Patients Who Suffer From Symptoms of Stryker Cobalt Toxicity

Following the recall of the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII hip implant devices in July, 2012, many of the nearly 20,000 recipients of the recalled implants wondered whether they were at risk for symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity. With a titanium stem and a cobalt and chromium neck, during periods of physical activity these metal parts rub against one another, causing tiny metal shards to shear away. Even though studies done over a decade ago warned against mixing metals, Stryker chose to pair these dissimilar metals in their new design. The Stryker recall cautioned patients regarding the risks of fretting and corrosion, leading to the excess generation of metal debris. While not specifically mentioned, symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity are likely, once the metal implant has begun to shed these cobalt and chromium ions.

Until metal hip devices began being implanted, cobalt toxicity was rarely seen other than in industrial factories. Symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity include chronic and severe headaches, fatigue, nausea, vertigo, memory loss, diminishment of cognitive functions, hearing and visual impairments, cardiomyopathy, tremors and loss of coordination, renal failures and anxiety, irritability and depression. While cobalt is present naturally in the body, those with no unusual environmental exposure to cobalt will have less than 0.41 micrograms per deciliter of cobalt in their bloodstream—equal to a tiny grain of sand and not sufficient to cause symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity.

Cobalt levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter in the bloodstream are generally believed to be toxic to the human body. Following the recall of the Stryker implants and many reports of symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity, most physicians recommend blood tests every three months for implant recipients. Any patient with worsening hip or groin pain along with symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity should speak with their doctor in order to determine whether revision surgery is the best course of action. After ensuring their health is protected, recipients of the recalled Rejuvenate or ABGII could benefit from speaking to an experienced Stryker attorney who can assess the individual situation and lay out possible courses of action.