Many patients who have had to undergo knee implant surgery have had the Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate implanted as part of their knee replacement device. Unfortunately, Zimmer has seen the need to voluntarily recall this plate because of possible defects.

The Persona TM Tibial Plate is a component of the Zimmer Persona knee replacement system. It is a metal component that is connected to the bone without the use of cement.

The Persona TM Tibial Plate attaches to the tibia via two pegs that are inserted into the bone. These pegs are supposed to stay connected to the leg bone as the bone begins to grow around the pegs. This all happens without the use of cement.

The pegs of the Persona TM Tibial Plate give stability to the artificial joint, and it was intended that this would be a superior device to previous models.

However, in 2015 Zimmer issued a voluntary recall of this part of the implant that they deemed to be associated with some complications. The Persona TM Tibial Plate has proven to be associated with some potentially harmful complications for those who have had the knee replacement system from Zimmer implanted.

Patients had begun to complain about a series of significant problems associated with their Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate. These complications include persistent pain, device loosening, lack of ingrowth, failure of the component, loss of fixation, globally tight knee, instability, fracture and patella tracking issues.

The voluntary recall for the Persona TM Tibial Plate, issued by the device manufacturer, affected nearly 12,000 components.

Zimmer Persona Complications

The main two issues that Persona TM Tibial Plate recipients reported as complications were radiolucent lines and device loosening. Radiolucent lines are what appear to be gaps between the metal components of the knee implant and the bone itself. This can be determined by an X-ray. When radiolucent lines appear, it is a sign that the device is poorly seated and it could be the first signs of device loosening.

Device loosening occurs when the Persona TM Tibial Plate detaches from where it was originally placed. If this occurs, it is dangerous and can preclude the need for revision surgery.

Revision surgery is considered more dangerous and risky than the original arthroplasty surgery. The complications that are associated with revision surgery include pain and swelling, infection, nerve and tissue damage, blood clots, bone loss, fractures and leg length discrepancies.

Revision surgery also is costly and requires additional hospital stays and time off of work.

Some patients have opted to file a Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate lawsuit after alleging that the device components are defective. They often claim that the device manufacturer had not given them proper warning regarding the potential defects and possible need for revision surgery.

If you or someone you love has sustained injuries or complications due to a Zimmer knee implant or a Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. While filing a lawsuit may not take away the pain and suffering associated with revision surgery, it may help to alleviate the medical costs and lost wages.