Numerous reports of Zimmer tibial plate failure have been submitted from across the country, which eventually spurred a voluntary recall from the company in 2015. The Zimmer tibial plate failure stems from the component coming loose prematurely, causing the device to prematurely fail.

Reports of Zimmer tibial plate failure indicated patients sustained debilitating pain and were forced to undergo revision surgery to resolve these problems.

The Zimmer tibial plate is a metal component of the Zimmer Persona knee replacement system It inserts into the tibia bone using two pegs.

These pegs are meant to grow into the bone, making the Zimmer Persona knee replacement system a novel choice for patients because it does not utilize cement.

The Zimmer Persona knee replacement system is one of the most popular choices for patients on the market, with the tibial plate meant to make the device last a long time. However, reports of Zimmer tibial plate failure have spurred major concern in the medical community, with the Class II recall affecting nearly 12,000 tibial plate components.

Class II recall designation is given when the medical device in question has been linked to temporary or reversible harm in patients. This classification was given to the Zimmer tibial plate recall, with patients often reporting debilitating symptoms with device failure including:

• Severe Pain
• Loss of Mobility
• Inflammation
• Instability of Knee
• Tightness of Knee
• Fracture
• Patella Tracking Problems

Overview of Zimmer Tibial Plate Failure Reports

The Zimmer tibial plate failure reports primarily described two complications that resulted in device failure, which were radiolucent lines and device loosening. Radiolucent lines are gaps that appear in X-ray images, which can be seen between the tibial plate and the bone.

This is a sign of “poor seating”, in which the device is shifting from its initial implant position. Radiolucent lines are often followed by device loosening, which is when the tibial plate becomes loose.

According to Zimmer, tibial plate loosening “is one of the most prevalent causes for revision in total knee athroplasty.” While wear and tear is normal in prosthetic devices, patients have been alleging Zimmer tibial plate failure has been causing premature device failure and need for revision surgery.

It is important to note that revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial implant surgery, due to higher risk of infection, fractures, blood clots, bone loss, device failure, nerve damage, and damage to tissue or blood vessels. In addition, patients will have to contend with the extensive recovery process and costly medical bills.

Even though the Zimmer tibial plate recall was initiated in 2015, the patient population and medical community continue to contend with the aftermath. Even for patients who have not experienced knee implant complications, may still be at risk for Zimmer tibial plate failure.

In addition, some patients have opted to file legal action against Zimmer for allegedly failing to warn them against Zimmer tibial plate failure. A class action lawsuit investigation has recently been launched to further investigate injury claims describing Zimmer tibial plate failure.