Stryker Knee Implant Lawyers

In January 2008, Stryker Corporation, a maker of orthopedic implants and other medical devices, issued a recall of its Duracon Total Knee Modular Femoral Components and other joint implants and joint implant components. Events that culminated in the recall began in 2005 after a large number of implant patients complained of pain, discomfort, squeaking, difficulty walking, and fractures.

As part of an investigation into the matter, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected Strykers manufacturing facilities in New Jersey and Cork, Ireland. The FDA found serious transgressions in quality control and risk documentation procedures. It also found contamination with the dangerous staphylococcus bacteria throughout the companys facilities.

The FDA issued a letter warning that corrective measures be taken and, in November 2007, it reprimanded Stryker for failing to adequately implement such measures. Meanwhile, many of the patients fitted with Stryker implants had to undergo revision surgery.

Also known as revision total knee arthroplasty, revision surgery involves replacing the implant with a new one. But outcomes for this type of surgery tend not to be as favorable as for the first-time surgeries because the bone tends to be weaker and supporting ligaments may be damaged.

On average, revision surgery is needed in ten percent of knee replacements after ten years, and 20 percent after twenty years. And despite this, knee replacements continue to be among the most popular orthopedic procedures. But a successful procedure depends on the skill of the surgeon performing it, and on the quality of the implants used.

If you or a loved one is feeling pain or discomfort or has needed revision surgery after having been fitted with a Stryker implant, you may be entitled to compensation. You should act quickly, however, because by law there are time limits by which legal action must be initiated in such cases.

Contact a qualified medical product liability attorney today.

See also:
Stryker hip implants