FDA Devices recall · Reported May 15, 2013
Synthes Radial Head Prosthesis: Trial Radial Head Elbow joint prosthesis: Synthes Radial Head Prosthesis System is a two-piece modular system comprised of titanium alloy stem and cobalt chrome components with an integral screw and side-loading application to allow in-situ assembly.
The Trial Head may come loose from the implant stem during manipulation of the arm during surgery. To date, no adverse events have been reported related to this issue and this re…
Synthes USA Hq, Inc. recalled Synthes Radial Head Prosthesis: Trial Radial Head Elbow joint prosthesis: Synthes Radi… - a moderate-severity action.
Synthes Radial Head Prosthesis: Trial Radial Head Elbow joint prosthesis: Synthes Radi… was recalled by Synthes USA Hq, Inc. in May 15, 2013. Reason: The Trial Head may come loose from the implant stem during manipulation of the arm during surgery. To date, …. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-1238-2013 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Synthes USA Hq, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-The Trial Head may come loose from the implant stem during manipulation of the arm during surgery. To date, ….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 417 units
- affected scope
- Class II
- classification
- May 15, 2013
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-1238-2013 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
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 Radial Head Prosthesis: Trial Radial Head Elbow joint prosthesis: Synthes Radial Head Prosthesis System is a two-piece modular system comprised of titanium alloy stem and cobalt chrome components with an integral screw and side-loading application to allow in-situ assembly.
Reason for recall
The Trial Head may come loose from the implant stem during manipulation of the arm during surgery. To date, no adverse events have been reported related to this issue and this recall is not being initiated as a result of adverse events.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-1238-2013 |
| Date reported | May 15, 2013 |
| Date initiated | February 22, 2013 |
| Recalling firm | Synthes USA Hq, Inc. |
| Firm location | West Chester, PA |
| Affected scope | 417 |
| Distribution | Nationwide Distribution: USA including states of: IL, IN, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA and WI. |
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-1238-2013) 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.
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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