The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a Zimmer tibial plate recall after receiving numerous reports of dangerous device failure from patients across the country.

Knee replacements are some of the most common surgical procedures in the United States, but despite how common they are, some of the devices implanted during these surgeries carry with them dangerous side effects.

Of course, any medication or medical device will carry with it certain side effects, but patients claim that the side effects linked with the Zimmer tibial plate are too great when compared with its relative benefits. The FDA acted in response, issuing a Zimmer tibial plate recall that affected thousands of devices and patients across the country.

Zimmer Tibial Plate Recall

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Zimmer tibial plate recall back in March 2015 after receiving reports of complications from the knee implant device.

It’s important to note that the Zimmer tibial plate recall was classified as Class II, meaning 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 potential fatality.

In total, this 2015 Zimmer tibial plate recall affected somewhere around 12,000 implants.

Zimmer Tibial Plate Complications

Patients may be implanted with a Zimmer tibial plate to help treat a number of conditions, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, collagen disorders or an inability to straighten the knee.

The Zimmer Persona device, a tibial implant, is one of the most popular knee implants available. The tibial plate is implanted directly into a patient’s tibia, or shinbone. The tibial plate makes direct contact with the tibia bone, without the standard use of cement. Two pegs are then implanted into the bone and meant to stabilize the device for long-term use.

However, patients have found that the device may not be sustainable long-term. While patients generally expect that their implant can handle daily wear and tear, many have instead reported suffering tibial implant failure. Failure of a knee implant can lead to some serious complications and, in some cases, may even require removal surgery.

Of course, revision surgery to alleviate these complications brings with it its own risks, further exposing a patient to surgical risks like infection, fractures, blood clots, bone loss, device failure, damage to nerves, tissue or blood vessels, as well as substantial medical costs.

Zimmer Tibial Plate Recall Lawsuits

If you or someone you love has been harmed due to a Zimmer tibial plate failure, you may be able to file a Zimmer 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.