PlainRecalls
FDA Devices Verify with FDA Devices → Moderate Class II Terminated

Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Tibial Base Component Sizes 1-6 Total ankle arthroplasty is intended to provide a patient with limited mobility by restoring alignment, reducing pain and preserving the flexion/extension movement within the ankle joint.The Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle is indicated as a total ankle replacement in primary or revision surgery for patients with: " Rheumatoid arthritis. " Post-traumatic arthritis. " Degenerative arthritis. This device is intended for cem

Reported: December 18, 2013 Initiated: November 12, 2013 #Z-0477-2014 390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US) units

Zimmer, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on December 18, 2013. Classified as Moderate severity (Class II). Approximately 390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US) units are affected. The recall was issued because: As part of routine manufacturing process monitoring by Zimmer, it was discovered that the Tibial Base and Talar Compone…. This recall notice is sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Below you will find the complete product description, hazard information, remedy instructions, and related recalls from the same manufacturer or product category.

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-0477-2014) was formally reported on December 18, 2013, with the manufacturer initiating the action on November 12, 2013. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Zimmer, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Warsaw, IN. Federal records indicate 390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US) units are affected, a scale large enough to require multi-state distribution tracking.

The documented reason for this recall is: As part of routine manufacturing process monitoring by Zimmer, it was discovered that the Tibial Base and Talar Components from the Total Ankle system have the potential of containing elevated levels of manufacturing ma… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and Internationally to Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, and Italy.. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.

To put this record in context, PlainRecalls indexes 83,949 recalls across the FDA, CPSC, NHTSA and USDA FSIS going back to 1995. Within the same product category, the database holds 6 closely related recalls, of which 6 were also issued by FDA Devices. That clustering is a signal — repeated actions in a narrow category often indicate a systemic quality-control issue, a supplier-wide contamination, or a design defect that has propagated across product lines. This recall is roughly 13 years old; older recalls can remain relevant because many units enter resale, rental, and secondary-market channels where the original warning never reaches the end user. Always cross-check the recall number against the official agency page before relying on any summary.

Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity1Class I (Critical)Class II (Moderate)Class III (Low)
Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity

Moderate

Units Affected

390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US)

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product Description

Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Tibial Base Component Sizes 1-6 Total ankle arthroplasty is intended to provide a patient with limited mobility by restoring alignment, reducing pain and preserving the flexion/extension movement within the ankle joint.The Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle is indicated as a total ankle replacement in primary or revision surgery for patients with: " Rheumatoid arthritis. " Post-traumatic arthritis. " Degenerative arthritis. This device is intended for cemented use only.

Reason for Recall

As part of routine manufacturing process monitoring by Zimmer, it was discovered that the Tibial Base and Talar Components from the Total Ankle system have the potential of containing elevated levels of manufacturing materials residue on the implants. The specific material was found to be mass media utilized during the manufacturing process to provide the uniform surface finish. This mass media

Details

Recalling Firm
Zimmer, Inc.
Units Affected
390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US)
Distribution
Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and Internationally to Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, and Italy.
Location
Warsaw, IN

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the FDA Devices recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Severity class Moderate (Class II)
Status Terminated
Recall number Z-0477-2014
Date reported December 18, 2013
Date initiated November 12, 2013
Recalling firm Zimmer, Inc.
Units affected 390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US)
Distribution Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and Internationally to Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, and Italy.

Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Scale of Impact

390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US) units affected — multi-state distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units)
Multi-state (10K – 100K units)
Large-scale (100K – 1M units) ✓ This recall
Massive (≥1M units)

Bracket cutoffs follow federal recall-disclosure conventions; bar widths scale linearly within each bracket. Source: PlainRecalls analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration filings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Tibial Base Component Sizes 1-6 Total ankle arthroplasty is intended to provide a patient with limited mobility by restoring alignment, reducing pain and preserving the flexion/extension movement within the ankle joint.The Zimmer Trabecular Metal Total Ankle is indicated as a total ankle replacement in primary or revision surgery for patients with: " Rheumatoid arthritis. " Post-traumatic arthritis. " Degenerative arthritis. This device is intended for cemented use only.. Recalled by Zimmer, Inc.. Units affected: 390 units (US) 129 units (outside of US).
Why was this product recalled?
As part of routine manufacturing process monitoring by Zimmer, it was discovered that the Tibial Base and Talar Components from the Total Ankle system have the potential of containing elevated levels of manufacturing materials residue on the implants. The specific material was found to be mass media utilized during the manufacturing process to provide the uniform surface finish. This mass media
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on December 18, 2013. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-0477-2014.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and Internationally to Australia, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, and Italy..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-0477-2014) against your product. Visit the official FDA Devices website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device?
Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.

Recall Context

Product recalls are issued when a manufacturer, distributor, or federal agency determines that a product poses a safety risk to consumers. This recall is classified as moderate severity, indicating the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. Across PlainRecalls, we track 83,000+ recalls from FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA to help consumers stay informed and act quickly when safety issues arise.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

Other recalls in the same product category — useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.

Compare this recall with Endo-Model Replacement Plateau; Item Number: 15-0027/11; →

Data Sources

Data as of 2025. Source: FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS federal recall databases.

  • Source: FDA — Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Enforcement API (food, drug, and medical device recalls)
  • Source: CPSC — Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls API (consumer product recalls and hazards)
  • Source: NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls API (vehicle safety recalls)
  • Source: USDA FSIS — Food Safety and Inspection Service (meat, poultry, and egg product recalls)

Recall information is sourced from official federal agency databases. Always verify recall details with the issuing agency for the most current status. This information is for research and awareness purposes only.

All federal data sources used on this page

Source: Federal recall agencies (FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS) Aggregated multi-agency recall feeds · 2024 Recall data normalized across federal agency feeds; severity classifications follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS).