Zimmer tibial plate failure has been reported by various patients across the country, which eventually spurred a voluntary recall by the company.

Zimmer tibial plate failure reports indicate that some patients were forced to undergo revision surgery due to early device failure and that the prosthetic was prone to moving from its initial implant position.

The Zimmer Persona trabecular tibial plate is a metal component of the Persona total knee replacement.  The Zimmer tibial plate directly attaches to the tibia bone without the use of cement. Instead, the device consists of two metal pegs that are inserted into the tibial to grow into the bone and simulate knee function.

Overview of Zimmer Tibial Plate Failure

Zimmer initiated a voluntary recall of the Zimmer Persona trabecular metal tibial plate knee implant component in February 2015 after injury reports indicated issues with the knee replacement component. The FDA later classified the Zimmer Persona trabecular tibial plate recall was a “Class 2” recall, which is designated for drugs and medical products shown to cause temporary or reversible harm to patients.

The recall affects up to 12,000 Zimmer trabecular tibial plates, with injury reports indicating two serious problems contributing to Zimmer tibial plate failure:

• Radiolucent Lines: Gaps or lines that appear between the knee implant tibial plate and the bone, which is a sign of “poor seating.” Poor seating occurs when the implant moves from its intended location and often leads to device loosening.
• Loosening: Occurs when the trabecular metal plate becomes loose and detaches from the implant site, with Zimmer describing this problem as one of the most prevalent causes for Zimmer tibial plate failure and need for revision surgery.

Patients who have a Zimmer Persona knee implant containing the tibial metal plate should be wary of any signs or symptoms of device failure.  Signs of device failure  include:

• Persistent Pain
• Limited Range of Mobility
• Inflammation
• Unstable Knee Joints
• Knee Tightness
• Fracture
• Patella Tracking Issues
• Lack of Ingrowth

Many of these complications forced patients to undergo early revision surgery so their knee implants could be explanted and replaced. While revision surgery for knee implants are often anticipated seven to ten years after the initial procedure, the Zimmer tibial plate failure reports indicate patients needed revision surgery much sooner.

Injury reports further indicate the Zimmer tibial plate failure occurred early on, with the tibial plate essentially failing to properly connect to the bone.  Revision surgery is considered riskier than the initial implant surgery, due to a higher risk of infection.

These incidents have recently spurred a class action investigation, with lawyers assisting patients who had a Zimmer Persona knee implant that contained the trabecular tibial plate between 2012 through 2015. A legal professional can help potential plaintiffs determine if bringing a lawsuit is right for them based on the facts and circumstances of their situation. Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for their pain and suffering and medical bills.