Hip replacement surgery has been changing people’s lives since the 1960’s.  Each year between 200,000 and 300,000 people in the United States have surgery to completely replace a hip joint.  The implants that are used create an artificial joint are a combination of three components: a neck that is attached to the femur (thigh bone), a ball that attaches to the other end of neck, and a cup that is attached to the pelvis. The ball then fits into the cup, imitating the natural joint and motion of the hip.  Over time, the cup portion of the implant has been made of different materials in an attempt to make the longest lasting and most natural hip possible.

Typically, the term “metal-on-metal implant” is used to describe hip implants that have both a metal ball and a metal socket without a liner to separate the two. This type of implant gained popularity because of its believed durability.  Hip replacements eventually wear down from natural movements and require revision.  Metal-on-metal implants were intended to lengthen the time that an implant functioned well by using stronger material for the socket, where wear is seen.  In addition, the metal-on-metal withstands an active lifestyle better than metal-on-plastic or metal-on-ceramic implants, which have been known to crack or shatter.  This led to it being used in younger patients.  The aim was to facilitate a longer, more active lifestyle for the patient.

The problem with the implants is that, as you walk, the ball and socket components rub together, which can cause tiny metallic or plastic particles to break off and enter the bloodstream and surrounding tissue. This “fretting” occurs both with metal-on-metal implants and metal-on-plastic implants.  When the particles enter the bloodstream or surrounding tissue it can cause adverse local tissue reactions (ALTR).

Stryker’s Rejuvenate and ABG II hip replacements use a ceramic ball and polyethylene liner in the socket, meaning it is not the typical metal-on-metal implant. The problems with the designs arise out the metal neck which is positioned inside a metal stem. This creates a metal on metal junction that rubs together causing the same complications that appear when the ball and socket joints are both metal.

According to the FDA, when metals enter the bloodstream it can cause other problems including:

  • General hypersensitivity reaction (skin rash)
  • Cardiomyopathy (deterioration of the heart muscle)
  • Neurological changes including sensory changes (auditory, or visual impairments)
  • Psychological status change (including depression or cognitive impairment)
  • Renal function impairment (kidney impairment)
  • Thyroid dysfunction (including neck discomfort, fatigue, weight gain or feeling cold)

These possible complications can pose serious health risks to patients who have had a metal-on-metal implant.  If you were implanted with the Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II Modular-Neck Hip System and have suffered complications, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call Estey and Bomberger at (800) 672-1036 to discuss and protect your legal rights.