NexGen Knee Implant Recall – What’s Happening Now | Support for Patients

The story around Zimmer Biomet’s NexGen knee implant is still unfolding. New research, media reports, and legal cases are shining more light on just how serious the issues are – and what that means for patients. 

Scientific Studies Confirm the Problem 

The latest data from the National Joint Registry (NJR) shows that certain NexGen component combinations – especially when the Stemmed Option Tibial Component is paired with LPS Flex or LPS Flex GSF femoral parts – are failing at much higher rates than other knee replacements. In fact, patients with these combinations are up to five times more likely to need revision surgery because of aseptic tibial loosening, often just a few years after surgery. 

At Rush University Medical Center, researchers reported that more than a third (36%) of NexGen CR-Flex implants came loose within two years. For many patients, that meant pain, stiffness, and losing the very mobility they were hoping to gain. 

BBC Investigation Raises Red Flags 

In August 2025, the BBC’s File on 4 uncovered troubling details: Zimmer Biomet may have known about these high failure rates as far back as 2014. Yet the implants weren’t voluntarily recalled until December 2022. 

The program shared heartbreaking patient stories – people who went from active lives to being unable to walk without painkillers, sometimes needing multiple revision surgeries. Surgeons interviewed expressed frustration too, saying their warnings had been ignored and, in some cases, their reputations unfairly questioned when implants failed. 

Legal Action: Where Things Stand 

United Kingdom 

Across the UK, law firms are now representing thousands of patients who may be entitled to compensation. More than 10,000 people are believed to have received the faulty implants, and many are now dealing with revision surgeries far earlier than expected. 

Partner, Lisa Lunt, is leading a team of medical product liability experts – who are actively investigating claims. Lisa has over 20 years of experience in clinical negligence- and more than a decade specialising in group actions against major pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. She is a nationally recognised expert in defective medical product litigation, and feels strongly about supporting the individuals affected.  

Lisa explains:  

“We’re hearing deeply concerning stories from clients who went into surgery expecting a better quality of life, only to be left with constant pain and complications. What should have been a solution became another problem. 

“This is an unacceptable outcome for these individuals – who have the right to safe and effective care under our healthcare providers. In many cases, their quality of life has been reduced. Mobility is impacted, and carrying out routine tasks has become even more of a challenge.  

“The knock-on effect can be a strain on family life, on the ability to work, and to take any enjoyment from life. It is a hugely troubling time for those affected.” 

United States 

Zimmer Biomet has already faced legal challenges in the U.S. More than 1,700 lawsuits were consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL), which wrapped up in 2022 with confidential settlements. But new lawsuits continue to be filed, particularly against the high-flex components that showed the highest risk of loosening. 

Australia & Europe 

Registries in Australia and across Europe have also raised concerns about the NexGen system, reporting higher-than-expected revision rates. Legal claims and regulatory warnings are underway there too. 

What Patients Can Do 

If you – or someone you love – received a NexGen knee implant and are now experiencing pain, instability, or have already needed revision surgery, you may have a legal claim. 

We’re offering free, confidential consultations, and we work on a No Win, No Fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you. You can learn more about the case investigation, led by Lisa and her team, here.