Lawsuit Filed Against Stryker Corporation for Defective Hip Prosthetics

Anna M. Robare is the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Connecticut against Howmedica Osteonics Corporation and Stryker Corporation. Ms. Robare alleges that the Stryker Corporation was negligent in the design, manufacturing and marketing of their Stryker Rejuvenate Modular Hip System, and that Howmedica Osteonics was negligent in selling this product. The Stryker Rejuvenate Hip lawsuit alleges that the prosthetic device was unsafe, resulting in substantial injury to the plaintiff.

Ms. Robare contends that the product caused higher than normal levels of chromium and cobalt in her blood, a number of painful surgeries, and an increased risk of failure in her prosthetic hip replacement. Ms. Robare also alleges that the poor functioning of her Stryker prosthetic has produced extensive mental and physical anguish, which contributed to forced absence from her employment and lost wages.

In her Stryker hip lawsuit, the plaintiff also states that she continues to suffer from disabling pain and suffering, which has diminished her quality of life.

Stryker hip recall

Prior to the Stryker hip recall in 2012, the Rejuvenate Modular Hip Systems had been implanted in thousands of patients. The Stryker Rejuvenate recall was based on evidence that the metal-on-metal hip prosthetic can cause metal toxicity due to leaking of cobalt and chromium into the bloodstream. In some cases, Stryker metal prosthetics have been known to corrode, which can contribute to swelling and tissue damage. Metal-on-metal hip implants have also been known to fail at three times the rate of ceramic or plastic alternatives.

While other metal prosthetics have similar issues, the Stryker Rejuvenate hip prosthesis is particularly likely to cause injury due to specific design flaws. The Rejuvenate implants were designed to allow surgeons to fit the devices to the particular physiology of patients. Unfortunately, this increased adaptability contributed to issues like pain, reduced mobility and swelling. Replacing Stryker Rejuvenate hip devices may also contribute to lifelong pain, back or neck pain, and limited joint function.

Stryker Rejuvenate hip lawsuits increase in number

Ms. Robare’s Stryker Rejuvenate hip lawsuit is one of many similar cases brought against Stryker Corporation and the manufacturers of comparable prosthetic products. Although Ms. Robare is seeking only $750,000 in damages, in addition to legal costs and interest, similar cases have produced jury verdicts as high as $8.3 million.

In another Stryker Rejuvenate hip lawsuit being litigated in the U.S. District Court of Southern New York, the plaintiff is seeking $20 million in damages related to the use of a Rejuvenate hip implant.

Recipients of the Stryker Rejuvenate hip device should immediately contact their doctor to test their blood for the presence of toxic metals. If there are elevated levels of chromium or cobalt in their blood, they are strongly urged to replace their hip prosthetic with another type of implant. The medical costs and lost wages related to a hip revision surgery may be recouped from Stryker Corporation, but hip replacement recipients are strongly encouraged to obtain the advice and representation of an injury attorney, as any information provided to Stryker Corporation or business associates may limit further legal action.