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Stryker Rejuvenate Recall: Weitz & Luxenberg Vaults to Forefront of Litigation
Weitz & Luxenberg's Ellen Relkin Appointed Chairperson and Liaison Counsel in Rejuvenate Litigation
Stryker Orthopaedics' Rejuvenate and AGB II hip implant systems, which were recalled in July 2012 amid increasing FDA Scrutiny and reports of injuries in patients, have become the center of a consolidated litigation in New Jersey that may affect the fates of hundreds to thousands of injured hip implant patients.
The lawsuit alleges that these artificial stems and related parts, made from varying combinations of titanium, cobalt and chrome, connected to balls and sockets made of metal, ceramic and polyethylene, are capable of improperly releasing dangerous amounts of metal debris or metal ions into the bodies of hip replacement recipients. Unlike the metal on metal hips which deal with problems from the articulation of a metal ball and cup, the problem here involves the junction of the neck of the implant which, according to an FDA safety notice and client medical records, is subject to fretting and corrosion.
The adverse side effects can include metallosis (a build-up of metallic debris), pseudotumors, necrosis (the cell death of affected tissues), and osteolysis (the death of bone cell due to blood supply issues) – any of which can necessitate revision surgery.
The lawsuit is currently pending in New Jersey Superior Court in Bergen County before Judge Brian R. Martinotti. Marinotti issued in February an order appointing Weitz & Luxenberg's Ellen Relkin Chair of the Plaintiff's Steering Committee of the In Re: Stryker Rejuvenate & ABG II Hip Implant Litigation. Relkin was also appointed as Liaison Counsel for the litigation. In this role she will be responsible for helping plaintiffs’ lawyers coordinate with the New Jersey Superior Court, defense counsel and any other jurisdictions where cases may get filed.
The Stryker Rejuvenate Litigation was consolidated into a multidistrict litigation by order of the New Jersey Supreme Court. Relkin and Weitz & Luxenberg had filed a request for the consolidation in 2012.
Since Howmedica Osteonics, a division of Stryker Orthopaedics acquired in 1998, is a New Jersey company it is subject to state court New Jersey jurisdiction. The consolidation of Stryker cases will allow plaintiffs from across the nation to file their lawsuits in state court, streamlining the discovery and trial process.
Relkin is also co-lead of the In re: DePuy ASR MDL Litigation and serves on the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee in the In re: Biomet M2a Magnum Hip Implant Products Liability Litigation.
Weitz & Luxenberg continues to evaluate the cases of patients affect by Stryker's Rejuvenate hip implants. If you or someone you know has received a Stryker Rejuvenate or ABG II hip stem implant that failed or is causing pain, please contact Weitz & Luxenberg today to discuss your options and let us answer any questions you may have. Our client relations department can be reached by phone or via the form on this page.
see also:
Stryker Litigation News
Stryker Litigation NewsStryker Litigation News
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