August 13, 2012 — After less than two years on the market, the Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip implant were recalled last month. Several Stryker Rejuvenate lawsuits have already been filed in New Jersey, and the number of lawsuits is expected to grow. As more and more people become aware of the recall, there is growing concern about another modular-neck hip implant: Wright ProFemur. Although both devices utilize a similar design, only Stryker has issued a recall.
The U.S. Attorney’s office in Tennessee recently subpoenaed Wright Medical Group for documents and records pertaining to the Wright ProFemur device. Numerous Wright ProFemur lawsuits have already been filed. After attorneys review those documents, it is likely that they will have a better idea how this device could stay on the market despite numerous serious injuries.
When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Stryker Rejuvenate, the approval application was based on the 510(k) system. This allows manufacturers of new devices that are “substantially equivalent” to existing devices to avoid conducting safety studies. The Stryker Rejuvenate application was based on the Wright ProFemur, another modular-neck hip implant.
A modular-neck hip implant has an interchangeable femoral neck. When a surgeon is implanting the hip, he or she can choose a stem that best matches a patient’s individual anatomy — a longer or shorter stem, or one with a different angle. This design is different from most hip implants, which have a solid femoral neck. With the interchangeable design, there is a metal-on-metal component. Unfortunately, in some cases, the metal-on-metal parts are susceptible to fretting and/or corrosion. They can shed tiny particles of chromium and cobalt into the body, which can lead to pain, swelling, and premature failure of the hip implant.
Unfortunately, the modular-neck hip implant system was approved with little or no safety testing before they were implanted in thousands of unsuspecting people. Although modular-neck stems seem like a good idea, unanticipated defects probably could have been discovered if Stryker and Wright Medical had conducted stringent safety studies.
If you were injured by a Stryker Rejuvenate or Wright ProFemur modular-neck hip implant, you are not alone. If you decide to file a hip implant lawsuit, you could be entitled to justice for your injuries, compensation, and more.
Do I have a Hip Implant Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Stryker Rejuvenate, Wright ProFemur, and other defective hip implant induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a defective hip implant, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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