PlainRecalls
ModerateClass IITerminated

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…

Recall #
Z-1933-2012
Affected scope
77 units
Initiated
June 5, 2012
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
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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 FDA Devices action (record #Z-1933-2012) was formally reported on July 11, 2012, with the manufacturer initiating the action on June 5, 2012. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Zimmer, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Warsaw, IN. Federal records list the affected scope as 77 units.

The documented reason for this recall is: 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 scr… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide distribution: USA (nationwide) and countries of: Australia, France and Germany.. 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

-1,00001,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,248
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

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.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

77 units

Related Recalls

6

3 from same agency

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

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-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.

Scale of Impact

77 units 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
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.. Recalled by Zimmer, Inc.. Units affected: 77 units.
Why was this product recalled?
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
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on July 11, 2012. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1933-2012.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Worldwide distribution: USA (nationwide) and countries of: Australia, France and Germany..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-1933-2012) 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 July 11, 2012. 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.