Stryker recalled the metal-on-metal hip implants in July 2012 due to problems with metal corrosion and fretting around an interchangeable modular-neck component.
Around 6,000 people filed lawsuits after developing hip pain, swelling, inflammation, tissue damage, metal poisoning, limited mobility, and other problems that required surgery to remove and replace the defective implant.
Most of those lawsuits were resolved two years ago as part of a $1 billion settlement that covered patients who needed revision surgery before November 3, 2014.
Under a new agreement, Stryker has expanded the settlement to include everyone who needed revision surgery before December 19, 2016.
The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II settlement provides a base payment of $300,000 per failed hip implant — with a double payment offered to patients who needed the implant removed from both hips — plus additional compensation for complications.
Revision surgery for a defective hip replacement is physically traumatic, especially for older patients with weaker bones, because the surgery requires pounding a new stem into the femur. This can cause bone fractures, infections, muscle damage, and permanent mobility limitations.
Not removing the implant can also cause ongoing health problems. Metal debris accumulating around the hip can cause chronic pain and inflammation, bone damage, and tissue necrosis. Metal particles can also get into the bloodstream and cause side effects in other parts of the body.