Recalled Stryker Hip Implants

“Squeaky” and Defective Hip Implants
      Our Stryker Hip Implant lawyers are investigating potential lawsuits throughout the United States for claims on behalf of victims who received a ceramic Stryker-brand hip implant that is or may be defective. Settlment in the Stryker lawsuits that have been filed around the country may be on the horizon.

Stryker’s recall relates to the Trident PSL and Hemispherical Acetahip-implant-settlmentbular Cups.  Those products are defective and frequently make audible noise when moving (usually a squeaking or popping sound), a problem that may cause bone fractures, pain, discomfort, potential shattering of the implants and may require additional replacement surgeries.  These Stryker Hip Implant lawsuits allege product liability, negligence and failure to warn claims against Stryker Corporation, Stryker Sales Corporation and Stryker Orthopaedics, the manufacturer.

Which Stryker Hip Implants Are Defective?

      Under pressure from the FDA, Stryker has recalled two devices from their Stryker Trident hip implant series—the Trident Acetabular PSL and the Trident Hemispherical Cups.  These products are used for the “socket” portion of the hip replacements. 

How Do Hip Implants Work?

            Hip replacement surgery is typically recommended for patients who suffer from arthritis or extensive fractures.  The following are indications for surgery:

  • Osteoarthritis:  this typically occurs around age 50 when the articular cartilage that layers the hip bones wears away, causing bone-on-bone movement, pain and stiffness.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis:  this is a disease that is often hereditary and causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and damage to the articular cartilage. 
  • Traumatic arthritis:  this can result from serious fractures or hip injuries, which may cause osteonecrosis and damage to the articular cartilage. 

      Implants typically follow the same “ball and socket” model:  a socket (half-spherical cup) is implanted into the pelvis, which fits snugly next to a head (the ball).  That head attaches to a spike that is cemented or drilled into the to the thigh bone (the femur).  Traditionally, these implants have been manufactured from metal and/or plastic. 
hip-settlementship-lawsuits
 

What Is Wrong With The Stryker Hip Implants?

      The recalled Stryker Hip Implants, introduced in 2003, are ceramic.  Ceramic implants are a departure from other hip implants then on the market.  Up until that time, most hip implants were made with metal and plastic.  The ceramic parts were initially recalled because of concerns about sterility from Stryker’s Ireland manufacturing facility.  To date, no evidence has been uncovered to point to any significant sterility dangers to patients.  Stryker also has a New Jersey facility that manufactures these components, and the company has not recalled those products.  However, all of these ceramic components are defective for other reasons.
      Regardless of the sterility issue, many of these devices are implanted and have manufacturing defects that have or may cause problems and injuries.  These devices are extremely prone to producing audible noises with movement—squeaks and popping sounds are common.  Whereas noise rarely happens with hip implants generally, Stryker’s products have an estimated 7% chance of causing frequent noise, according to one investigation.  This is significantly higher than any other product on the market.   
      Many doctors are concerned that the squeaking may be a prelude to other problems with the implants—the ceramic material may break into shards, or the implants may wear out or cause pain and discomfort.  In many situations, patients may have no choice but to undergo a subsequent hip replacement surgery, which can cost around $45,000, and carries with it a host of dangers, particularly for older patients.  In fact, one reason many patients chose Stryker’s products is that they were told the ceramic devices were more durable and would not need to be replaced in the patients’ lifetimes. 
      Of course, the squeaking itself is oftentimes loud and regular enough to cause serious social problems.  Many patients have posted videos on YouTube of the noises their Stryker hips make, reminiscent of an un-oiled “Tin Man.” Take a look at this YouTube video for some idea.

Timeline Of Events And FDA Warnings To Stryker

February 3, 2003: FDA approves Stryker’s Trident hip replacement system.

January 2005 to April 2007: Stryker receives a large number of complaints from patients about their Trident hip implants, yet takes no significant action. 

March 15, 2007: FDA sends a warning letter to Stryker over defecting practices in its Ireland manufacturing facility.  “This inspection revealed that these devices are adulterated within the meaning of section 501(h) of the Act (21 U.S.C. § 351(h)), in that the methods used in, or the facilities or controls used for, their manufacture, packing, storage, or installation are not in conformity with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) requirements of the Quality System (QS) regulation.”

November 28, 2007: FDA sends a second warning letter to Stryker.  “[C]ustomer complaints have been received for squeaking/noisy ceramic on ceramic hip joints.”

January 22, 2008: Under pressure from the FDA, Stryker initiates a voluntary recall.  “As a result of the deviation from internal specifications, the Company is initiating a voluntary recall of Trident PSL and Hemispherical Acetabular Cups manufactured in its Cork facility.”

 What Is The Status Of The Hip Implant Litigation?

      Numerous Stryker Hip Implant cases have been filed in New Jersey state courts because Stryker’s manufacturing facility is located there (and, Stryker is based out of Michigan, which is oftentimes a terrible place to file a lawsuit).  The Supreme Court of New Jersey ordered on March 31, 2009 that those cases, and any future Stryker Hip Implant cases filed in New Jersey state courts, are to be transferred and centralized to the Superior Court, Law Division, Atlantic County before Judge Carol Higbee.  For more information, please see the Court’s website. As mentioned above, plaintiffs' lawyers handling Stryker hip implant lawsuits are now optimistic settlement talks to resolve these cases may bear fruit in the near future.
      Additionally, patients are filing lawsuits in their home states, as well. 

Where Can I Go For More Information?

      For updates on the dangers and litigation surrounding Stryker Hip Implants, please visit our Drug Recall Lawyer Blog.

Do I Have A Stryker Hip Implant Claim? 

      If you or a loved one has used Stryker Hip Implants and experienced squeaking, grinding or popping from the joint, or pain or discomfort from the implant, please call one of our Stryker Hip Implant attorneys at 800-553-8082 or click here for a free no obligation consultation on your potential Stryker Hip Implant lawsuit or potential settlement.