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

Vanguard M Unicondylar Tibial Trial For use during knee joint replacement.

Reported: June 24, 2015 Initiated: April 22, 2015 #Z-1798-2015 27 units

Biomet, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on June 24, 2015. Classified as Moderate severity (Class II). Approximately 27 units are affected. The recall was issued because: The Left and Right orientation of the trial was incorrectly etched on one side. When the instrument is rotated about t…. 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-1798-2015) was formally reported on June 24, 2015, with the manufacturer initiating the action on April 22, 2015. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Biomet, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Warsaw, IN. Federal records indicate 27 units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: The Left and Right orientation of the trial was incorrectly etched on one side. When the instrument is rotated about the axis of the handle 180 degrees to view the other side, the etch on the handle now shows R on the … Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution -- US, including the state of IL, NJ, Canada, Netherlands, and Chile.. 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

27

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Recall Progress (industry avg ~60%) 60.0%

Product Description

Vanguard M Unicondylar Tibial Trial For use during knee joint replacement.

Reason for Recall

The Left and Right orientation of the trial was incorrectly etched on one side. When the instrument is rotated about the axis of the handle 180 degrees to view the other side, the etch on the handle now shows R on the same side as the keel marked LM and the L on the same side as the keel marked RM. This is incorrect. Please note that the keel is not etched on this side by design.

Details

Recalling Firm
Biomet, Inc.
Units Affected
27
Distribution
Worldwide Distribution -- US, including the state of IL, NJ, Canada, Netherlands, and Chile.
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-1798-2015
Date reported June 24, 2015
Date initiated April 22, 2015
Recalling firm Biomet, Inc.
Units affected 27
Distribution Worldwide Distribution -- US, including the state of IL, NJ, Canada, Netherlands, and Chile.

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

Scale of Impact

27 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?
Vanguard M Unicondylar Tibial Trial For use during knee joint replacement.. Recalled by Biomet, Inc.. Units affected: 27.
Why was this product recalled?
The Left and Right orientation of the trial was incorrectly etched on one side. When the instrument is rotated about the axis of the handle 180 degrees to view the other side, the etch on the handle now shows R on the same side as the keel marked LM and the L on the same side as the keel marked RM. This is incorrect. Please note that the keel is not etched on this side by design.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on June 24, 2015. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1798-2015.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution -- US, including the state of IL, NJ, Canada, Netherlands, and Chile..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-1798-2015) 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).