Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Hip replacements are meant to restore mobility, not take it away. But for many patients who received Stryker’s Rejuvenate or ABG II metal-on-metal hip implants, the opposite happened. Instead of relief, they experienced pain, swelling, and in some cases, the need for another surgery. This second surgery, called a revision, can be more complicated, costly, and risky than the original procedure.
In this article, we explain how these implants failed, why revision surgery is often required, and what steps injured patients in Tulsa and across Oklahoma can take to protect their health and legal rights.
Stryker’s Rejuvenate and ABG II hip systems were designed with modular metal components. These parts were supposed to allow for better customization to fit each patient’s anatomy. But in practice, the metal-on-metal contact created problems.
As the implant components rubbed together, they released microscopic metal particles into the surrounding tissue and bloodstream. This wear and corrosion became a significant cause of implant failure.
Patients implanted with these devices often experience severe pain and may require additional procedures to remove and replace the faulty implants.
This condition, known as metallosis, can cause damage to muscle, bone, and nearby organs. It’s one of the most serious risks tied to these failed implants.
When these implants begin to break down, the patient may notice pain, stiffness, or swelling near the hip joint. In more advanced cases, the complications can be even more serious.
Common health risks include:
There are potentially 44,000 affected hip implants around the world as a result of the V40’s allegedly defective nature.
These conditions can make everyday activities difficult and may require corrective surgery.
Revision surgery is a procedure where a failed implant is removed and replaced. It is often more complicated than the initial hip replacement because the surrounding bone and tissue may already be damaged.
Doctors may need to use bone grafts or special implant parts to rebuild what’s been lost. Recovery is also slower, and the risk of complications—like infection or blood clots—is higher.
Settlement provides for gross base awards of $300,000 per failed implant.
| Risk or Feature | First-Time Hip Replacement | Stryker Revision Surgery |
| Surgery Duration | Standard | Often longer and complex |
| Infection Risk | ~1% | Higher than standard |
| Recovery Time | 3 to 6 weeks | Several months with therapy |
| Mortality Rate | ~1% | Up to 2.6% in some studies |
In 2012, Stryker voluntarily recalled the Rejuvenate and ABG II systems due to the increasing number of failure reports. The FDA classified the recall as a Class II, meaning it posed a significant but not immediate risk to health.
Several lawsuits followed. The U.S. courts grouped these cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL) for the sake of efficiency. MDL 2441 was created for Rejuvenate and ABG II claims. Another, MDL 2768, handled cases related to the LFIT V40 femoral head. By 2014, Stryker had agreed to settle thousands of cases for over $1 billion.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, indicating risk of temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.
If you had one of these recalled devices and needed revision surgery, you may still be eligible to file a claim.
If you have a Stryker implant, especially one that is part of the recall, doctors recommend regular follow-ups. These may include:
Even if you don’t feel Pain, elevated metal levels could still be affecting your health.
If you believe your Stryker implant is failing or you’ve already had a revision, it’s essential to take the proper steps. Here’s a practical approach:
Maintaining detailed records and responding promptly helps strengthen your potential legal case.
Metallosis occurs when metal debris accumulates in the body due to implant corrosion or wear. It can damage tissues, bones, and organs, and may require corrective surgery.
Common signs include hip pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and a grinding sensation. Imaging and blood tests help confirm the issue.
You may qualify for damages covering surgery costs, lost income, Pain and suffering, and ongoing care, especially if your implant was part of a recall.
Oklahoma law typically gives two years from the date you knew or should have known the device caused the injury. Waiting too long can bar your claim.
Yes. It may serve as vital evidence in a lawsuit. Inform your surgeon in advance to ensure proper preservation after surgery.
If you or someone you care about needed revision surgery due to a failed Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II hip implant, you’re not alone. These devices were recalled for a reason, and many patients have experienced life-changing consequences.
Medical bills, recovery challenges, and long-term Pain can take a serious toll, but you may have legal options. Graves McLain Injury Lawyers has helped clients nationwide hold medical device manufacturers accountable and you don’t pay any legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.
