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ModerateClass IITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported January 16, 2013

The TM Ardis Interbody System Inserter Stainless Steel, Rubber, Silicone Non Sterile Rx only. The TM Ardis Inserter is intended for delivery of the TM Ardis Implant into the cleared disc space. The implant is secured to the inserter via finger-tightening the knob of the inserter shaft allowing the lateral grasping arms to secure the implant. Once the implant is inserted and its position confirmed radiographically, the inserter is removed from the implant by turning the shaft knob counterclock

Zimmer Spine is has received complaints of difficulty in turning the implant release knob of the TM Ardis Inserter after final positioning of the TM Ardis interbody spacer implan…

Recall #
Z-0659-2013
Affected scope
170
Initiated
September 20, 2012
Verify with FDA Devices →
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Zimmer, Inc. recalled The TM Ardis Interbody System Inserter Stainless Steel, Rubber, Silicone Non Sterile Rx o… - a moderate-severity action.

The TM Ardis Interbody System Inserter Stainless Steel, Rubber, Silicone Non Sterile Rx o… was recalled by Zimmer, Inc. in January 16, 2013. Reason: Zimmer Spine is has received complaints of difficulty in turning the implant release knob of the TM Ardis In…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0659-2013 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

Zimmer, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Zimmer Spine is has received complaints of difficulty in turning the implant release knob of the TM Ardis In….

Moderate
severity level
170 units
affected scope
Class II
classification
January 16, 2013
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0659-2013 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

01,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,947
Severity1906864652High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this agency-classified recall sits among FDA Class I/II/III notices

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

The TM Ardis Interbody System Inserter Stainless Steel, Rubber, Silicone Non Sterile Rx only. The TM Ardis Inserter is intended for delivery of the TM Ardis Implant into the cleared disc space. The implant is secured to the inserter via finger-tightening the knob of the inserter shaft allowing the lateral grasping arms to secure the implant. Once the implant is inserted and its position confirmed radiographically, the inserter is removed from the implant by turning the shaft knob counterclockwise to loosen the lateral grasping arms from the implant.

Reason for recall

Zimmer Spine is has received complaints of difficulty in turning the implant release knob of the TM Ardis Inserter after final positioning of the TM Ardis interbody spacer implant. There has been two reports where the inserter instrument was inadvertently removed from patient with the implant still engaged. The correction includes revised directions explaining the technique to remove the implant

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-0659-2013
Date reported January 16, 2013
Date initiated September 20, 2012
Recalling firm Zimmer, Inc.
Firm location Warsaw, IN
Affected scope 170
Distribution USA nationwide; Europe, Sweden

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

Scale of Impact

170 units affected - limited or regional distribution scale.

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

What to do with this recall

Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.

  • Check the recall number (Z-0659-2013) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
The TM Ardis Interbody System Inserter Stainless Steel, Rubber, Silicone Non Sterile Rx only. The TM Ardis Inserter is intended for delivery of the TM Ardis Implant into the cleared disc space. The implant is secured to the inserter via finger-tightening the knob of the inserter shaft allowing the lateral grasping arms to secure the implant. Once the implant is inserted and its position confirmed radiographically, the inserter is removed from the implant by turning the shaft knob counterclockwise to loosen the lateral grasping arms from the implant.. Recalled by Zimmer, Inc.. Units affected: 170.
Why was this product recalled?
Zimmer Spine is has received complaints of difficulty in turning the implant release knob of the TM Ardis Inserter after final positioning of the TM Ardis interbody spacer implant. There has been two reports where the inserter instrument was inadvertently removed from patient with the implant still engaged. The correction includes revised directions explaining the technique to remove the implant
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on January 16, 2013. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-0659-2013.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: USA nationwide; Europe, Sweden.
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.

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This recall: FDA Devices, reported January 16, 2013. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026