Zimmer, manufacturer of the Persona knee replacement system, voluntarily recalled its product after patients began reporting problems with the medical device. The voluntary Zimmer Persona knee recall took place in February 2015, just a few years after the product was released in 2012.

Just one month after Zimmer’s voluntary recall, the FDA issued a Class II recall announcement for the same component.

According to the FDA, a 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 is remote.”

While the Class II recall is not as serious as for those products that may cause death, there is a possibility of suffering great damage as a result of the recalled device. Approximately 12,000 patients had this device implanted between March 2012 and March 2015.

Zimmer Persona Knee Recall Details

The Zimmer Persona was originally seen as a knee replacement device that offered a more precise anatomical fit versus other knee replacement devices available to patients. The Zimmer Persona knee recall targets a knee replacement system in which metal tibial plates were implanted without the use of cement.

Instead of using cement, the Zimmer Persona is attached to the knee using two metal pegs that help stabilize the implant.

Unfortunately, for some patients, this no-cement design caused gaps between the knee implant and the bone, because it began to shift from the original location where it was intended. Additionally, the device loosened for some patients.

A number of patients have had to undergo a revision surgery because the Zimmer Persona device experienced failure.

Certain conditions were associated for an increased likelihood of needing a revision surgery, such as chronic knee pain, a tight or unstable knee, device loosening, and issues specific to the knee implant including lack of ingrowth, loss of fixation and patellar tracking issues.

While revision surgery is able to help reverse many of the symptoms that patients have experienced as a result of the device that was subject to the Zimmer Persona knee recall, patients can also experience additional issues directly resulting from the revision surgery. Revision surgeries always carry a higher risk than the initial surgery.

Physical symptoms related to knee replacement revision surgery include pain, swelling, infections in the surgical site, blood clots, fractures and bone loss. Patients may also experience leg length discrepancies following revision surgery.

Taking Legal Action Following the Zimmer Persona Knee Recall

If you had the Zimmer Persona implanted between March 2013 and March 2015 and your implant was part of the FDA recall, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation for your injuries.

Plaintiffs who are successful in receiving a knee implant lawsuit settlement may recover damages related to physical and emotional pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost earnings and more. An experienced attorney can and can guide you in understanding the legal options that are available. A free case review and consultation is available for those who qualify.