News & Resources
Problems With the Stryker V40 Femoral Head
Hip replacements are one of the many miracles of modern medicine. Although this surgical procedure has its risks, for most patients the benefits gained by having joint replacement surgery far outweigh any negative side effects. In order for a hip replacement to be successful, there are many aspects that must fall into place. Most importantly, having the expertise of a Board-certified orthopedic surgeon is paramount. However, no matter the skill and experience of the surgeon, if the artificial hip device product is defective or poorly designed, then nothing will prevent a negative outcome for the patient.
Now, it seems that a recall from Stryker Orthopaedics may be on the horizon. Late last month in Australia, Stryker issued a Hazard Alert for its LFIT Anatomic CoCr V40 Femoral Heads. According to the company, there have been higher than normal complaints of taper lock failures in specific femoral heads manufactured before 2011. In total hip replacements, the taper lock connects the femoral head to the femoral neck. Failure of the taper lock could lead to loss of mobility, pain, inflammation, adverse local tissue reaction, dislocation, joint instability, broken bones around the components, leg length discrepancy, and/or the need for revision surgery.
Health Canada also issued a medical device recall notice in August of 2016. As of today, there has been no formal recall announcement in the U.S. regarding LFIT V40 Femoral Heads. However, due to the widespread failure both at home and abroad we suspect a recall will be issued in the U.S. soon.
What Should You Do?
Patients should immediately contact their orthopedic surgeon if any new or unusual pain develops so that an appropriate medical evaluation can be performed. Evaluations may include diagnostic testing such as MRI, x-rays, bone scans, or metal ion blood testing. Surgeons who have implanted this device have been urged to conduct routine evaluations with patients who may be at risk for device failure.
Contact the Tampa Hip Replacement Lawyers at Alley, Clark & Greiwe Today
As hip replacement attorneys in Tampa, our firm has experience litigating claims against several major medical manufacturers on behalf of individuals who have been seriously harmed from a failed hip replacement device. Please contact us for a free legal consultation regarding your claim.
