The Stryker Corporation is expected to announce yet another Stryker hip implant recall in the wake of numerous complaints over its LFIT V40 chrome/cobalt femoral heads. According to the complaints, these femoral heads are reported to be associated with serious side effects, including disassociation of the femoral head from the hip stem and metallosis requiring emergency surgery.

On September 27, 2016 the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a hazard alert warning patients of the risks after Stryker received a higher-than-expected volume of complaints concerning taper lock failures.

Affected Stryker Hip Implant Products

According to the TGA, the issue has been identified in four products, while three additional products have been included in the hazard alert as an additional precaution due to having similar specifications. The issues affect Stryker hip implant LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 femoral heads manufactured before 2011. These products are known to be widely used on both Accolade TMZF and Accolade 2 stems, as well as Citation and Meridian stems.

The affected products are:

Catalog Number            Head Diameter        Offset
6260-9-236                      36mm                            +5
6260-9-240                      40mm                            +4
6260-9-244                      44mm                            +4
6260-9-340                      40mm                            +8
6260·9-440                      40mm                            +12
6260-9-344                      44mm                            +8
6260-9-444                      44mm                            +12

Serious Complications from Stryker Hip Implant Failure

Stryker has contacted Australian orthopedic surgeons who have been known to use the products over the past several weeks. The issue has been attributed to a possible taper lock failure caused by inconsistencies with the taper lock interface.

When failure takes place in the affected Stryker hip implant, numerous serious side effects may occur, including:

• Dissociation (where the femoral head breaks off)
• Metallosis (metal poisoning) caused by excessive metal debris
• Pain
• Loss of mobility
• Inflammation
• Broken bones around the implant
• Insufficient soft tissue tension
• The need for revision surgery

If You Have Cause for a Stryker Hip Implant Lawsuit

While Stryker has yet to issue an official statement to consumers, the TGA has advised patients to report any Stryker hip implant issues to their doctor immediately.