The Causes of the Stryker Recall

A little over a year ago, in July, 2012, a Stryker recall was issued for the Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implant devices. These implants fell under a Stryker recall due to the risks of fretting and corrosion which could lead to the release of metal ions into the body and failure of the hip implant. When a hip implant fails, revision surgery becomes necessary—an expensive and potentially risky procedure. Nearly 20,000 people were implanted with a Rejuvenate or ABGII hip device prior to the Stryker recall. These people hoped to have the quality of their life improved through being able to achieve greater mobility. When the Stryker recall was issued, the hopes of many of those people were dashed.

Of course prior to the Stryker recall, many recipients had already suffered serious adverse health effects from their Stryker hip. Stryker advertised this innovative new design as potentially lasting 15-20 years, saving many people from ever having to have their hip implant replaced. Unfortunately, following the Stryker recall, most recipients realized they would likely not have their Stryker hip implant anywhere close to that long. In fact, at the time of the Stryker recall, the company refused to put a number on the risk of failure, but later, independent studies placed that risk as high as 40%.  What this meant for those subject to the Stryker recall, is that those patients who had not yet had trouble with their implant likely would in the near future.

Although the Stryker recall lumped the two hip devices together, there are some differences. The ABGII has a shorter stem, and is covered with a shallower layer of hydroxyapatite porous coating, making it somewhat easier to remove than the Rejuvenate. The neck piece of both models is constructed of cobalt and chromium and the stem is titanium, however the metals are in slightly different proportions. The Stryker recall meant that many implant recipients were forced to see their doctor to have their levels of cobalt and chromium tested as well as to speak to a Stryker recall attorney to explore future options. After all, the Stryker recall caused many patients to be left with huge medical expenses and lost wages from being unable to return to work. Many of these patients suffered substantial amounts of chronic pain, as well as significant levels of emotional suffering. The Stryker recall is likely to have long-term repercussions for many recipients of a Rejuvenate or ABGII.