Zimmer knee implant problems have become a recent concern in the United States medical community and patient population, with a recent recall of one of its implant components.

Many reported Zimmer knee implant problems were related to the Zimmer Persona TM (Trabecular Metal) Tibial Plate, which was voluntarily recalled from the market in March 2015.

According to the injury reports that spurred the recall, the Zimmer knee implant problems stemmed from the tibial plate coming loose and shifting soon after being implanted.

The Zimmer Persona Tibial Plate attaches to the tibia, and uses two metal pegs that insert directly into the bone. This is unique as it does not utilize cement; the two metal pegs are designed to “grow” into the bone and gives stability to the knee implant. The Zimmer Persona Knee Replacement System is typically prescribed to patients who sustained joint damage from physical injury or degenerative disease.

Overview of Zimmer Knee Implant Problems

Millions of patients undergo knee replacement surgery per year, with patients having to undergo additional procedures to have the implant replaced at an average of 10 years. This means that when the knee replacement prosthetic is implanted, the patient may expect to not have to undergo any follow up surgeries until the next decade.

This has allegedly not been the case for patients who have experienced Zimmer knee implant problems, and have needed to undergo revision surgery long before the average rate. Zimmer announced the voluntary recall of their Persona tibial plate in February 2015, with the FDA sharing the announcement a month later.

The FDA classified the move as a Class 2 recall, which is designated for medical devices that have been shown to cause reversible or temporary harm to patients.

According to the FDA, all sizes and lots of the Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate are affected by the recall; in fact, approximately 12,000 components were recalled.

There were two major Zimmer Persona knee implant problems that spurred the recall:

• Radiolucent Lines: These are lines or gaps between the implant and the bone, which appear on X-ray images. When the tibial plate loosens and allows for these gaps to form, it is a sign of “poor seating”. This means the implant component has shifted from its original position, and is often an early sign of device loosening.
• Device Loosening: The trabecular metal plate component becomes loose, with Zimmer calling it “one of the most prevalent causes for revision in total knee arthroplasty.”

Oftentimes these complications may result in premature device failure, which creates the need for revision surgery. It is important to note that revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial implant procedure, due to higher risk of infection. These Zimmer knee implant problems often include, but are not limited to:

• Persistent Pain
• Device Loosening
• Insufficient Ingrowth
• Device Component Failure
• Loss of Device Fixation
• Globally Tight Knee
• Instability
• Fracture
• Patella Tracking Problems

Patients who allegedly developed these Zimmer knee implant problems between 2012 and 2015 may be eligible for compensation and could potentially participate in a class action investigation.