When someone undergoes knee replacement surgery, they expect their new joint to last for many years. However, some patients who have undergone a Zimmer Persona knee replacement have experienced severe complications including early device failure.

The Zimmer Persona knee replacement device is made with a trabecular metal tibial plate. This trabecular metal tibial plate is implanted directly into the bone without the use of cement. It has two pegs that are intended to grow into the bone in order to give stability to the knee replacement.

However, some patients with the Zimmer Persona knee replacement have been suffering from device complications.

Radiolucent lines have been a considerable severe issue for Zimmer Persona knee replacement patients. Radiolucent lines usually show up on x-rays of the joint area and appear to be gaps or spaces between the Zimmer Persona knee replacement components and the bone. They are a sign of “poor seating,” or moving.

The Zimmer knee replacement components are designed to stay in place. When radiolucent lines show up, it is a sign that the device may be on its way to failure.

Radiolucent lines are also of concern because joint fluid, tissue and debris from the implant itself can lodge in the spaces between the replacement device and the bone. Bone damage, or osteolysis, can occur as a result.

A second complication that has occurred for Zimmer Persona knee replacement patients is loosening. Loosening occurs when the trabecular metal plate is loosened from the place where it was originally implanted and attached to the bone.

This is the leading complication that necessitates revision surgery among Zimmer Persona knee replacement patients.

These problems have led to a Zimmer Persona knee replacement recall. In February 2015, because of the prevalence of radiolucent lines and loosening, Zimmer issued a voluntary recall of nearly 12,000 Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Plate knee implants.

In response, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced this recall as a Class II recall of the same Zimmer Persona knee implant devices.

The FDA wrote, “Zimmer Inc. is initiating a voluntary recall of Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial following an increase in complaints of radiolucent lines and loosening. All sizes and lots of the affected devices are being removed from distribution.”

A Class II recall occurs when the FDA deems a product to cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health conditions. An urgent recall notice was sent to doctors and hospitals on Feb. 16, 2015, asking that the Zimmer Persona knee implant devices be located and quarantined.

Many patients have filed lawsuits against Zimmer for damages. Plaintiffs claim that the device was not properly tested and that Zimmer did not warn patients and the medical community of the risks.

If you or someone you love has been affected adversely by a Zimmer Persona knee implant device, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. While taking legal action cannot take away the pain and suffering one has endured, monetary compensation may help to alleviate medical costs and lost wages.