Have you suffered from Zimmer knee replacement complications? If your knee replacement includes a Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate implanted between 2012 and 2015, you could be eligible for compensation.

After reports of causing Zimmer knee replacement complications, the Persona tibial plate was the subject of a voluntary recall by Zimmer in February 2015. The FDA followed up with an announcement of the Class 2 Recall in March 2015. The Class 2 Recall is issued for drugs and devices that cause temporary or reversible harm. Almost 12,000 Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plates are affected by the recall.

The recalled tibial plate consists of two pegs that are designed to anchor the implant into the bone without the use of surgical cement. The plate’s pegs were supposed to spur the growth of bone around the implant to secure the new knee.

Unfortunately, these uncemented tibial plates can fail to secure properly. Patients experiencing persistent pain, reduced mobility, inflammation, knee instability or knee tightness could be experiencing Zimmer knee replacement complications linked to the Persona TM Tibial Plate.

X-rays that show radiolucent lines between the knee implant and the bone can indicate “poor seating,” meaning the plate has moved from its originally intended position. These radiolucent lines are the first indications of loosening.

Zimmer indicated 38 percent of patients who have complained about failing Persona TM Tibial Plates had symptomatic radiolucent lines or underwent revision surgery due to the part’s failure.

Zimmer Knee Replacement Complications Mean More Surgery

Although knee replacement revision surgery may resolve the issue, a second knee replacement surgery comes with its own serious risks. A subsequent knee replacement surgery can leave a patient at higher risk of complications such as:

• Pain and swelling
• Infection
• Nerve, tissue, or blood vessel damage
• Blood clots
• Bone loss
• Fractures
• Leg length discrepancies

Patients who undergo a second knee replacement surgery suffer from more time at the hospital, additional medical expenses, time off work, and another round of painful rehabilitative therapy.

If you underwent knee replacement surgery between 2012 and 2015, but are unsure if your implant includes the cementless Zimmer Persona tibial plate in question, you can look at one of your x-rays. If you see pegs on the bottom of the plate attached to the shin bone, you have the defective tibial plate.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, a total knee replacement should allow a person to remain active for a minimum of 20 years before needing another surgery.

For those with a defective Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate, the second knee replacement could be needed relatively soon after the initial surgery heals.

If you or a loved one have suffered Zimmer knee replacement complications due to the defective Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate, you could be eligible for compensation through legal representation.