FDA recall record

Howmedica Osteonics Tritanium TL Steerable Inserter, Cat recall — FDA Z-0207-2019

The firm received complaints related to the locking mechanism on the steerable inserter not functioning as intended. The firm confirmed that the issue is…

Class IIclassification
Z-0207-2019official record ID
Oct 31, 2018report date

Recall record at a glance

Official recordZ-0207-2019
CategoryMedical Device Recalls
ClassificationClass II
FDA record statusTerminated
Recalling firmHowmedica Osteonics Corp.
Report dateOct 31, 2018
Recall initiation dateSep 12, 2018
Quantity58
LocationAllendale, NJ, United States

Official product description

Tritanium TL Steerable Inserter, Cat. No. 48930000, UDI 07613327381900 Product Usage: The TL Steerable Inserter is a Class 1 instrument which is provided in a non-sterile condition. The inserter is designed to enter the disc space, with a fixed engagement between the inserter and the cage and then rotate for desired placement. The three components of the TL Steerable Inserter System include: 1. TL Steerable Inserter 2. TL Steerable Inserter Inner Shaft 3. TL Steerable Inserter Driver

Why the product was recalled

The firm received complaints related to the locking mechanism on the steerable inserter not functioning as intended. The firm confirmed that the issue is related to lack of lubrication of the instrument. There are two potential hazards associated with the implant pivoting unexpectedly during implant insertion into the disc space. First, if the implant is initially inserted into the disc space via the impaction method and the implant pivots unexpectedly, the implant potentially may unintentionally contact sensitive anatomy. Additionally, the user may potentially experience difficulty positioning the implant within the disc space due to the lack of rigidity. A third potential hazard is associated with the inserter not unlocking at the articulating pivot head during implant positioning within the disc space. Once the implant is in the prepared disc space and contacts the ventral annulus, the surgeon unlocks the articulating pivot head and positions the implant perpendicular to the spinous process. The surgeon may then elect to lock/unlock the articulating pivot head for desired final positioning of the implant. If the inserter does not unlock during these final implant positioning steps, the user may potentially implant the cage in a suboptimal trajectory/placement.

Distribution information

US Nationwide Distribution.

How to read the classification

FDA Class II indicates a situation in which use of or exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious consequences is remote. The classification shown here comes from the FDA record.

Additional record details

Recall type: Voluntary: Firm initiated. Initial notification: Other.

What to do next

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