November 4, 2014 — Stryker Corp. says it will pay at least $1 billion to resolve thousands of lawsuits involving the recalled Rejuvenate and ABG II hip replacements, according to Bloomberg.
In 2012, Stryker recalled the Rejuvenate and ABG II because the modular-neck stem design was prone to fretting and corrosion. About 20,000 people were implanted with the devices.
Unfortunately, the implants can release metal into a patient’s hip joint, causing complications like pain, inflammation, swelling, and metal poisoning (metallosis).
The devices are the “stem” part of the implant, designed to be driven deep inside a patient’s femur. Removing it is often highly traumatic for the patient, with high rates of femur fracture, infection, muscle damage, prolonged painful recovery, and permanent disability.
The settlement would resolve about 4,000 lawsuits, most of which are consolidated in a mass-tort in New Jersey. About 1,800 cases were consolidated in a federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in Minnesota under U.S. District Judge Donovan Frank.
Patients who had surgery to remove the Rejuvenate or ABG II prior to November 3, 2014 would receive a base payment of $300,000. There is no cap on the settlement fund. A double payment will be offered to patients who had the implants removed from both hips. Additional compensation will be offered to patients who have extraordinary injuries or need medical treatment in the future.
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