Possible Design Defects of the Stryker Rejuvenate

A recall of the Stryker Rejuvenate in July, 2012, caused those with the implant to wonder what steps they should take in order to protect their health and their future. An urgent field safety notification was sent out by Stryker regarding the Stryker Rejuvenate in April, 2012, stating that the device was more likely to fail due to excessive fretting and corrosion. The corrosion which could likely occur in many recipients of the Stryker Rejuvenate led to excess metal debris being released into the body. These metal ions could either pool in the hip tissue or travel to the bloodstream.

When the ions burrow into hip tissues, the patient can suffer inflammation of the hip, infection, chronic pain, degradation of hip tissue and serious loss of bone. When these symptoms reach serious levels, hip failure occurs and revision surgery becomes necessary. Metal toxicity can occur when the metal ions build up in the bloodstream among those with a Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant. Patients have varying responses to cobalt and chromium; some patients with relatively low levels of the metals become very sick while others with higher levels may not yet be exhibiting metal poisoning symptoms.
Even so, any patient with higher levels of cobalt and chromium in their body will likely eventually develop serious symptoms including:

·         Gastrointestinal, renal, thyroid, neurological and cardiovascular disorders

·         Irritability, anxiety, depression

·         Vertigo

·         Skin disorders

·         Memory loss

·         DNA disruption

·         The development of pseudo-tumors

·         Reproductive disorders

·         Loss of vision and hearing

The Stryker Rejuvenate has other design flaws which have come to light since the recall. One of these is the mismatch of metal alloys contained in the neck and stem components. Studies have shown that when alloys are mixed, there is a much greater risk of moderate to severe corrosion. When the titanium stem and cobalt and chromium adapter sleeve of the Stryker Rejuvenate are mixed, a galvanic reaction which produces high levels of corrosion can occur. While researchers are unsure of the reason for the galvanic reaction, they theorize it is because of the harder cobalt and chromium metals. Patients with a Stryker Rejuvenate hip implant device should consult their physician as well as a Stryker hip attorney in order to determine a suitable course of action.