A component of the Zimmer Persona knee implant has recently been withdrawn from the market, after the manufacturer issued a voluntary recall in February 2015.

The Zimmer Persona knee implant recall primarily focused on the Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee implant component.  The Persona knee component recall occurred after the company received numerous reports of device failure. The FDA announced the voluntary recall one month later, classifying it as a Class 2 recall. It is important to note that Class 2 status recalls indicate the device may have caused temporary or reversible harm to patients.

The Persona knee component recall affected over 12,000 knee implants that were distributed during the first three years of entering the market.

Overview of Zimmer Persona Knee Implant Complications

This metal knee implant component is meant to allow the device to attach to the tibia without the use of cement, by using two pegs that are inserted into the bone. These pegs are then supposed to grow into the bone, ultimately simulating knee function and giving stability to the implant.

The complications mentioned above have been linked to serious knee replacement problems, like debilitating pain and limited motion, with device loosening and radiolucent lines being contributing factors to Zimmer Persona knee implant failure.

Radiolucent lines are lines that appear on X-rays and are gaps between the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate and the tibia bone. This is a sign of poor seating and is often followed by device loosening.

When device loosening occurs, the trabecular metal plate comes loose from its original position and often creates the need for revision surgery. According to Zimmer, device loosening “is one of the most prevalent causes for revision in total knee arthroplasty.”

Approximately 38% of patients who developed radiolucent lines or underwent revision surgery were allegedly due to Zimmer Persona knee implant failure. Side effects mentioned in Zimmer Persona knee implant failure reports include, but are not limited to:

• Device Loosening
• Lack of Ingrowth
• Component Failure
• Fixation Loss
• Globally Tight Knee
• Knee Pain
• Instability
• Fracture
• Patella Tracking Issues

These Zimmer Persona knee implant complications often force patients to undergo revision surgery to explant and replace the defective device.  Revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial implant surgery and increases the risk that the patient will experience additional complications.

When the device first entered the market, the Zimmer Persona knee implant was marketed as a safe and effective device with better precision than other devices on the market. Numerous patients rely on Zimmer’s prosthetic devices, so it is vital for the company to provide full disclosure of potential complications.

Patients who opted for the Zimmer Persona knee implant and had to later undergo revision surgery may be able to file legal action. Potential claimants should contact a lawyer to determine eligibility for a Zimmer Persona knee implant lawsuit.