FDA Devices recall · Reported July 11, 2012
PathFinder NXT Pivoting Percutaneous Rod Holder This device is an instrument used during orthopedic surgery. The intended use of the pivoting percutaneous rod holder is to attach to the rod to facilitate rod insertion, positioning, and orientation through the extender sleeves, under the fascia. The rod is secured to the holder by tightening a captive set screw against the rod end in the tip of the holder using the set screw driver. After positioning the rod and securing at least one pedicle s
Complaints have been reported where, during surgery, the surgeon was unable to loosen or remove the inserted rod from the rod holder instrument. The complaint investigation showe…
Zimmer, Inc. recalled PathFinder NXT Pivoting Percutaneous Rod Holder This device is an instrument used duri… - a moderate-severity action.
PathFinder NXT Pivoting Percutaneous Rod Holder This device is an instrument used duri… was recalled by Zimmer, Inc. in July 11, 2012. Reason: Complaints have been reported where, during surgery, the surgeon was unable to loosen or remove the inserted…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-1933-2012 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Zimmer, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Complaints have been reported where, during surgery, the surgeon was unable to loosen or remove the inserted….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 77 units
- affected scope
- Class II
- classification
- July 11, 2012
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-1933-2012 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
PathFinder NXT Pivoting Percutaneous Rod Holder This device is an instrument used during orthopedic surgery. The intended use of the pivoting percutaneous rod holder is to attach to the rod to facilitate rod insertion, positioning, and orientation through the extender sleeves, under the fascia. The rod is secured to the holder by tightening a captive set screw against the rod end in the tip of the holder using the set screw driver. After positioning the rod and securing at least one pedicle screw closure top against the implanted rod, the holder is removed from the rod end by loosening the captive set screw with the set screw driver.
Reason for recall
Complaints have been reported where, during surgery, the surgeon was unable to loosen or remove the inserted rod from the rod holder instrument. The complaint investigation showed the hex mating feature of the set screw was broken and material missing. There were no reports of fragments of the set screw being left in the patient or that there was any patient or user injury, but these events we
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-1933-2012 |
| Date reported | July 11, 2012 |
| Date initiated | June 5, 2012 |
| Recalling firm | Zimmer, Inc. |
| Firm location | Warsaw, IN |
| Affected scope | 77 units |
| Distribution | Worldwide distribution: USA (nationwide) and countries of: Australia, France and Germany. |
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-1933-2012) 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