Houston, TX January 11, 2013 –

Stryker’s hip implant recalls are expected to cost the corporation between $190 million and $390 million to cover the cost of patient testing, treatment, and new surgeries as well as to pay for the lawsuits and insurance payments. Due to the increase in the expected costs for the recall, Stryker has raised its related financial reserves, charging 35 cents per share in the fourth quarter.

Stryker Hip Replacement Recalls

Stryker Corp, a major manufacturer of orthopedic devices as well as surgical accessories and hospital beds, voluntarily recalled its Rejuvenate Modular and ABG II modular-hip stems in July of 2012. Along with the risk of corrosion associated with these devices, there was also a risk for fretting, which causes the shedding of metal fragments into nearby tissue, blood, and bone, also known as metallosis. Both the Rejuvenate and ABG II utilize cobalt, chromium and titanium alloy pieces instead of the standard metal one-piece neck and a stem. This allowed for a custom-fit hip replacement and a better range of motion, however, complications arise when the parts rub together and corrode, causing metal shards to be released into the surrounding blood and tissue. This can often lead to dangerous, even fatal, side effects.
The Rejuvenate system came on the market in 2008 and the ABG II system in 2009. Within months, people began reporting problems with the devices including pain, swelling, and infection. Unlike traditional metal-on-metal implants, the Stryker implants have a ceramic cup; however, they have a metal femoral stem against a metal neck. These types of implants have been shown to fail at a rate almost three times that of traditional implants. It is advised that anybody who believes they have one of these devices should contact their surgeon, especially if they have experienced any pain or swelling around the implant.

Stryker Hip Replacement Lawsuits

D. Miller & Associates, PLLC is currently accepting new clients who have been injured as a result of a Stryker hip implant. In many cases, those affected by these implants need painful revision surgery and even then, they may still experience pain and trouble walking. By contacting an attorney at D. Miller & Associates, you will receive a free consultation to see if you can receive compensation for all of the medical costs and pain and suffering you have experienced from Stryker’s defective devices.