Stryker Recalls Hip Implants for Taper Lock Failure Risk
Stryker recalled over 42,500 hip implants because a metal part that connects the hip to the femur can corrode, loosen, and dislocate — a complication known as “taper lock failure” that always needs surgery.
Elizabeth Bradley on January 19, 2017
Australian officials issued a hazard alert for Stryker hip implant taper lock failures in August 2016.
In November, the FDA announced a recall for certain Stryker LFIT V40 Femoral Heads — a metal “ball” part of the hip joint — manufactured from 2002 to 2011.
Taper Lock FailureThe LFIT V40 is designed to lock onto a femoral hip stem with a metal part called a trunnion.
This creates a problematic metal-on-metal connection that can corrode and break within a few years.Corrosion is a major problem with metal hip implants. Metal debris in the hip joint can cause pain, inflammation, soft-tissue growths called pseudotumors, or get into the bloodstream and poison the body.
Source and full article: Stryker Recalls Hip Implants for Taper Lock Failure Risk – Daily Hornet | Breaking News That Stings!
How does one know if has a taper lock . (metal)
You have to research the hip and the model and read what they say. Typically if it is modular, with the ability to put different heads on the same stem it will be a risk. Not sure if all two piece devices are taper locks though.