Zimmer issued a recall of one of its knee implant components in 2015 after reports of serious complications. If you have suffered from complications of one of these devices, you may be able to file a Zimmer knee lawsuit.

The Zimmer Persona Knee Implant

After receiving reports of serious complications linked with its device, Zimmer issued a voluntary recall in March 2015. The specific component involved in the recall was the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial plate. According to reports, this implant component could come loose from its proper position, which can lead to pain, inflammation, and other side effects.

If a patient’s knee implant becomes loose, it may move from its initial position, which can create gaps between the device and the bone—gaps large enough that they are visible in X-rays. Poor seating of the device caused by loosening can lead to device failure and side effects including:

• Persistent pain
• Device loosening
• Loss of mobility
• Inflammation
• Knee instability
• Knee tightness
• Component failure
• Fracture
• Patella tracking issues

Major Zimmer Knee Implant Complications

While Zimmer knee implant failure can lead to a number of complications, including pain and instability, there are two major complications commonly reported as a result of these devices, which led to the March 2015 recall.

The first of these problems is what is known as radiolucent lines. Radiolucent lines are visible under X-rays, and appear as gaps between the knee implant device and the bone, signifying that has become poorly seated. This can lead to continuous pain and other problems. The other major complications reported is device loosening, which can lead to failure of the device and even necessitate revision surgery.

According to the manufacturer, around 38 percent of knee implant patients who reported knee implant complications cited either radiolucent lines or device failure leading to revision surgery. Of course, revision surgery itself adds an additional risk for the patient, as well as additional medical expenses.

Zimmer Persona Knee Implant Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued notice of Zimmer’s voluntary recall over Persona knee implant complications in March 2015. It has been classified as a Class 2 Recall, meaning that it can cause temporary or reversible injury. A Class 1 Recall would indicate that a device can cause permanent injury or even death.

These device complications have the potential to affect thousands of patients. Nearly 12,000 implants already distributed were affected by the recall.

Filing a Zimmer Knee Lawsuit Over Side Effects

If you or someone you love has suffered from Persona knee implant complications after being implanted with the device, you may be able to file a Zimmer knee lawsuit or join a class action lawsuit.

While filing a Zimmer knee lawsuit cannot undo the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by knee implant complications, it can help to compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with these injuries.