The Zimmer Persona knee replacement recall that was announced in February 2015 affected more than 12,000 implants that were distributed during the first three years the product was on the market.

The manufacturer of the Persona knee replacement system, Zimmer, issued a voluntary recall for a component of the medical device known as the “Persona TM Tibial Plate” after receiving a number of reports from patients stating that they were experiencing problems with the knee replacement.

Just one month after the voluntary recall issued by Zimmer, the FDA issued a formal announcement of the recall. The FDA classified it as a Class II recall, which indicates that using the product can cause the patient temporary or medically reversible consequences. It is not as severe as a Class I recall, where serious injury or death may occur, yet damage can still result from the recalled component of the knee replacement device.

When it first entered the market, the Zimmer Persona knee replacement was advertised as a device that promised increased precision with its anatomical fit in contrast to other knee replacement devices on the market.

The Zimmer Persona knee replacement recall specifically is focused on a component of the knee replacement system called the Persona TM Tibial Plate that does not use cement where the metal tibial plates were implanted. In contrast, two metal pegs insert into the leg bone to help stabilize the knee implant.

For some patients, however, not using cement in the device that was subject to the Zimmer Persona knee replacement recall led to gaps between the bone and the knee implant because it was not stabilized within the body well enough, causing the implant to shift from its intended position. In addition to shifting, the implant also loosened for some patients, causing stability issues and pain.

A number of patients whose implants were subject to the Zimmer Persona knee replacement recall required revision surgery to repair the damage done by the failed device. Patients experienced chronic knee pain, instability in the knee, tightness in the knee, shifting of the implant, and other issues that could be seen upon imaging of the knee and device, including loss of fixation, lack of ingrowth and problems with patellar tracking.

Revision surgeries for any implant come with a greater risk of complications as compared to the initial replacement surgery, so some patients had to deal with additional issues after having the Zimmer implant replaced.

Taking Action after the Zimmer Persona knee Replacement Recall

If you have been affected by the Zimmer Persona knee replacement recall, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit against the device’s manufacturer in order to recover damages related to injuries caused by the defective implant.

Product liability lawsuits allege that the device was defectively designed and/or manufactured and also commonly allege that the marketing was defective, meaning that the manufacturer failed to sufficiently warn patients of the potential complications arising from the use of the device.

An attorney familiar with product liability lawsuits and the issues surrounding the Zimmer Persona knee replacement recall can provide you with a free case review in consultation in order to discuss your specific situation so you can determine if you would like to proceed with taking legal action.