ATTENTION Physicians & Referral Attorneys,
Our team is currently evaluating cases relating to Stryker’s Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR™ Ankle) components breaking in patients. The FDA recently reported some patients have experienced a plastic component of the device breaking, as early as three to four years after implantation, with the fracture of the plastic component leading to surgery to repair the device (FDA Article – March 15, 2021).
STAR Ankle’s intended use is an “artificial joint”; a non-cemented implant to reduce a painful arthritic ankle joint due to osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Your patient or client may have a case if they meet the following requirements OR have experienced the following ankle discomfort:
- Age & Activity Level – Those under the age of 55 are at increased risk of fracture due to the likelihood of being more physically active than their older counterparts.
- Ankle Discomfort – Any new or worsening pain, inability to bear weight, a new grinding or similar noise, and/or instability.
- X-Ray & CT Scan Results – An X-Ray reveals a component fracture. If the X-Ray proves negative for a fracture, but there’s still discomfort, a CT Scan may be performed for a closer look.
- Device Size – If the device is thinner in plastic material (6mm), a fracture is more likely to occur, as compared to thicker components (7mm-9mm).
We’re here to help! If you believe your patient or client has a case, please refer them to us and we can guide them in their next steps. Reach us at (405) 433-7414 OR click here to fill out our Case Review Form.
We’ll get them “back on their feet” in no time.