A recalled knee replacement component from Zimmer has become significant cause for concern for those with with a Zimmer Persona knee implant, as many have reported suffering serious side effects.

The recalled knee replacement component is a faulty tibial plate —which has been increasingly associated with loosening of the device, and even resulting injury. This led to a voluntary recall by the company in February 2015, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) categorized as a Class 2 recall in March 2015.

The federal agency classified the recall as Class 2, indicating that the recalled knee replacement device is capable of causing temporary or reversible harm. A Class 1 recall, by contrast, would indicate something more severe, such as permanent harm or potential fatality. There are around 12,000 recalled knee replacements affected altogether.

Zimmer’s Recalled Knee Replacement

Knee replacement can become a necessary surgery for a number of reasons. People may undergo knee replacement surgery because of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, collagen disorders, or an inability to straighten the knee, along with many more.

One of the most popular knee implants is the Zimmer Persona device, manufactured by the Indiana based medical device company Zimmer.

The Zimmer Persona includes a tibial plate that is implanted directly onto the tibia, or shinbone. This is direct contact between the tibial plate of the device and the tibia bone itself, without using any cement. Then, two pegs are implanted into the bone, and are meant to stabilize the device for use long-term.

Side Effects of the Recalled Knee Replacement

Knee replacements are one of the most common surgical procedures. Indeed, over 600,000 such procedures are performed per year in the United States alone.

Despite how common knee replacements are, there are actually a number of side effects that patients have reported. Of course, any medical device will come with its own mild complications, which are temporary and often go away on their own. But some complications are much more serious, with lasting effects, need of further surgery, and medical expenses.

The Zimmer recalled knee replacement was linked with device loosening and injury, which led the FDA to recall the device.

Although this device is supposed to last long-term, and patients expect that their knee implant will be able to handle normal wear and tear from daily use, many have instead experienced Zimmer tibial plate failure, which can cause serious complications and may even necessitate removal surgery.

The failure of the recalled knee replacement device has reportedly led to a number of issues, including:

• Persistent pain
• Device loosening
• Fracture
• Loss of mobility
• Inflammation
• Knee instability
• Knee tightness

Of the patients who have issued complaints about the device, Zimmer itself has reported that around 38 percent have reported either radiolucent lines (gaps between the implant and the bone) or had to undergo revision surgery due to complications of the recalled knee replacement device. Any revision surgery brings with it additional risks.

Filing a Lawsuit Over the Recalled Zimmer Knee Replacement Device

If you or someone you love has been harmed due to side effects of Zimmer’s recalled knee replacement, you may be able to file a knee implant lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and 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.