In April 2013, Stryker issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall of its OASYS Midline Occipital Plate product line, citing a potentially hazardous defect. According to reports, these devices contain a pin that connects the tulip head to the body of the plate, and this pin was fracturing post-operatively in some patients.
Fracture of this pin can cause pieces of the device to migrate, and travel into other areas of the body. Because this device is implanted in the cervical spine, there is a great risk of nerve injury and damage to some areas. Patients have reported this complication, along with others. Lawsuits have been filed and more are expected to follow in the coming months.
If you or a family member has received a Stryker OASYS implant and you have experienced complications, you may be entitled to settlement for the pain and suffering you have endured. Alternatively, if you have received a Stryker OASYS implant but have not suffered complications, you should still consult your physician as Stryker has recommended patients seek follow up care regardless of whether or not they have noticed any negative side effects. Many patients who received these devices will need revision surgery to repair or replace affected spine plates.
Never damage in the cervical spine is known as Cervical Radiculopathy and is a serious condition. Patients who suffer from this will often experience chronic pain, numbness or weakness in areas that are served by the damaged nerve. There are seven cervical vertebrae located in the spine, along with 8 cervical nerves that are routed through these vertebrae.
Depending on which nerve is damaged, patients may feel pain and weakness in different areas. Nerve damage to the C6 and C7 nerves are the most common. These produce pain and weakness in the neck and arms. Damage to other cervical nerves can cause weakened hand grip, shoulder pain, and more. A doctor should be consulted immediately if any of these symptoms are present.
Our dangerous device attorneys can help if you or someone you care about has suffered as a result of a Stryker spine plate. Lawsuits have been filed against Stryker by both patients and their families seeking compensation for their pain and suffering. You may be entitled to a settlement.
We do not charge any legal fees unless you receive a settlement. We also pay all of the case costs. If your claim is not successful for any reason, you owe us nothing. We put that in writing for you. Our lawyers will help you file your lawsuit.