Stryker Orthopaedics has voluntarily recalled certain lots and sizes of its LFIT Anatomic COCR V40 Femoral Heads, in light of the potential for the hip implant devices to fail prematurely, possibly putting patients at risk for serious injuries, including pain, inflammation, bone fractures, adverse tissue reactions, and the need for revision surgery. Patients who have been implanted with a recalled Stryker LFIT COCR femoral head have suffered debilitating pain, toxic levels of cobalt and chromium in their bodies, and other serious side effects caused by the defective medical devices. If you believe you have been adversely affected by a faulty Stryker LFIT COCR femoral head implant, contact a knowledgeable product liability lawyer today to discuss your legal options.
July 2009 – Stryker issues a Class II recall for the Accolade TMZF femoral stem.
May 2011 – The FDA requires manufacturers of metal-on-metal total hip replacement systems to conduct postmarket surveillance studies of these devices.
June 2012 – The FDA convenes the Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee to “seek expert scientific and clinical opinion on the benefits and risks of metal-on-metal hip systems.”
July 2012 – Stryker recalls its Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants over safety concerns, including metallosis and premature implant failure.
January 2013 – The FDA issues a safety communication indicating that “Metal-on-metal hip implants have unique risks in addition to the general risks of all hip implants,” including damage to bone and/or soft tissue surrounding the implant and joint, caused by the release of tiny metal particles into the bloodstream.
January 2013 – The FDA issues a proposed order that requires makers of metal-on-metal total hip replacement systems to submit premarket approval applications for their medical devices.
September 2015 – Health Canada issues a recall for Stryker LFIT V40 Vitallium Femoral Heads manufactured between July 7, 2014 and August 15, 2014.
August 2016 – Stryker sends a letter to orthopedic surgeons, warning them about a “higher than expected” incidence of taper lock failure for certain LFIT COCR V40 femoral heads.
August 2016 – Health Canada issues a second recall for 36 mm, 40 mm, and 44 mm Stryker LFIT CoCr V40 femoral heads manufactured prior to 2011.
September 2016 – The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration issues a Hazard Alert regarding the potential risks of 36 mm, 40 mm, and 44 mm Stryker LFIT CoCr V40 femoral heads manufactured prior to 2011.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issues an urgent field safety notice to all healthcare providers in possession of Stryker LFIT COCR femoral heads, indicating that the recalled devices should be quarantined pending return to the company.
Hundreds of thousands of artificial hip devices are implanted in patients every year, and while these devices are designed to last 15 to 20 years, in many cases, they are failing within two to three years after being implanted. Product liability lawsuits brought against Stryker for injuries allegedly caused by a defective LFIT COCR femoral head implant allege the following:
Despite the fact that regulatory agencies in other countries have issued safety alerts regarding Stryker’s LFIT COCR femoral head devices, the FDA has yet to issue a warning to patients implanted with the artificial hip components in the United States, although lawyers believe that a U.S. Stryker hip implant recall is imminent. If you have been implanted with a Stryker LFIT COCR femoral head, or if you have suffered serious injuries as a result of a defective Stryker implant, contact an experienced defective hip implant attorney today to discuss your options for legal recourse. With a qualified lawyer on your side, you can determine your next course of action, which may include filing a hip implant lawsuit against Stryker, in order to pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
