Back in 2015, side effects of a Zimmer total knee replacement device led to a voluntary recall that may still affect patients today.

The recall was issued over a specific component of the Zimmer Persona implant: the tibial plate. Patient reports of complications with their Zimmer total knee replacement implants are more serious than simple wear and tear, and instead involve more serious side effects, including premature tibial implant failure.

Thousands of Zimmer total knee replacement devices have been implanted in patients across the country, which may yet pose a risk for their users.

Zimmer Total Knee Replacement Basics

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the U.S. Around 600,000 patients undergo knee surgery in the United States each year. However, patients have reported serious complications linked with certain knee implant devices.

The Zimmer Persona implant includes a tibial plate components (the Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate) that is attached to the tibia with two pegs that are meant to stabilize the implant. However, patients who have undergone a Zimmer total knee replacement with the Zimmer Persona device claim that a defect with its tibial plate component can cause serious problems, including device failure.

Patients have reported two main tibial plate problems with the Zimmer total knee replacement: radiolucent lines and device loosening. In fact, around 38 percent of Zimmer total knee replacement patients who have filed complaints with Zimmer over complications have either cited radiolucent lines or undergone revision surgery due to device failure.

Under X-ray, Zimmer Persona devices have been shown with gaps between the knee implant and the bone. These are what is known as radiolucent lines in the beginning, a small gap between the implant and bone that indicates “poor seating.” Over time, this gap can become more extreme.

The other major problem is device loosening, in which the tibial plate loosens from its original placement. This is a defect that often necessitates revision surgery to fix. Of course, revision surgery brings with it its own risks. Patients are exposed to surgical risks like infection and other damage, as well as substantial medical costs.

The Zimmer total knee replacement recall was issued back in March 2015 after reports of serious complications with the device’s tibial plate component. The recall was classified as Class II, indicating that the device is capable of causing temporary or reversible harm. A Class I recall would have indicated the potential for permanent harm or even death. The 2015 recall affected somewhere around 12,000 implants and their patients.

Filing a Zimmer Total Knee Replacement Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has been harmed due to Zimmer total knee replacement failure, you may be able to file a lawsuit or join a class action lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by problems with the device, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with these injuries.