While the most recent hip replacement statistics indicated that an average of 600,000 knees and 400,000 hips are replaced in the U.S. each year, it was only in March 2014 that scientists were able to place an exact figure on the number of surgeries performed. The study’s hip replacement statistics included evidence that two in 100 Americans now have artificial knees or hips, or roughly seven million Americans. Additionally, the most recent hip replacement statistics found that five percent of individuals over the age of 50 have replaced a knee, and two percent of those 50 or older have replaced a hip.

          Arthritis, obesity and sports can all contribute to failing joints, and hip replacement statistics released by the federal government indicate that almost half of the total number of hip replacements are performed in Americans 65 years of age or younger. Similarly, the number of knee replacement procedures in Americans between 45 and 64 years of age has tripled in the last decade.

          Although experts acknowledge that concrete hip replacement statistics are beneficial for both patients and doctors to know, these numbers are only expected to grow over the next several years as the population continues to age at a rapid pace. As a result, some have raised questions about the costs of these devices and wonder whether the implants will last as long as they are intended. Additionally, an increase in the number of replacement implants may also be attributed to greater public awareness as more people are recognizing that these devices may help to improve their quality of life. However, these products do not come without risks, as demonstrated by the growing number of Stryker hip replacement lawsuit.

Number of Stryker Lawsuits Increases

          While there were 576 lawsuits pending against Stryker Orthopaedics in February 2014, court documents indicate that the number has risen to 699 in April 2014, with the majority of those being consolidated into a multidistrict litigation in Bergen County, New Jersey. Plaintiffs allege that the Stryker ABG II and Rejuvenate hip implants caused severe side effects such as loosening of the implant, fretting, corrosion, metal poisoning, pain, early device failure, and swelling.

          Although the hip stems were recalled in July 2012 due to reports of fretting and corrosion at the modular neck junction, patients who had received the implants prior to this date may still be adversely affected for many years to come. Stryker issued a statement in which the company stated that all patients fitted with the Rejuvenate or ABG II hip stems should undergo regular blood testing and imaging to determine whether they are suffering from metal toxicity or other complications, even if no side effects are apparent.

Injured? You May Be Entitled to Seek Compensation 
         To learn more about filing a Stryker hip replacement lawsuit and recovering damages for your injuries if you have been fitted with a device that you feel caused complications, contact the American Injury Attorney Group. After providing you with a free case evaluation, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process and help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.

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