Certain recalled Zimmer knee implant models had allegedly caused serious complications in patients, with injury reports ranging from infection to persistent knee damage. According to Zimmer, the voluntarily recalled Zimmer knee implant models reportedly loosened and caused radiolucent lines after they were implanted.

The voluntary Zimmer Persona knee recall was announced in February 2015, affecting a certain component known as the “Persona TM Tibial Plate” in over 12,000 knee implants that were distributed during the product’s first three years on the market. The company recalled Zimmer knee implant models after numerous injury reports indicating patients were experiencing problems soon after surgery were filed.

Just a month after the Zimmer voluntary recall, the FDA issued a formal announcement and classified the recall as a Class II. The recalled Zimmer knee implant models were given Class II status after being indicated that using the product could induce temporary or medically reversible complications.

Overview of Recalled Zimmer Knee Implant Models

The Zimmer Persona knee implants are directly implanted, with two metal tibial pegs implanted into the leg bone to help stabilize the knee implant. The product is implanted in the bone without cement; the pegs provide the attachment by growing into the bone and ultimately helps the bone recover more naturally.

However, this treatment process allegedly causes the complications associated with the recalled Zimmer knee implant models. According to the X-ray images that were taken in conjunction with the injury reports, gaps were seen between the Zimmer knee implant and the bone.

This is a sign of “poor seating,” which occurs when the implant migrates from the initial implant spot and produces radiolucent lines. This is also the first sign of loosening, in which the metal trabecular plate becomes dislodged and often compounds the patient’s condition.

According to Zimmer, loosening “is one of the most prevalent causes for revision in total knee arthroplasty.” The company further stated that 38% of patients who received the Zimmer knee implant had to undergo revision surgery due to device failure, and a multitude of other complications including:

• Persistent pain
• Device loosening
• Lack of ingrowth of the pegs
• Component failure
• Tight knee
• Instability
• Fracture

It is important to note that revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial surgery, due to the patient being at risk for more complications, such as pain and swelling, infection, nerve or tissue damage, blood clots, bone loss, fractures, and leg length differences.

Patients have reportedly needed revision surgery between 8 to 10 years after the initial Zimmer knee implant surgery. The Zimmer Persona knee implant is typically prescribed to patients who need knee implants as their knees were either damaged due to injury or deteriorated due to disease.

Even though these devices have helped numerous patients, the Zimmer Persona knee implant has still reportedly caused damages to unsuspecting patients. Patients who opted for the recalled Zimmer Persona knee implant and had to undergo revision surgery soon after, may be able to file legal action against the manufacturing companies.

Those who were implanted with a Zimmer Persona knee implant and later suffered complications may benefit from speaking with a medical device lawyer to determine eligibility for a Zimmer knee implant lawsuit.