The Stryker Corporation is a leading manufacturer of medical devices. However, even Stryker could not avoid blame in the ongoing metal-on-metal hip replacement issue. Earlier this month, Stryker stated that it is issuing a voluntary recall of two of its hip replacement products: the Rejuvenate Modular hip replacement and the ABG II Modular-Neck hip stem. While neither is strictly a metal-on-metal hip implant, both contain metal-on-metal components that may cause the same disastrous complications seen in the DePuy case. Both defective products can lead to metallosis and other serious damage.
After reports of trouble with Stryker hip implants began to mount, the FDA launched an investigation into one of its manufacturing facilities. The disappointing findings included inadequate quality control measures and even the presence of the Staphylococcus bacteria. In 2007, the FDA warned Stryker to rectify these problems immediately or face very detrimental consequences. These deficiencies are independent of the serious structural problems that plague the two recalled implants. The friction of its metal parts can lead to, according to Stryker, “…a potential for fretting and corrosion at the modular neck junction which may lead to adverse local tissue reactions.” Such reactions include unbearable pain, swelling, and the development of metallosis. These products suffer from a very high early failure rate as well, working directly against their original marketing as a more long-lasting product for younger patients. Often patients implanted with defective devices must consequently undergo extremely costly and painful revision surgeries to correct the trouble.
Overall, the problems associated with these products warrant their immediate removal from the market and widespread public concern for patient safety, especially those patients who are still implanted with such devices and remain at risk for developing very severe complications. These medical devices can be extremely harmful, and no patient should have to carry such a risk.
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At Borchardt Law Firm, we wish for no family to ever experience incapacitating tragedies due to defective medical devices. Our firm has the experience and the drive necessary to continue to strive for the improved protection of future generations of Texans. If you or a loved one have ever suffered from a related misfortune and feel you were not properly warned about the potential risks, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer to discuss any legal compensation you might be entitled to. Borchardt Law Firm represent clients over many areas in Texas; feel free to give us a call.
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