Zimmer, one of the largest manufacturers of prosthetic components and joint units for total joint replacement surgeries, issued a voluntary recall of the Zimmer Persona knee replacement which includes the Persona trabecular metal tibial plate.

The Persona trabecular metal tibial plate is a metal plate with two pegs on its underside. In total Zimmer Persona knee replacement surgery, the pegs are driven into the tibia, or lower leg bone, where they are designed to grow and establish a stable surface for the rest of the joint. No cement is used to hold the pegs in place.

Zimmer issued their voluntary recall in February 2015. According to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who followed the recall with issuing a Class II FDA recall announcement, the action affects 11,658 devices.

Developing Complaints with the Zimmer Persona Knee Replacement 

The complaints and documented problems that were being intercepted by Zimmer Inc. surrounded symptoms and evidence of premature loosening of the tibial plate.

Loosening of the plate might be experienced as unrelenting pain and inflammation, joint instability, or even bone fracturing.

X-ray studies revealed radiolucent lines next to some patients’ Persona implants. Radiolucent lines indicate gaps between components of the joint prosthesis and the bone. This test data confirms subjective complaints and led to the conclusion that frequently the component was becoming unstable and poorly situated.

Revision Surgery Needed Sooner?

With Zimmer Persona knee replacement surgery, a certain percentage of patients were needing to have revision surgery accelerated. Frequently with total hip and knee replacements, certain parts need to be replaced eight to 10 years after the initial surgery.

In prosthetic knee joints, the replaceable part is generally the faux meniscus or plastic spacer that acts as cartilage where the femoral component and tibial component articulate.

Because of the complaints and documented X-ray results indicating loosening of the prosthetic tibial plate, patients that had undergone Zimmer Personal knee replacement surgery were having to have second surgeries – often another whole knee replacement within three to four years.

Second surgeries of this magnitude open the patient up for serious complications including:

• Damage to bone, nerve, connective tissue
• Serious infections
• Differences in length between legs leading to limp long after recovery
• Inflammation and pain
• Build-up of scar tissue limiting range of motion

Although Zimmer Inc. initiated the recall of its Persona tibial plate itself, the FDA has followed-up with a recall of all lots and sizes. For further information or questions about the recall, inquirers can call 1-800-447-5633.

If you have experienced problems following a total knee replacement, be sure to visit with your orthopedic physician to determine the make and model of the knee prosthetic used.

Product liability lawyers are ready to offer consultation of  Zimmer knee replacement cases. If you or someone you love suffered complications from a Zimmer Persona or other Zimmer knee implant device, you could be compensated for your pain and suffering, as well as for financial loss incurred in medical bills and lack of ability to work.