FDA Devices recall · Reported December 4, 2013
Synthes Material Mix (Adjustable Cervical Distractor-Right, Matrix Distractor Rack, T-PAL Spacer Remover, Implant Inserter) Synthes Material Mix: Adjustable Cervical Distractor-Right is used to distract spine segment. Matrix Distractor Rack is used to distract the interbody disc space. T-PAL Spacer Remover is used to remove T-PAL spacer. Implant Inserter is used to insert the ProDisc implant.
One material batch used for production of the affected parts of the Synthes Material Mix were mixed in with an incorrect material with a lower than specified hardness and corrosio…
Synthes USA Hq, Inc. recalled Synthes Material Mix (Adjustable Cervical Distractor-Right, Matrix Distractor Rack, T-PAL… - a moderate-severity action.
Synthes Material Mix (Adjustable Cervical Distractor-Right, Matrix Distractor Rack, T-PAL… was recalled by Synthes USA Hq, Inc. in December 4, 2013. Reason: One material batch used for production of the affected parts of the Synthes Material Mix were mixed in with a…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0393-2014 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Synthes USA Hq, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-One material batch used for production of the affected parts of the Synthes Material Mix were mixed in with a….
- Moderate
- severity level
- Class II
- classification
- December 4, 2013
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0393-2014 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from FDA Devices - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Medical Devices recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 41,021 medical devices recalls on record
Of 88,244 recalls with an agency hazard classification, 19,068 are high severity, 64,652 moderate, and 4,524 low. A further 16,179 CPSC/NHTSA recalls have no agency class and are excluded from this split. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Product description
Synthes Material Mix (Adjustable Cervical Distractor-Right, Matrix Distractor Rack, T-PAL Spacer Remover, Implant Inserter) Synthes Material Mix: Adjustable Cervical Distractor-Right is used to distract spine segment. Matrix Distractor Rack is used to distract the interbody disc space. T-PAL Spacer Remover is used to remove T-PAL spacer. Implant Inserter is used to insert the ProDisc implant.
Reason for recall
One material batch used for production of the affected parts of the Synthes Material Mix were mixed in with an incorrect material with a lower than specified hardness and corrosion resistance.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-0393-2014 |
| Date reported | December 4, 2013 |
| Date initiated | October 15, 2013 |
| Recalling firm | Synthes USA Hq, Inc. |
| Firm location | West Chester, PA |
| Affected scope | approximately 44 |
| Distribution | Worldwided Distribution: USA (nationwide) including IL, MO, TX, WA and Internationally to Canada and Switzerland. |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What to do with this recall
Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.
- Check the recall number (Z-0393-2014) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status with FDA Devices before acting, recall details can be updated.
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official FDA Devices record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Drug and device notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade (Moderate), closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Medical Devices · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026