Our attorneys are currently examining possible legal actions for individuals who suffered harm following hip replacement operations using Stryker LFIT V40 femoral heads. Reports have linked these products to a significant tally of grievances due to taper lock failure, potentially necessitating arduous and distressing corrective hip surgery.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one suffered complications after hip implant surgery, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.
Table Of Contents
- Update: New Jersey Supreme Court Establishes MCL for Stryker LFIT Lawsuits
- What’s the Problem?
- Which Products are Affected?
- Has the FDA Issued a Warning?
- Stryker Hip Recalls
- Has a Class Action Been Filed?
- MDL Court Schedules Initial Conference in LFIT V40 Litigation
- LFIT V40 Femoral Head Lawsuits Consolidated in Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Woman Sues Over Complications from Stryker LFIT Femoral Head
- Federal Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuits May Be Consolidated into MDL
- Alaska Couple Files Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuit
- Lawyers Request MCL for Stryker LFIT Litigation
- FAQs
- Do I Have a Stryker LFIT Lawsuit?
Update: New Jersey Supreme Court Establishes MCL for Stryker LFIT Lawsuits
June 5, 2017 – The New Jersey Supreme Court has approved a request to consolidate state lawsuits filed by plaintiffs alleging complications from the Stryker LFIT Anatomic Cobalt Chromium V40 Femoral Head. The request follows a bid for multidistrict litigation (MDL) status in January by the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML).
What’s the Problem?
The Stryker Corporation has notified Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) [1] of potential safety concerns linked to the LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 femoral head attributed to a “possible taper lock interface inconsistency.” This problem may result in a number of hip implant complications including:
- Dissociation of the femoral head from the hip stem;
- Breakage of the hip stem trunnion;
- Metallic debris in the soft tissue surrounding the implant, which can lead to bone and tissue necrosis;
- Insufficient soft tissue tension;
- Noises emanating from the hip implant;
- Decrease in the strength of the bone fixation, and
- Increased wear debris from the components of the hip replacement device.
Which Products are Affected?
The following modular hip implants were specifically noted in the Australian safety alert:
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
Has the FDA Issued a Warning?
To date, no similar notification has been issued by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The hazard alert issued in Australia is not a product recall; however, it is nevertheless a serious issue that patients and their orthopedic surgeons need to be aware of, especially considering the well-documented risks of metallosis and dissociation of modular hip implants. It is unknown whether the FDA will issue similar warnings or require Stryker to issue a recall for the LFIT V40 femoral head.
Stryker Hip Recalls
This is not the first time Stryker has had problems with its hip replacement devices. In July 2012, the company recalled the Rejuvenate and ABG II hip implants over concerns the devices may corrode, fret and fail within a few years after being implanted. Complications associated with the devices included:
- pain
- swelling
- difficulty walking
- squeaky joints
- faulty components
- plant contamination
- local tissue damage
- high failure rates
- metallosis
Has a Class Action Been Filed?
In 2014, a number of lawsuits were filed on behalf of patients who suffered complications after being implanted with Stryker Accolade TMZF hip stems and LFIT anatomic V40 femoral heads. These complaints, which alleged that the devices’ components were defectively designed and manufactured, were individually filed and not part of a class action.
It is not anticipated that a class action lawsuit will be filed over injuries alleged from Stryker LFIT V40 femoral heads. However, our lawyers are reviewing potential individual lawsuits on behalf of injured parties. If we determine that you have a valid claim, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
MDL Court Schedules Initial Conference in LFIT V40 Litigation
April 28, 2017 – The Stryker LFIT MDL is about to get underway, with the proceeding’s Initial Status Conference scheduled for May 16, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. Topics to be addressed include Plaintiffs’ leadership structure, potential objectives for the litigation, and the scheduling of upcoming status conferences.
LFIT V40 Femoral Head Lawsuits Consolidated in Massachusetts
April 10, 2017 – The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) has transferred dozens of lawsuits alleging injuries from hip replacement systems featuring Stryker LFIT V40 femoral heads into the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts, as part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL). JPML announced its decision Wednesday, consenting to a petition filed by patients who claim that Stryker LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 femoral heads are defective.
Massachusetts Woman Sues Over Complications from Stryker LFIT Femoral Head
March 29, 2017 – A woman from Massachusetts who allegedly suffered metallosis and trunnionosis (corrosion) in her hip joint from a defective LFIT V40 femoral head has filed a products liability lawsuit against Stryker Corp. These complications required the plaintiff to endure extensive painful rehabilitation, and she is charging Stryker with designing an allegedly defective medical device in the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head.
Federal Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuits May Be Consolidated into MDL
February 23, 2017 – Plaintiffs’ lawyers have requested multidistrict litigation (MDL) status for lawsuits involving the Stryker LFIT Anatomic Cobalt Chromium V40 Femoral Head. They are recommending the District of Massachusetts for the MDL because it provides an easily accessible location, the venue can handle a high volume of cases, and it has very experienced judges.
Alaska Couple Files Stryker LFIT V40 Lawsuit
February 15, 2017 – A couple from Alaska has filed a products liability lawsuit against Stryker Corp. over injuries alleged from the LFIT V40 hip implant. According to the lawsuit, problems with the Accolade TMZF femoral stem and LFIT V40 Head forced the Plaintiff to undergo painful hip revision surgery, during which the surgeons found multiple complications associated with the components.
Lawyers Request MCL for Stryker LFIT Litigation
February 13, 2017 – Plaintiffs lawyers are seeking multicounty litigation (MCL) status in New Jersey for lawsuits alleging injuries from the Stryker LFIT Anatomic Cobalt Chromium V40 Femoral Head. The proposed venue for the litigation is Bergen County, where at least 25 cases are currently pending. Court records indicate that filings have recently increased, with at least 85 cases filed in courts across the U.S.
FAQs
What types of complications are associated with Stryker LFIT V40 femoral heads?
Complications associated with Stryker LFIT V40 femoral heads include metallosis (metal poisoning), device dislocation, chronic pain, inflammation, tissue damage, and the need for revision surgery. These complications can lead to long-term health issues and require extensive medical treatment.
What compensation can be sought in a Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit?
Compensation in a Stryker LFIT V40 lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to penalize the manufacturer for negligence.
Are there any specific models of Stryker LFIT V40 femoral heads involved in the recall?
Yes, specific models and lot numbers of Stryker LFIT V40 femoral heads have been involved in recalls due to higher than expected rates of failure. Patients should check with their healthcare provider and the FDA website for information on recalls related to their specific device.
What steps should I take if I am injured by a Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head?
If injured by a Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head, seek immediate medical attention, document the injury and any treatments, retain medical records and the device, and consult a lawyer to discuss potential legal action and compensation.
Do I Have a Stryker LFIT Lawsuit?
The Medical Device Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Stryker LFIT lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you were injured or suffered damages from a Stryker hip replacement device, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.