Stryker Accolade Hip Replacement Lawsuit

Attorneys are investigating possible Stryker Accolade lawsuits, alleging patients were harmed by defective hip implants. Although Stryker Accolade has reportedly been linked to an increased risk of metallosis, some studies also suggest the Stryker Accolade is linked to a risk of spontaneous dissociation, in which the femoral head comes loose from the stem. At issue may be the use of the Stryker LFIT V40 femoral head, which was used in the Accolade TMZF, the Accolate 2, and the Citation and Meridian.

The Stryker Accolade TMZF is a hip implant device made by Howmedica (a subsidiary of Stryker Corporation). Unlike other new hip implant devices, which are metal-on-metal, the Accolade TMZF is made of a proprietary blend of titanium, iron, molybdenum and zirconium (TMZF), which was marketed as being stronger and more flexible than other alloys. Some studies, however, suggest Stryker Accolade may also be at risk of failure, including dissociation of the femoral head from the stem, and metallosis.

Both the Accolade TMZF and the Accolade 2 stems use the LFIT V40, which is reportedly linked to a higher risk of taper lock failure and other problems. As a result of these issues, Health Canada issued a recall of certain lots of the device but the US Food and Drug Administration has not followed suit.

Among the concerns about the Stryker Accolade TMZF and Accolade 2 hip implant systems is the risk of spontaneous dissociation, which occurs when the femoral head of the hip implant detaches from the stem. Patients may reportedly suffer sudden, catastrophic dissociation or dislocation of the implant, even without previous symptoms of a problem. In cases of spontaneous dislocation, the patient may require emergency surgery to replace the hip implant.

Warning signs that there is a potential problem with the hip implants include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility of the hips.

In 2015, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery has recounted two situations in which patients suffered premature failure of their hip implants. The first was the story of a 62-year-old male who developed severe pain and limited mobility seven years after hip implant surgery during which he received a Stryker Accolade TMZF hip implant system. In addition to dissociation, the patient also developed substantial metal debris in surrounding joint lining and fluid (metal debris absorbed by surrounding tissue is often referred to as metallosis). The second story recounted was that of a 65-year-old male who also developed pain and limited mobility seven years after receiving his Stryker Accolade TMZF system. He was diagnosed with dissociation of the femoral head and metallosis. Both patients included in the report underwent revision surgery.

Metallosis occurs when metallic debris is absorbed and builds up in the patient's soft tissue. It is linked to pain, metal poisoning, and bone and tissue death. It can also cause implant failure. Metallosis has been linked to metallic debris that comes loose from metal-on-metal hip implants. A 2014 study in The Bone & Joint Journal suggests that the Trident-Accolade total hip replacement is also linked to an increased risk of elevated metal ions in the blood. Patients who develop metallosis may require revision surgery to replace their hip implant system.

Attorneys are investigating potential lawsuits against Stryker alleging patients who had the Accolade implanted were put at higher risk of premature device failure.

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Last updated on Oct-22-16