Severity
Moderate
ModerateClass IITerminated
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 FDA Devices action (record #Z-1238-2013) was formally reported on May 15, 2013, with the manufacturer initiating the action on February 22, 2013. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Synthes USA Hq, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of West Chester, PA. Federal records list the affected scope as 417.
The documented reason for this recall is: 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 … Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Nationwide Distribution: USA including states of: IL, IN, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA and WI.. Distribution scope 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, 3 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 - 40,322 medical devices recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. 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.
Affected scope
417
Related Recalls
6
3 from same agency
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
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.. Recalled by Synthes USA Hq, Inc.. Units affected: 417.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
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.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on May 15, 2013. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1238-2013.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: Nationwide Distribution: USA including states of: IL, IN, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, SC, TX, VA, WA and WI..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-1238-2013) 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.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: FDA Devices, reported May 15, 2013. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.