Stryker Accolade Hip Implants may be Recalled

Stryker Orthopedics is expected to announce a new recall on a component of its Accolade TMZF and Accolade 2 models. Lawsuits allege that defective design of the LFit V40 femoral heads within these devices has caused serious health complications in patients. The alleged design problems are reported to cause various medical issues, including blood poisoning, bone problems, and severe inflammation.

This isn’t the first time Stryker has faced recalls and lawsuits. In 2012, the manufacturer’s ABGII and Rejuvenate models were recalled following similar failures with their femoral head components. Both the earlier models and the Accolade model contain TMZF metal alloy, which may be the common denominator of the femoral head failures. Most other all-metal hip implants are made of chromium and cobalt. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against Stryker Orthopedics. If you’ve been harmed by a Stryker hip implant, contact a Boston personal injury lawyer today.

All-Metal Implants Linked to Serious Health Complications

Metal-on-metal hip implants, such as the Stryker Accolade, have been marketed as more durable and longer-lasting than earlier artificial hip joints. However, these claims seem to be false. Even worse, metal-on-metal hip implants have a high premature failure rate and are linked to serious health risks. Apparently, the friction of metal on metal can release debris into tissues and blood. In addition to blood poisoning, patients can also develop serious inflammation, a condition called metallosis, groin pain, difficulty walking, and damage to muscles, tendons, and bones. And the type of metal in Stryker’s Accolade model can be highly toxic if released into the blood. If you’ve suffered an injury due to a Stryker hip implant, contact a Boston injury attorney today.

Health Canada Issues Recall of Accolade Hip Implants

Lawsuits against Stryker Orthopedics claim the manufacturer designed defective and unreasonably dangerous hip implants, and that they were negligent in the manufacturing of the devices. The company is also accused of failing to administer proper testing of the implants and to warn physicians and patients of the risks. Despite the known risks, there has not been an American recall on the Accolade implants at this time. However, the manufacturer has released an urgent notice warning physicians and patients about the high rate of failure. In addition, Health Canada recalled the device in August 2016, and the Australian Department of Health issued a warning. It is likely that the United States will follow suit, but the question of when remains.

Signs and Symptoms of Hip Implant Complications

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider immediately.

• Chronic pain
• Instability
• Loss of mobility or difficulty walking
• Squeaking or popping noises
• Swelling
• Cognitive impairment
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Kidney failure
• Hemorrhaging
• Thyroid problems
• Skin rashes
• Nerve damage

The symptoms above can be related to a number of hip implant complications, including bone fractures or bone loss, blood poisoning and toxicity, a broken device, shedding of metal debris, metallosis, and necrosis (tissue death).

Altman & Altman, LLP – Defective Medical Device Law Firm Serving All of Massachusetts

If you have been harmed as a result of Stryker hip implants or any other type of medical device, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. Our knowledgeable lawyers have more than 50 years’ experience protecting the rights of accident and injury victims throughout Massachusetts. We will analyze the details of your case before moving forward with a legal strategy. If you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. We have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. Don’t go through this alone. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP for a free and confidential consultation about your case.