A growing number of patients are reporting serious complications of their Zimmer Persona knee implant devices. Many of these patients have filed lawsuits against Zimmer, alleging that the devices are defective and capable of causing long lasting or even permanent injuries.

If you or someone you love has suffered from complications after implantation with a Zimmer Persona device, you may want to consult a Persona knee implant lawyer. Talking to a Persona knee implant lawyer can help you navigate the complex waters of litigation and ensure you are as successful as possible.

Basics of the Zimmer Persona Device

The Zimmer Persona knee implant is one of the more popular knee replacement options, implanted into the knee and attached with the use of the Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate. The device does not use cement; instead, pegs are inserted into the bone and are allowed to “grow” into the bone, stabilizing the device.

Zimmer Persona Complications

Despite the widespread use of this device, the Zimmer Persona knee implant has been linked with significant complications, including device loosening. X-rays have reportedly shown signs of poor seating caused by movement or loosening of the device: gaps between the implant and the bone. Complications like this can lead to device failure, symptoms of which include persistent pain, loss of mobility, inflammation, knee instability, and knee tightness.

Of course, any revision surgery brings about further risks, including pain, infection, blood clots, bone loss, fractures, or even nerve, tissue, or blood vessel damage. On top of these medical risks, patients forced to undergo revision surgery also incur additional medical expenses.

Recall of the Zimmer Persona Device

In March 2015, Zimmer issued a voluntary recall of the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate component, following reports of loosening problems.

The recall affected around 12,000 individual components and was classified as a Class 2 Recall. A Class 2 Recall like this indicates that the defective device is capable of causing temporary or reversible harm. A Class 1 Recall would mean that the device is capable of causing lasting or permanent harm.

The majority of the reports that led to the recall referenced two major side effects: radiolucent lines and device loosening. Radiolucent lines are small gaps between the Zimmer knee replacement component and the bone, which indicates poor seating. This is the first sign of device loosening, the other major reported side effect. Device loosening means that the component has actually come loose from its original position, and often leads patients to undergo revision surgery.

Consulting a Persona Knee Implant Lawyer

According to lawsuits, consumers were not given adequate warning about the risks associated with the Zimmer knee replacement device, which include pain, inflammation, and more, which in some cases may necessitate revision surgery to alleviate.

If you or someone you love had a Zimmer Persona device that included the Persona TM Tibial Plate, implanted between 2012 and 2015, you may be able to consult a Persona knee implant lawyer and file a lawsuit against the device’s manufacturer. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by a defective Zimmer Persona component, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages—and working with an experienced Zimmer Persona knee implant lawyer can help you get the most compensation.