Due to serious Zimmer knee implant complications associated with the Persona TM Tibial Plate, a voluntary recall has been issued by the manufacturer.

The recall came following several reports of Zimmer knee implant complications at a greater frequency than was stated on the information provided with the implant components. The device was linked with reports of serious injury and problems with the device loosening from its position.

Zimmer Knee Implant Background

The Zimmer knee implant’s tibial plate component attaches to a patient’s tibia, and its peg components are intended to essentially grow into the bone in order to stabilize the implant. However, patients have reported to the manufacturer and the FDA that the device can move out of its proper position, leaving a gap between the device and the bone that can cause serious and painful Zimmer knee implant complications.

After receiving a number of these reports, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of the implant.

Zimmer Knee Implant Complications

Patients have reported suffering from a number of serious Zimmer knee implant complications, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Persistent pain
• Loss of mobility
• Inflammation
• Knee instability
• Knee tightness

Two significant Zimmer knee implant complications are most often reported. The first of these is radiolucent lines, which are X-ray evidence of gaps between the knee implant and the bone. The second is loosening of the device. Zimmer indicates that 38 percent of patients who reported Zimmer knee implant complications either had symptomatic radiolucent lines or had to undergo revision surgery because of failure of the device.

Patients who undergo revision surgery have suffered from a number of Zimmer knee implant complications, including device loosening, fracture, instability, and persistent pain. Unfortunately, revision surgery itself exposes a patient to further serious risk, including infection, fractures, blood clots, bone loss, device failure, damage to nerves, tissue, or blood vessels, as well as substantial medical costs.

Zimmer Persona Knee Implant Recall

The FDA issued this recall over Zimmer knee implant complications in March 2015. The recall had an effect on the nearly 12,000 patients across the country currently implanted with the device.

The FDA considers this a Class 2 Recall, meaning that it can cause temporary or reversible injury. A Class 1 Recall, by contrast, would indicate that a device can cause permanent injury or even death.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a number of Zimmer Persona devices were affected by the recall. All sizes of the Zimmer Persona tibial plate component are linked with these Zimmer knee implant complications, and are thus all included.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Zimmer Knee Implant Complications

If you or someone you love has suffered from Zimmer knee implant complications after being implanted with the device, you may be able to file a Zimmer lawsuit.

While filing a claim cannot undo the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by Zimmer knee implant complications, it can help to compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with these injuries.