Should I Get My Stryker Rejuvenate Removed?

“Should I get my Stryker Rejuvenate removed?” This is the question on the minds of many of those who received a recalled Rejuvenate or ABGII and are now experiencing health issues as a result. It might seem an easy decision for those who have suffered total failure of the Stryker hip implant or who have suffered symptoms of metal toxicity yet it may not be that clear a choice. Revision surgery for the Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII is both serious and complex. Removal of the hip implant devices includes removing the neck implant piece using a modular neck extractor which is placed under the base of the neck, and, in some cases may need the help of a mallet to completely extract the neck piece. The stem is removed next, using a modular stem extractor which implements a connection pin and locking arm. Stem extraction in these Stryker models is considered risky as the bone can shatter during the extraction.

Recovery Following Stryker Revision Surgery

Recovery time following revision surgery of a Rejuvenate or ABGII can be significantly longer than that of the original implant surgery. Such a long recovery time can impact every aspect of the patient’s life. If the patient is unable to return to work for up to six weeks, jobs could be lost and wages will certainly be forfeited. Medical expenses can mount alarmingly, and the inability to perform day-to-day tasks during recovery can lead to necessary assistance. Those patients who suffered a broken femur during the revision surgery may have to be in a wheelchair for months while the femur heels before revision surgery can be completed.

Why Should I Get My Stryker Rejuvenate Removed?

The reasoning behind having a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABGII removed generally centers around fretting and corrosion which in turn can lead to inflammation, chronic pain and tissue and bone degradation or loss. Once the bone and tissue surrounding the Stryker hip implant begin to deteriorate the Stryker implant may loosen. This loosening can lead to a total failure of the hip implant. Further, symptoms of metal toxicity including hearing and vision loss, disruption of DNA, depression, irritability and anxiety, vertigo, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, renal and thyroid problems and the development of pseudo-tumors can trigger the decision to replace the all-metal Stryker implant with a ceramic or polyethylene hip device.

Making the Necessary Decisions to Have Your Stryker Rejuvenate Removed

If you and your doctor feel your Stryker hip implant must be removed in order to preserve your mobility and your health, you must collect a certain amount of information. You will need to know the name of the surgeon who performed your initial Stryker hip implant as he or she could be called to testify during a future lawsuit. Contacting the surgeon or the hospital where your initial surgery took place will give you the Stryker model you were implanted with. A second surgical opinion could be helpful during this time so you can be certain you should get your Stryker Rejuvenate removed. After you have made the necessary decisions as far as whether you will have your Stryker implant removed, it may be a positive step for your future to look into your legal options.