What does it feel like to have a failing knee replacement? Many former patients that had the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal TM tibial plate implanted into their tibia as part of a total knee arthroplasty might be able to tell you. The Zimmer Company initiated a voluntary recall of the Zimmer Persona TM tibial plate in February 2015.

This action was announced shortly afterwards by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class II Medical Device Recall in March 2015. This type of recall is reserved for pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices that have been implicated in adverse medical events causing passing or reversible harm.

The Zimmer Persona tibial plate is a component of a total knee prosthetic unit that is implanted into the large bone of the lower leg known as the tibia.

This component has been implicated in several failing knee replacement surgeries where former knee replacement patients had to undergo complicated knee revision surgeries where an alternate prosthetic had to be implanted.

Second knee replacement surgeries open a patient up to risks associated with highly-invasive surgeries such as infections, uncontrolled bleeding, blood clots, and general anesthesia effects on the heart and lungs.

Also, having experienced a failing knee replacement puts a patient at risk for a second prosthetic failure if there has been bone or tissue damage from the first.

Problems with the Zimmer Persona Tibial Plate

The Zimmer Persona Tibial Plate is implanted into the tibia without the use of cement. It uses peg-like stems which were designed to encourage bone tissue growth for adherence and stabilization.

Difficulties with the component led many recipients to seek medical assistance. With diagnostic tools such as X-rays and MRIs, evidence revealed that Persona knees were loosening and migrating from initial positioning. Radiolucent lines on the X-rays as well as gaps indicated several failing knee replacements and the imminent need for arthroscopic revisions.

What a Failing Knee Replacement Feels Like

A failing knee replacement can be indicated by consistent knee pain and swelling, a lack of stability with the knee, muscle tightness around the knee, and a loss of full range of motion. In a worst-case scenario, a fracture in or around the knee might be the first sign of prosthetic failure.

The Zimmer Persona Recall

The Zimmer Persona recall affects 11,658 units distributed both domestically and globally. The units are made up of all lots and sizes.

In the U.S., the components were sent to the States of Alaska, Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

If you or a loved one have experienced difficulties following a total knee arthroscopy in one of these states, consult your doctor first to identify the type of prostheses that was implanted during your original surgery. A consultation with a knowledgeable medical device attorney can give you a good idea of whether and how you can seek compensation.