The Zimmer Persona knee implant is used by millions of patients each year undergoing knee replacement surgery and wanting to return to normalcy. However, thousands of patients have reported complications that occurred soon after having the Zimmer Persona knee implant implemented.

The Zimmer Persona knee implant, or the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal (TM) tibial plate, is a metal component of the total knee replacement device. This device is directly implanted into the tibia of the knee without cement or any other kind of sealant, using two pegs that are directly inserted into the bone.

Through this process, the pegs are supposed to develop into an integral part of the bone to stabilize the leg. However, numerous complication reports had spurred Zimmer to initiate a voluntary market recall of the Zimmer Persona knee implant in early 2015.

During this recall, Zimmer had recalled nearly 12,000 Zimmer Persona knee implant with aftermarket reports indicating these devices were prone to device failure. The FDA classified the Zimmer Persona knee implant recall as Class II, which applies to products that can potentially induce temporary or reversible harm to patients.

Overview of Zimmer Persona Knee Implant Complications

In particular, the reports indicated that the device was prone to loosening soon after implantation and detailed the presence of radiolucent lines, both of which indicate faulty implantation. In the most serious cases, the two tibial pegs had failed to properly grow into the implant site.

Loosening of the knee implant can result in severe pain and discomfort, often limiting the patient’s movement. If radiolucent lines occur, they can be seen in X-rays of the knee implant and shows an unusual space between the tibial plate and bone. Radiolucent lines typically occur when the tibial plate migrates from its original implantation position due to poor seating.

These complications can cause the patient to experience debilitating pain and instability, often forcing the need for revision surgery. It is important to note that revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial procedure, due to the greater likelihood of complications.

Even though a defective knee implant can be devastating to patients, Zimmer allegedly failed to notify the public of this for years. While the recent Zimmer Persona knee implant recall prevents future cases, this does not help patients who have already experienced complications.