Patients Who Experience Stryker Metal on Metal Poisoning Symptoms

Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms can occur when an accumulation of metal debris in the bloodstream of the body takes place due to defective metal hip implant devices. Stryker’s Rejuvenate and ABGII were recalled in July, 2012, after scores of patients reported experiencing Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms. Stryker stated the two hip implant devices were recalled due to fretting and corrosion leading to excess metal debris and hip failure. Although Stryker did not mention the actual rate of hip failure, many independent studies put that number as high as 40%.

Despite the fact that the Stryker recalled hip implants utilized a ceramic ball, rather than a metal one, corrosion was found to occur at the junction between the titanium stem and the cobalt and chromium neck. Corrosion was also found to occur beneath the small metal trunnions located at either end of the neck portion. These areas of corrosion were responsible for tiny metal particles shearing away from the implant, lodging in the surrounding tissue or the bloodstream. The metal ions in the bloodstream are responsible for Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms including: cardiovascular issues, loss of hearing and vision, chronic headaches, vertigo and other balance issues, short-term memory loss, neurological problems, including seizures and tremors, reproductive disorders, the development of pseudo-tumors and even disruption of DNA.

Other issues such as anxiety, irritability and depression have also been found to occur in those suffering from Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms. Aside from Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms, when the metal shards burrow into the hip tissues, inflammation, pain, infection, bone loss and tissue deterioration can occur. When the implant is removed, doctors will typically see a gray discoloration of the tissue surrounding the hip implant, meaning the tissue is starved for oxygen and has begun to die.

Implant recipients who are particularly sensitive to heavy metals are more likely to experience Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms than those with a higher tolerance for metals. Although both chromium and cobalt cause considerable damage to the body, cobalt is the more serious of Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms. Liver damage and cancer are among the more serious risks of excess cobalt in the body. Those patients who have experienced Stryker metal on metal poisoning symptoms should see their physician and have regular blood tests done to monitor metal levels.