Some patients who have undergone knee replacement surgery have had complications with their device. Zimmer Persona knee problems have reportedly plagued patients who have had the knee replacement system implanted.

The Zimmer Persona knee replacement system consists of several metal components. The Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal (TM) tibial plate has given many patients a whole host of Zimmer Persona knee problems.

The way the Zimmer Persona TM tibial plate works is that the plate is fastened to the bone without the use of cement; it is attached to the tibia bone using two pegs. What is intended to happen is that the bone will grow around the component, further fastening the trabecular metal tibial plate’s two pegs into the joint. These pegs are intended to give the whole knee replacement system stability.

However, in early 2015, Zimmer announced a voluntary recall of the Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate because of Zimmer Persona knee problems. Patients and doctors reported that the Persona TM tibial plate components were showing loosening and signs of early device failure.

The recall affected almost 12,000 Trabecular Metal tibial plate units across the country. Zimmer received information about Zimmer Persona knee problems that included two alarming issues, both of which may lead to early device failure.

Radiolucent lines appeared in many x-rays of patients who were experiencing Zimmer Persona knee problems. Radiolucent lines are gaps that show up between the knee implant and the bone. This is a sign of “poor seating,” or when the implant moves from the spot it is intended to be. Radiolucent lines are a forerunner of loosening.

Loosening is another problem that the recall addressed. Zimmer noticed that the trabecular metal plate was actually coming loose from the bone. If this occurs, the complete Zimmer Persona knee system fails and the patient must receive revision surgery.

Revision surgery is costly and is many times more complicated than the original arthroplasty surgery.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the recall as a Class 2 Recall for the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate. Class 2 recalls refer to devices and drugs that may cause temporary or reversible harm to the patient. All sizes and lots of the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal tibial plate fell under this recall.

Zimmer Persona Knee Problems

Many patients who have been implanted with the Zimmer Persona TM tibial plate as part of their Persona knee replacement system are not aware that they may be suffering from symptoms of early failure.

Zimmer Persona knee problems that may point to loosening and early device failure include persistent pain, loss of mobility, inflammation, knee instability and knee tightness.

Additionally, when a patient’s Persona knee replacement system is x-rayed, signs of “poor seating” may show up, which is a precursor to device failure.

If you or someone you love has been adversely affected by Zimmer Persona knee problems, you may benefit from speaking to an a experienced attorney. While monetary compensation cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Zimmer Persona knee problems, it may help to offset medical costs or lost wages.