After reports of complications with Zimmer knee replacement devices, Zimmer issued a voluntary recall of its Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate in March 2015. The recall affected almost 12,000 Trabecular Metal components.

Reports of problems with the Persona knee implant were that it was causing implant loosening and evidence of gaps between the bone and where the knee implant was placed.

Some symptoms of a failing Zimmer Persona Tibial Plate, a component of Zimmer knee replacement devices, include:

• Inflammation
• Loss of Mobility
• Persistent pain
• Knee tightness
• Knee instability

If you or a loved one suffered complications from a Zimmer Persona knee implant between 2012 and 2015, you may be eligible to file a Zimmer knee lawsuit.

Overview: Zimmer Knee Replacement Devices

The Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate is a metal component of Zimmer knee replacement devices. The tibial plate becomes implanted into the tibial bone without cement. The component also has two pegs that become implanted into the bone to give the knee added stability. Once implanted, the two pegs grow into the bone.

However, Zimmer announced a voluntary recall after receiving reports of two main issues affecting Zimmer knee replacement devices and the Zimmer persona knee component. These issues included radiolucent lines and loosening. The recall announcement was voluntarily made by Zimmer in February 2015. It included all sizes and lots of the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate.

Radiolucent lines occur when there are gaps between the bone and the knee implant component. X-rays help show these gaps which indicate “poor seating” of the knee implant component. The lines, which also indicate signs of loosening, show when the implant becomes wrongly positioned.

The other issue that led to Zimmer’s voluntary recall announcement was the issue of loosening. In this case the trabecular metal plate loosens from where it was originally placed. Zimmer said that loosening is “one of the most prevalent causes for revision in total knee arthroplasty.”

The Class 2 Recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2015, after Zimmer had made the voluntary recall announcement two months prior. A Class 2 Recall deals with devices and drugs that cause temporary or reversible harm.

Knee Revision Surgery

According to Zimmer, many patients were required to undergo revision surgery because of a failing Persona Trabecular Metal plate. In fact, approximately 38 percent of patients of whom they received complaints from had symptoms of radiolucent lines or needed to undergo revision surgery because of other issues. Some of these reasons included persistent pain, component failure, loss of fixation, instability, globally tight knee, lack of ingrowth, fracture, and patella tracking issues.

Additionally, there are many added complications to undergoing a total knee replacement revision surgery after undergoing the first surgery. Some of these complications may include: infection; pain and swelling; blood clots; fractures; leg length discrepancies; bone loss; and nerve, tissue, or blood vessel damage.

Added costs to undergoing revision surgery also include costs for hospital stays, time off from work, time away from family and friends, and added medical costs.