As part of a new settlement agreement, Stryker Orthopaedics agrees to provide compensation to additional U.S. patients who had revision surgery to replace two specific hip stem implants.

Stryker Orthopaedics has agreed to another settlement involving its hip stem implants. The settlement between Howmedica Osteonics Corp. (known as Stryker Orthopaedics) and attorneys plaintiffs in New Jersey and Federal multidistrict cases will cover eligible U.S. patients who were implanted with the Rejuvenate Modular-Neck and ABG II Modular Neck hip stems and then underwent revision surgery before December 19, 2016.

Stryker voluntarily recalled the Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular Neck hip stems in June 2012 and agreed in November 2014 to compensate U.S. patients who had undergone revision surgery to replace those implants. The settlement announced this week is intended to cover patients who weren't part of the November 2014 agreement.

In that original settlement, over 95% of the patients who were eligible for compensation enrolled, Stryker noted in its press release. The company also noted that it expects the majority of payments to be made under the latest settlement by the end of 2017.

The company directs patients to consult their own attorneys or to visit the settlement website.

Before the latest settlement was announced, Stryker had paid out a total $1.483 billion in payments related to the Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular Neck hip stem recall, including $1.382 billion in settlement payments, according to the company's SEC filing for the third quarter 2016.

In its release, Stryker stated, "The ultimate cost to entirely resolve this matter may be materially different than the amount of the current estimate." 

Trial lawyer Peter Flowers, JD, chair of the Plaintiff's Lead Counsel Committee, said in a release from Meyer & Flowers, "This settlement is the latest chapter in the ongoing litigation against Stryker and Howmedica for the extensive, at-times crippling injuries of our clients, many of whom have experienced life-altering pain and disabilities due to these hip devices."

Stryker said that there are some lawsuits remaining outside the settlement and that "Stryker Orthopaedics will continue to defend against remaining claims."

[Image courtesy of STOCKDEVIL/FREEDIGITALPHOTOS.NET]