More than 50 patients launch legal action over recalled Zimmer NexGen knee implants

More than 50 patients are taking legal action after receiving a recalled knee implant amid claims some were left needing further major surgery when the devices failed.

Medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell say 56 people have so far come forward in relation to the Zimmer NexGen knee system, including 24 cases already issued at the High Court.

The cases involve people who were fitted with NexGen Complete Knee Solution components, which were recalled after data indicated failure rates of up to five times higher than other knee replacements.

Irwin Mitchell appointed as lead law firm to bring claims

Irwin Mitchell is acting for a large number of those affected and has been appointed by the High Court as the lead law firm for the claimants. This means Irwin Mitchell has overall responsibility for the litigation on behalf of those bringing claims and will be working with other law firms to pursue the cases.

Tim Annett, a group action medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing affected patients, said: 

“We’re now aware of more than 50 people who believe they’ve been affected after receiving these implants, with a number of cases already progressing through the courts.

 

“Many of our clients have had to go through further major surgery after their knee replacements appear to have failed earlier than expected. This has understandably had a huge impact on their day-to-day lives and independence.

 

“At the heart of these cases are important questions about whether patients may have been exposed to an increased risk of failure and whether enough was known about how these implants were performing.

 

“We’re committed to supporting those affected as they pursue the answers they deserve. If mistakes have been made, it’s vital that lessons are learned to help prevent others experiencing avoidable suffering in the future.

 

“We’re continuing to investigate these concerns and would encourage anyone who believes they may have been affected to come forward.”

Zimmer NexGen knee replacement background

The cases centre on a part of the NexGen knee replacement known as the tibial component. It was recalled in December 2022 after evidence suggested that certain versions may have been failing more often than expected when used in specific combinations.

Data from the UK’s National Joint Registry had previously raised concerns, linking some versions of the implant to higher rates of failure, particularly involving the joint loosening.

The higher failure rates are understood to relate to a particular type of problem affecting the implant. Patients claim this involves parts of the device moving against each other, which may lead to damage and cause the joint to come loose.

Lawyers are also investigating concerns raised before the recall, including findings that some versions of the implant may have performed worse than expected.

Concerns about the NexGen knee system date back several years. The National Joint Registry alerted the manufacturer in 2015 that some implant combinations were showing higher than expected failure rates.

Further studies and clinical observations then pointed to patterns of early failure in some patients.

Despite this, the implants continued to be used until the recall in December 2022.

After the recall, guidance recommended that patients with the affected implants should be identified and monitored.

Court deadline for patients wanting to join group legal action 

The High Court has imposed a deadline for affected patients to join the group litigation. The deadline for claims to be registered with the court is 13 November, 2026. However, Irwin Mitchell is encouraging those affected to come forward ahead of that date so their potential case can be assessed in advance. 

Those who have already instructed lawyers as well as those yet to seek legal advice can seek to join the group. 

A High Court hearing to set out the next phase of the case is expected to be heard next spring.

Woman who underwent NexGen knee implant reveals how she struggled with “relentless pain”

A woman has spoken of being left in “relentless pain” and struggling to walk after issues developed with both of her NexGen knee replacements.

Lydia Osborne, from Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, had suffered with osteoarthritis in her knees before undergoing surgery.

She underwent a total knee replacement on her left knee in March 2016 followed by a right knee replacement the following year. The mum-of-two and grandma-of-four received a Zimmer NexGen implant on both occasions, including the tibial “Option” component.

Lydia, who worked in the foreign exchange department of a city bank before helping to set up her own bottling and packaging business, later began to experience increasing pain in her right knee. Investigations in 2019 raised concerns the implant may have become loose, and she underwent revision surgery in September that year. 

Lydia said she later began to experience issues with her left knee from around 2022, with increasing pain and difficulty walking. By 2023, she said her symptoms had worsened significantly, leaving her unable to sleep, struggling to walk even short distances and fearing her knee could give way beneath her.

In 2023 Lydia had treatment to remove fluid from a lump on the outside of her left knee. Investigations in 2024 were said to suggest her left knee implant was loosening. Lydia underwent surgery to replace the components in her left knee in 2025.

While she has since made a good recovery following further surgery, Lydia said the experience has had a lasting impact on her life.

Lydia speaks out to help ensure lessons can be learned

Lydia, aged 80, said: 

“I never imagined I would end up having problems with both of my knees. After everything I went through with my first right knee, I tried to stay positive, but when my other knee started getting worse it was devastating.

 

“The pain became relentless. There were times I could barely walk, I struggled to sleep at night and I was constantly worried my knee would give way beneath me. It made even simple day-to-day things feel like a challenge and left me fearing I could lose my independence altogether.

 

“Living with that level of pain and uncertainty has been incredibly difficult. It’s not just the physical impact, it’s the constant worry about what’s going to happen next and whether things could get worse.

 

“I just want answers about why this happened to me and whether more could and should have been done sooner.

 

“If speaking out helps ensure lessons are learned and stops other people going through the same pain and worry, then it will have been worth it.”