Stryker Hip Replacement Lawsuit

Lawyers are investigating complaints concerning the Stryker Citation, Stryker Meridian and Stryker Accolade hip replacement devices. The issue is not that the devices themselves are defective, but that when they are arranged in a certain way, they may be more likely to cause metallosis in some patients. Some complaints have been made about pain in the area of the hip replacement devices.

Stryker Citation, Meridian and Accolade

All three hip replacement devices—the Citation, Meridian and Accolade—are actually an assemblage of parts that doctors put together when they perform the implant. There are reportedly a number of options for how the doctor can assemble the devices and, when a certain assemblage is used, metallosis may occur.

Metallosis is caused when metallic debris comes lose from a hip replacement device and is absorbed by the surrounding tissue. It can cause degradation of the muscles and bone in the area, furthermore, if the debris enters the bloodstream, it can travel throughout the patient's body, causing other illness. Metallosis has been reported in other metal-on-metal hip devices, in some cases causing hip implant failure and requiring revision surgery. There is no link yet to these devices and hip implant failure.

Stryker Hip Implants

In the cases of the Citation, Meridian and Accolade, surgeons were given an option for how to assemble the devices. If the surgeon used an L-Fit, V-40 Chromium Cobalt head but does not use the ceramic head—which acts as an insulator—between the chromium-cobalt and the cup, the metals come into contact with each other, which attorneys believe can lead to metallosis, releasing cobalt and chromium into the patient's tissues.

Patients who have pain around the site of their hip implant should first check their surgical records to see which device was implanted to replace their hip. If they have a chromium cobalt head (which would be identified by a code number on the surgical records), a blood test must be done to determine if the patient has metallosis. This cannot be shown on an x-ray or CAT scan. The only way to show metallosis is through a blood test.

Stryker Hip Replacement Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered damages or injuries from a Stryker Hip Replacement, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a Stryker Hip Replacement lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Last updated on Apr-15-16