When Symptoms of Stryker Cobalt Toxicity Lead to Serious Health Issues in Patients

The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII were recalled in July, 2012, after a significant number of patients reported symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity and metallosis. The company stated a higher-than-normal risk of fretting and corrosion, leading to the excess generation of metal debris into the body. The symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity can cause a high failure rate of the recalled hip implants as well. Although Stryker has declined to comment on the actual failure rate of the ABGII and the Rejuvenate, some reports place that number as high as 40%.

When the patient undergoes physical activity, the titanium stem and the cobalt and chromium neck piece create friction, causing tiny metal shards to shear away. When these metal ions enter the bloodstream, symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity can occur. Even though Stryker used a ceramic ball in their Rejuvenate and ABGII designs, the neck juncture and the small metal trundles located on either end of the neck piece can suffer corrosion. Aside from symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity, metallosis symptoms can occur, including: severe inflammation of the hip, possible infection, chronic hip pain, bone loss and tissue deterioration. Symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity can include:

·         Cardiovascular events such as cardiomyopathy

·         Loss of hearing or vision

·         Vertigo

·         Memory loss

·         Depression, anxiety, irritability

·         Renal failure

·         Tremors, seizures and other neurological issues

·         The development of pseudo-tumors

Because there is a much smaller metal surface area on the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABGII as compared to other metal-on-metal hip implants, blood tests to measure the levels of cobalt in the body may not show the extremely high levels seen in patients with all-metal implants. Nonetheless, symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity are just as real and just as serious, even with the potentially smaller numbers.

Many physicians consider any amount of cobalt over two parts per billion to be a health risk, although most scientists maintain that any level up to five parts per billion is relatively safe. A patient with cobalt levels at three and symptoms of Stryker cobalt toxicity could have a Stryker hip implant which has experienced severe wear. Speaking to an experienced Stryker attorney can allow victims of the recalled hip implants to understand their options regarding the recalled hip implant devices.