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

Thumb Screw for the Synthes Recon Locking Aiming Arm for Lateral Entry Femoral Nails-EX (part number 03.010.048) and the Thumb Screw for the Aiming Arm for Titanium Cannulated Tibial Nails-EX (part number 03.010.052). The Recon Locking Aiming Arm for Lateral Entry Femoral Recon Nails- EX is used when locking the Femoral Nail-EX. The Aiming Arm for Titanium (TI) Cannulated Tibial Nails-EX is used when locking the Tibial Nail-EX.

Reported: March 25, 2015 Initiated: February 17, 2015 #Z-1281-2015 183 units

Synthes, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on March 25, 2015. Classified as Moderate severity (Class II). Approximately 183 units are affected. The recall was issued because: For certain lots, the incorrect raw material of annealed 17-4PH Stainless Steel was used instead of the correct materia…. 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-1281-2015) was formally reported on March 25, 2015, with the manufacturer initiating the action on February 17, 2015. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Synthes, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of West Chester, PA. Federal records indicate 183 units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: For certain lots, the incorrect raw material of annealed 17-4PH Stainless Steel was used instead of the correct material of heat-treated 304 Stainless Steel. This may lead to stress-corrosion cracking, which can lead t… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Nationwide Distribution. 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 11 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

183

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Recall Progress (industry avg ~60%) 60.0%

Product Description

Thumb Screw for the Synthes Recon Locking Aiming Arm for Lateral Entry Femoral Nails-EX (part number 03.010.048) and the Thumb Screw for the Aiming Arm for Titanium Cannulated Tibial Nails-EX (part number 03.010.052). The Recon Locking Aiming Arm for Lateral Entry Femoral Recon Nails- EX is used when locking the Femoral Nail-EX. The Aiming Arm for Titanium (TI) Cannulated Tibial Nails-EX is used when locking the Tibial Nail-EX.

Reason for Recall

For certain lots, the incorrect raw material of annealed 17-4PH Stainless Steel was used instead of the correct material of heat-treated 304 Stainless Steel. This may lead to stress-corrosion cracking, which can lead to surgical delay or unintended debris entering the surgical site.

Details

Recalling Firm
Synthes, Inc.
Units Affected
183
Distribution
Nationwide Distribution
Location
West Chester, PA

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-1281-2015
Date reported March 25, 2015
Date initiated February 17, 2015
Recalling firm Synthes, Inc.
Units affected 183
Distribution Nationwide Distribution

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

Scale of Impact

183 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
Thumb Screw for the Synthes Recon Locking Aiming Arm for Lateral Entry Femoral Nails-EX (part number 03.010.048) and the Thumb Screw for the Aiming Arm for Titanium Cannulated Tibial Nails-EX (part number 03.010.052). The Recon Locking Aiming Arm for Lateral Entry Femoral Recon Nails- EX is used when locking the Femoral Nail-EX. The Aiming Arm for Titanium (TI) Cannulated Tibial Nails-EX is used when locking the Tibial Nail-EX.. Recalled by Synthes, Inc.. Units affected: 183.
Why was this product recalled?
For certain lots, the incorrect raw material of annealed 17-4PH Stainless Steel was used instead of the correct material of heat-treated 304 Stainless Steel. This may lead to stress-corrosion cracking, which can lead to surgical delay or unintended debris entering the surgical site.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on March 25, 2015. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1281-2015.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Nationwide Distribution.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-1281-2015) 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).