A total of nearly 12,000 medical devices were recalled when reports of Zimmer knee implant failure led the company to issue a voluntary recall its Persona tibial plates. The device was recalled by the company after only a few years on the market, and one month later the recall was announced by the FDA.

Reports of Zimmer knee implant failure led to the issuance of a federal Class II FDA recall. This type of recall is issued when the product has been linked to temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. A Class II recall is less serious than a Class I recall, in which the device has been linked to a significant risk of serious harm or death.

Causes of Zimmer Knee Implant Failure

When the Zimmer Persona knee implant was first released, it was touted as a device that provided an anatomical fit that was more precise as compared to its peers. In the particular tibial plate that was recalled, cement was not used in the attachment of the device to the knee. Rather, it was attached using pegs inserted into the bone to stabilize the implant.

Unfortunately, for some patients, the implant developed gaps between the knee implant and bone. These gaps caused major instability issues and pain, as the implant could easily shift out of place and become loose.

The main symptom that led patients and physicians to suspect Zimmer knee implant failure was pain after the knee replacement surgery and sometimes swelling and information that was present. This was often caused by the device not being stable in its location. For others, the knee became tight rather than had a feeling of instability, and others lost mobility as a result of complications caused by the Zimmer knee implant failure.

X-rays of patients who have suffered a Zimmer knee implant failure have shown radiolucent lines, which indicate that the implant is not properly seated because it is moving from its intended implantation location.

For patients who experienced Zimmer knee implant failure, the only way to correct the problems caused by the initial device implantation was two perform revision surgery. Oftentimes, the revision surgery did help to reverse the problems brought on by the first knee implant. However, as is common with revision surgeries in general, there was a higher incidence of complications and a longer recovery time following the revision surgery.

Have You Experienced Zimmer Knee Implant Failure?

If you have experienced Zimmer knee implant failure, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation from the product’s manufacturer. Plaintiffs who file project liability lawsuits allege that the manufacturer failed to properly design, manufacture, or warn of potential risks. Successful plaintiffs may get compensation related to medical expenses, lost earnings, loss of enjoyment of life and more as a result of seeking to hold the manufacturer accountable.

An experienced attorney can review your case during a free, confidential case evaluation and can advise you on the next steps in filing a product liability lawsuit of your own.