues in implant recipients.

Unacceptable Cobalt and Chromium Levels in the Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Implant Patient

Chromium and cobalt toxicity and poisoning are very serious health issues, and those who have an all-metal or partial metal implant should have regular blood tests performed in order to carefully monitor those levels. While those with an all-metal hip implant (such as the Pinnacle or ASR) would likely have much higher levels of cobalt and chromium than those with a Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant, the Rejuvenate revision surgery is much more difficult and risky to the patient. The Rejuvenate is constructed using a ceramic ball, meaning there are not the large metal surfaces of the ball and cup to rub against one another, causing corrosion and metal ions to shear away into the body.

What Makes the Stryker Rejuvenate one of the Most Dangerous Hip Implants on the Market?

It seems that one hip implant after another is being recalled as more and more potential health risks come to light. The Stryker Rejuvenate was recalled in July, 2012 after it was discovered the neck juncture could corrode, leading to the release of metal ions in the body. Prior to the Rejuvenate recall several of the metal-on-metal hip implants suffered their own issues: recalls, adverse reports and lawsuits. When the Stryker Rejuvenate gained FDA approval in June of 2008, it was hailed as a truly innovative as well as much safer alternative to the metal-on-metal implants which were constructed of a cobalt and chromium head and acetabular cup.

Why People are in Pain Following a Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Implant

The Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant was recalled this past July after it was discovered that there was the potential for corrosion at the neck juncture. Corrosion is generally defined as the gradual destruction of materials in this case, human tissue by a chemical reaction within its environment. This corrosion could lead to tiny metal particles shearing away from the implant and lodging in the surrounding tissues or even the bloodstream. Adverse reports began coming in from recipients of the Rejuvenate who were experiencing pain, inflammation and other symptoms related to metal toxicity.

If You Have a Stryker Rejuvenate Recalled Hip But No Pain, What Should You Do?

There is considerable concern among recipients of the Rejuvenate hip implant as well as doctors and orthopedic surgeons who are finding out that the Rejuvenate comes with its own, very specific, set of potential risks. The Rejuvenate is constructed much differently than the original metal-on-metal hip implants before it, therefore doctors may as yet be unaware of the particular issues they should be looking for in their patients.

Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Patients – Why am I in Pain and What are my Options?

Patients who have received a Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant system may be unaware of the July 2012 recall, or may believe that since the Rejuvenate differs in design from the metal-on-metal hip implants we’ve heard so much about that they are relatively safe from harm. Even if those patients are experiencing significant levels of pain, they may believe that pain stems from the aging process or other physical ailments rather than from the Rejuvenate.

When the Stryker Rejuvenate Hip Implant Leads to Cobalt and Chromium Poisoning

Like other hip implant systems before it, the Stryker Rejuvenate was voluntarily recalled in July, 2012. Stryker stated at the time that the Rejuvenate had the potential to cause corrosion and fretting at the neck juncture and that such corrosion could lead to the shearing away of tiny metal particles which could then become lodged in surrounding tissues or enter the bloodstream. The all-metal hip implants have had their share of troubles, as the metal ball and cup would rub against one another during periods of activity, leading to metal ion shear.