Following reports of complications associated with their orthopedic devices, Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. voluntarily recalled their Zimmer Persona Trabecular Metal Tibial Plate knee implant component in March 2015.

What is the Zimmer Persona Knee?

The Persona Knee is an implantable prosthetic knee made from a material called Trabecular Metal. This metal is a proprietary porous biomaterial made by Zimmer Biomet with structural properties similar to bone. According to an article published in PR Newswire on April 16, 2018, this material has been used in over two million orthopedic devices.

The Persona Knee implant is partially comprised of a tibial plate with two pegs that insert into the bone and are intended to anchor and provide stability to the implant. This tibial plate is the piece named in the 2015 recall.

Zimmer Persona Recall and Complications

Zimmer announced the voluntary tibial plate recall in February 2015, following complaints from patients regarding several issues with the device. Almost 12,000 tibial plates were affected by the recall. The two main complaints associated with the implant were loosening and gaps between the implant and the bone.

Patients’ X-rays of their Zimmer Persona knee implants often showed gaps between the tibial plate device and their bones. These gaps are an example of poor seating or movement of the implant from its intended location.

Another frequent complaint regarding the device is loosening. Loose components are one of the most common reasons for revision or replacement surgeries following knee implants.

Revision Knee Replacement Surgery

Patients who have been implanted with the Zimmer Persona knee or other knee replacement devices may need to undergo revision or replacement surgery if they begin to suffer side effects or complications. Aside from loosening and the formation of gaps, these issues may include:

• Loss of fixation from the tibial plate to the patient’s bone
• Component degradation or failure of the device
• A knee that is too tight
• Instability
• Ongoing pain
• Bone fracture

Although these knee implant complications may be repaired with surgery, additional surgeries come with many risks. These risks include infection, nerve and tissue damage, blood clots, bone loss, bone fractures, and leg length discrepancies. Additional surgeries may also require patients to take time off of work, result in additional medical expenses, and interfere with their daily lives.

About Zimmer Biomet

Zimmer Biomet was founded in 1927. Based out of Indiana, the orthopedic surgical product company has operations in over 25 countries around the world and sells its products in over 100 countries.

Patients who were implanted with a Zimmer Persona knee and Persona TM Tibial Plate between 2012 and 2015 and suffered complications relating to the device may be eligible to join a free knee implant lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for their injuries and suffering.