Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for its Persona® Revision SoluTion™ Femur, a novel revision knee implant component specifically designed for patients with sensitivities to certain metals. This clearance represents a significant advancement in addressing an unmet need in revision knee arthroplasty.
The newly approved implant is part of Zimmer Biomet's comprehensive Persona Revision Knee System and features a proprietary surface-hardening treatment engineered to enhance wear performance. The system provides surgeons with an array of anatomic components, including tibial and femoral cones with various stem options to address zonal fixation challenges in revision procedures.
Addressing Metal Hypersensitivity in Orthopedic Implants
Metal hypersensitivity represents a significant clinical challenge in orthopedic surgery. Cutaneous metal hypersensitivity affects approximately 10-15% of the general population, with prevalence rates potentially reaching as high as 25% in patients with metallic implants.
Patients with metal sensitivities can experience immunological reactions against metallic particles (ions) released through implant wear or corrosion. When exposed to common metals used in knee implants—particularly nickel, cobalt, and chromium—these patients may develop inflammatory responses, experience pain, and suffer implant loosening that ultimately necessitates revision surgery.
"We are pleased to expand our proprietary surface-hardening technology into the revision knee space with FDA clearance of the Persona Revision SoluTion Femur, the first metal alternative option for those with certain metal sensitivities," said Joe Urban, President, Knees at Zimmer Biomet. "We are proud to offer a total revision knee construct with no deliberate addition of the most common metal allergens."
Advanced Materials and Engineering
The Persona Revision SoluTion Femur is manufactured exclusively from Tivanium® (Ti-6Al-4V), a proprietary titanium alloy with more than 17 years of documented clinical use. This alloy undergoes the Ti-Nidium Surface Hardening Process, resulting in a strengthened material that demonstrates hardness comparable to traditional metal implants while providing enhanced wear performance and resistance to particle release.
The engineering design includes both standard and plus sizes to effectively address flexion instability and soft tissue balancing challenges while minimizing implant overhang—a critical consideration in revision knee arthroplasty.
Clinical Significance and Market Availability
The clearance of this device represents an important advancement in the field of revision knee arthroplasty, particularly for the subset of patients with documented or suspected metal sensitivities. By eliminating the deliberate addition of the most common metal allergens (nickel, cobalt, and chromium), the Persona Revision SoluTion Femur may reduce the risk of immunological complications in susceptible patients.
This innovation aligns with growing recognition of metal hypersensitivity as a potential cause of implant failure. Research published in Clinical Immunology (2022) has demonstrated that metal hypersensitivity can trigger pro-inflammatory cytokine production in patients with failed orthopedic implants, highlighting the clinical importance of metal-alternative options.
According to Zimmer Biomet, the Persona Revision SoluTion Femur will be commercially available in the United States beginning in the third quarter of 2025.
About Zimmer Biomet
Zimmer Biomet is a global medical technology leader with a comprehensive portfolio designed to maximize mobility and improve health outcomes. With over 90 years of experience in the orthopedic space, the company operates in more than 25 countries and sells products in over 100 countries worldwide.
The company's approach integrates innovative products with digital and robotic technologies that leverage data analytics and artificial intelligence to transform patient experiences in orthopedic care.
This latest FDA clearance reinforces Zimmer Biomet's commitment to addressing significant challenges in musculoskeletal health through targeted innovation and specialized solutions for diverse patient populations.
