WARNING: Rejuvenate and ABG II Recall Letters
The number of people I represent who have the misfortune of being implanted with Stryker’s recalled Rejuvenate and ABG II Hip continues to grow. And with each new case where the client has pain without a scheduled surgery they ask about Stryker’s letter.
Stryker Gives Wrong Advice
In it Stryker offers this advice, “If you have no symptoms, you should continue to follow the post-operative plan that your surgeon has outlined for you.” They explain their view that you should only see your doctor if you have symptoms of pain or swelling. This statement is also contained in the written notice that Stryker gave to the doctors that implanted the recalled Rejuvenate and ABG II Hips.
Stryker Gives Wrong Advice
This advice is just wrong. Physicians who are taking out these defective hips realize that the more healthy tissue that surrounds the surgical site, the better. When chromium and cobalt levels in the blood rise, so too does the concern for tissue destruction around the implanted Rejuvenate Hip. The more pronounced the localized tissue destruction, the more difficult it becomes to replace the defective hip.
Chromium and Cobalt Blood Tests
I met with a client who came to me because the level of chromium and cobalt in her blood was dangerously high. She was also told that she has serious localized tissue destruction. So much so, in fact, that there’s not enough tissue to support a new hip once the recalled hip is removed. She struggles with not being told earlier to have regular blood testing and imaging. Now she worries every day about her future.
Monitoring Without Pain
Patients with a recalled Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II hip need to be told that regular monitoring is necessary for them regardless of whether or not they are experiencing intractable pain. Nobody who understands the toxic effects of elevated chromium and cobalt in their blood would subject themselves to this wait and see approach. If properly informed patient had a choice, they’d all have regular blood work at a minimum.
By: Mark DiCello