Individuals who have had a Zimmer knee implant that led to complications may be entitled to legal compensation as a result of their personal injuries.

A component of the Zimmer Persona knee implant was recalled in February 2015, three years after it was released in 2012.

The device was subject to a Class II recall, which according to the FDA is issued when the following circumstances exist: “Class II Recall is a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences as remote.”

A Class II recall is not as serious as a Class I recall because there is a reduced likelihood that the product will lead to patient death or irreversible serious consequences. Due to reports of Zimmer knee implant complications, approximately 12,000 units distributed between March 2012 and March 2015 were affected by the recall.

Zimmer Knee Implant Complications

The Zimmer knee implant was introduced into the market with information stating that it provided a superior, precise fit over competing knee plant devices.

The particular knee component that was recalled is the Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate. It was recalled due to knee implant complications in which metal tibial plates were implanted into patients and cement was not used as part of the implantation procedure.

In lieu of using cement to secure the implant, the Zimmer Persona knee implant Tibial plate attaches to the knee using two metal pegs for stabilization. It is this very design that may have caused problems in the device stability for patients.

Some patients experienced loosening of the tibial plate, and there were gaps reported between where the knee implant and the bone were attached because the pegs did not provide sufficient stability which caused the device to shift from its original implant location.

The only way for patients to experience any kind of relief from the pain and swelling related to the Zimmer Persona TM Tibial Plate failure is for patients to undergo a revision surgery to correct any Zimmer knee implant complications. In a revision surgery, the old implant is removed, and a new one is implanted in its place.

Because the new implant is placed where damage has been done by the other knee implants, there are increased complication in revision surgeries. Typically, patients take longer to recover from revision surgeries, and there are more risks and complications associated with the procedure.

Knee replacement revision surgeries can cause patients to experience increased pain and swelling, surgical infections, blood clots, bone loss and fractures and may have had damage to the blood vessels, nerves and surrounding tissue.

Also, leg length discrepancy is common for patients who undergo revision surgeries to repair damage done by failed knee implants.

Have You Suffered from Zimmer Knee Implant Complications?

If you have suffered from Zimmer knee implant complications, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation for your injuries. An attorney experienced with understanding the issues surrounding Zimmer knee implant complications can provide you with a free, no-obligation consultation to help you understand if you’re eligible to take legal action.