Complications and side effects of the Rejuvenate and ABG II hip replacements include:

  • Metallosis: when you move naturally after receiving a hip implant, microscopic particles of the material it is made of chip from the motion.  In a metal implant, like the Rejuvenate or ABG II, the particles are metal ions.  These can become lodged in soft tissue near the implant site or find their way into the blood stream.  Elevated metal levels in the body can lead to many other medical problems, such as cognitive issues and nervous system problems.  This can be especially devastating for patients who have a pre-existing metal sensitivity.
  • Bone and tissue damage: because foreign particles are introduced into the body when an implant is placed, they can have adverse effects on natural tissues when they become embedded.
  • Necrosis of tissue: when saturated with metal ions and implant particles, which naturally occur when you walk and move with an implant, tissue surrounding the implant can be deprived of oxygen.  When this happens, the tissue cannot survive and begins to die.
  • Osteolysis: bone becomes thinned because the body is attempting to rid itself of foreign matter.  When an implant is placed and small particles chip free, the body’s immune system begins to work as it is made to—it tries to eliminate the particles.  As it does this, the immune system can also begin to attack the bone where the implant was placed.  When this happens, the bone can thin and weaken, which may lead to the implant becoming lose.
  • Infection: this is a possibility not only at the incision site post-surgery, but also deeper within the body, where the implant is placed.
  • Inflammation and swelling: while some symptoms may be difficult to detect without consulting a physician, inflammation and swelling in the joint area may be readily apparent to you.  If you are experiencing swelling or pain, it is crucial that you see your physician to have your implant examined. 
  • Mobility problems
  • Pseudotumors: these may occur up to 10 times more in patients with metal-on-metal implants than was foreseen.  A leading factor in their development is elevated levels of serum cobalt, which can quadruple the chances of developing a pseudotumor.  The main symptom you may experience is pain in the hip or a mass in the groin area. 
  • Hip dislocation: when the ball at the end of the femoral stem/neck comes out of the cup implanted on the pelvis.
  • Pain in the hip joints
  • Popping in the joints

In addition to these complications which have been linked to the recalled Stryker implants, there are added risks and complications that can come with a second “revision” surgery.

If you or a loved one has experienced any of the above complications or any other side effects after being implanted with either the Stryker Rejuvenate or the Stryker ABG II, please call Estey and Bomberger at (800) 672-1036 to discuss and protect your legal rights.