About a third of a million people have hip replacement surgery in the United States each year.

In 2009, the year that Stryker introduced the ABGII and Rejuvenate implants, there were 327,000 total hip replacements according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

The average cost for a single total hip replacement surgery in 2010 was $17,510.00.

Implants are used to replace hip joints that are damaged due to arthritis, disease, or injury.  The aim is to give back to the patient his or her full, mobile life.

There are three common types of hip surgery:

  • Hip resurfacing: this procedure is used most often on younger patients.  It is a bridge to replacement surgery and an attempt to allow the patient to retain as much of their own bone as possible.  Instead of a large femoral implant, this procedure gives a new surface to the end of the femur (thigh bone) and a cup is fitted into the pelvis for the new surface to fit into.
  • Partial hip replacement: this allows a surgeon to replace only the socket by attaching a cup device to the pelvis or resurface the end of the femur.  As with hip resurfacing, this allows the patient to retain more of their own bone while still reaping the benefits of a corrected joint.
  • Total hip replacement: an implant is used to create a new hip joint for the patient.  A stem is fitted into the femur to form the lower portion of the joint and a cup is attached to the pelvis.  The stem then fits into the cup, allowing for natural movements.

In an attempt to make hip implants as natural and effective as possible, different materials have been used through the years.  Metal, plastic, and ceramic have all been used to form both the lower ball portion of the implant and the upper cup.  Each material comes with its own risks and benefits.

One of the more common complications with hip implants is unavoidable wearing of the materials.  Whether both pieces are made of metal, one of metal and one of plastic or ceramic, or a lining is used over metal, natural motion frequently causes tiny particles of the substance to chip off and enter the surrounding tissues and blood stream.  In addition to the health risks that this poses, the artificial joints wear down over time.

Typically, hip implants are expected to last 15 to 20 years.

It is not uncommon for patients to require “revision” surgery after an initial hip replacement, especially if the patient is relatively young and active.  This either involves a second implant or correcting a problem with the initial implant.  The “lifetime” of a hip will depend on many factors, from the material used to the age and activity level of the individual patient.

The Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular Neck Hip stem implants have a higher than acceptable failure rate, with some having failed within 2-3 years.

If you were implanted with the Rejuvenate 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 to compensation.