Month: April 2018

Another Stryker Hip Recall: LFIT V40

Posted on by YostLaw

The reputation of medical device manufacturer Stryker Corporation has been called into question in the past, after having to recall two of its metal hip replacement systems in 2012. More recently, the company once again faces criticism and outrage for its negligence in distributing yet another defectively designed hip replacement system. On August 29, 2016, Stryker sent an Urgent Medical Device Recall Notification Letter to all surgeons who implanted the LFIT V40 femoral head as part of total hip replacement surgeries. The LFIT V40 femoral head experienced a significant failure rate that has caused many patients to suffer from the crippling health hazards of a deteriorating metal hip implant.

The main concern with the Stryker LFIT V40 focuses on the juncture where the femoral head of the hip implant meets the stem of the hip implant. This is called the “taper lock juncture.” The issue lies in the poorly designed juncture, which has been shown to cause friction between components of the device. This can lead to the disconnection of the femoral head from the stem of the hip implant, as well as the release of cobalt and chromium ions into the body. That means that patients implanted with the LFIT V40 face an increased risk for side effects such as catastrophic hip implant failure, metal poisoning, pseudotumors, tissue damage, and bone damage. Patients experiencing these adverse side effects may suffer symptoms including pain, difficulty walking, joint dislocation, swelling, and inflammation.

Patients who contact their doctor complaining of these symptoms will likely undergo a blood test to check for elevated levels of cobalt and chromium in their blood. Elevated cobalt and chromium levels are a strong indicator that the Stryker LFIT V40 is failing. Another test commonly ordered is called a Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence (MARS) MRI. This MRI helps detect the presence of soft tissue damage, as well as pseudotumors. Pseudotumors are abnormal pockets of fluid surrounding the hip joint caused the release of cobalt and chromium ions from the defective Stryker device. In most cases, failure of the device requires a  total revision surgery, forcing patients to go back under the knife to have the recalled device removed and replaced.

Critics of Stryker Corporation point out that the 2016 recall is too little, too late for users of the LFIT V40, which has been on the market since 2011. The company failed to adequately warn of the risks associated with the device despite several studies proving dangerous side effects, some dating back as early as 2014.  Our experienced lawyers fight for individuals who have been harmed by defective products. If you or a loved one has been injured or required revision surgery following a Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head implant, or other defective hip devices, the attorneys at the Yost Legal Group will investigate your potential claim and lawsuit. For a free consultation, please call us at 1-800-YOSTLAW.

Compartment Syndrome, Post-Operative Onset

Posted on by YostLaw

Compartment syndrome is a potentially devastating post-operative complication in which increased pressure results in insufficient blood supply to muscle and nerve tissue within the effected internal space. Causes of compartment syndrome in the post-operative patient include: being left too long in a position during surgery that blocked one or more blood vessels; or, having bandages or casts too tightly applied.

This medical condition can arise in response to bleeding and/or swelling in any area of tissue that has little or no capacity to expand because it is covered by fascia, a tough, inflexible membrane. The role of fascia is to cover and hold muscle tissue in place, but its strength and lack of elastic properties means that in the event there is bleeding or swelling beneath this rigid layer, the fascia will not stretch to relieve the pressure building beneath it. Instead, the fascia layer holds the swelling or bleeding in place, which creates crushing pressure that cuts off the blood supply to the muscle and nerve tissue below. Compartment syndrome occurs most often in the legs, but it can also affect the arms, hands, feet, and buttocks.

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a surgical emergency, and unless the pressure within the effected space is relieved quickly and blood flow to the affected muscle and nerve cells is rapidly restored, necrosis of the soft tissues and permanent disability may occur. The most important factor of outcome is early recognition and speedy surgical intervention to open the fascia (fasciotomy).

The five Ps (pain, pallor, pulselessness, paralysis and paresthesia) are taught as the clinical symptoms of compartment syndrome. Pain is typically ‘out of proportion’ to the injury and is severe enough to require increasing the dosage of pain medication.

If the compartment pressure is left untreated or the diagnosis is delayed, severe rhabdomyolysis, irreversible nerve and/or muscle damage, loss of limb, or even death may occur. Compartment syndrome warrants prompt evaluation and treatment by a trained medical professional.

If you or a loved one has suffered permanent injury due to acute compartment syndrome, contact The Yost Legal Group today at 1-800-YOST-LAW (800-403-7259). The attorneys at Yost Legal Group are experienced, caring professionals ready to investigate your claim with compassion and determination. Call us today to receive a free, confidential consultation about your possible case. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will never pay an attorney’s fee up front, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

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