Lawsuit Contends Stryker Rejuvenate Implant Failed Early

Rosena Lyons, a resident of Georgia, has filed a short form complaint directly into the Rejuvenate and ABG II Hip multidistrict litigation (MDL) that is pending against Howmedica Osteonics, doing business as Stryker Orthopaedics.

Pursuant to a pretrial order, the plaintiff direct-filed the complaint in the U.S. District Court of the District of Minnesota with a request that the lawsuit be transferred to the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Georgia after pre-trial proceedings.

With her lawsuit, which was filed on November 23, 2015, the plaintiff demands compensation for her medical expenses and other losses.

Rejuvenate hip device suffers premature failure

According to the Stryker hip lawsuit, Lyons went to Gwinnett Medical Center on May 18, 2010 to undergo a left hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery is a common orthopedic procedure typically recommended for patients with severely diseased or damaged hip joints that have not responded favorably to conservative treatments. Often, the procedure is performed on patients with osteoarthritis.

During the surgery, the doctor removes the damaged or diseased portions of the hip joint and implants prosthetic devices. The goals of the surgery are to improve flexibility and range of motion, as well as relieve pain and other bothersome symptoms. However, some patients who have undergone hip replacement have reported significant complications.

Since Rosena Lyons filed a short-form complaint, information about her specific complications were unavailable. However, she indicated that she expects to require revision surgery to remove the Stryker Rejuvenate Modular hip stem that had been inserted into her left hip.

Other patients who have filed similar lawsuits with regard to the Stryker hip devices have complained of fretting and corrosion of the prosthesis. This can involve the release of metal ions into the surrounding tissues and the bloodstream, resulting in heavy metal toxicity and tissue necrosis. Many plaintiffs have complained of significant pain, loss of flexibility, difficulty with movement, osteolysis, and the formation of pseudotumors.

Premature failure of the Rejuvenate hip replacement is just one of the many hip implant complications reported by Stryker patients.

Stryker hip implant recall

The Rejuvenate hip replacement was voluntarily recalled by the defendants on July 6, 2012.

By that point, the FDA had already received over 60 adverse event reports regarding complications linked to the implant. The voluntary recall of the Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck stems made mention of the potential for fretting and corrosion. Patients were advised to check with their doctors regarding having medical evaluations to determine if removal of the device was indicated.

Lawsuit lists multiple counts against defendants

The plaintiff from Georgia brings multiple counts against Stryker Orthopaedics, demanding that the defendants be held liable for negligence, defective design, and manufacturing defect. She also alleges that the defendants failed to issue adequate warnings to patients and healthcare providers of the potential for serious complications.

Lyons charges the defendants with negligent misrepresentation, unfair trade practices, false advertising, breach of express and implied warranties, and unjust enrichment.

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