Severity
Moderate
Pathfinder NXT Fixed Percutaneous Rod Holder, Part numbers 3573-2 (straight handle) Stainless Steel / Silicone Rubber, Rx only, non sterile. Product Usage: PathFinder NXT is a minimally invasive pedicle screw system. The PathFinder NXT System consists of various screws and rods intended to provide temporary stabilization following surgery to fuse the spine. The intended use of the Fixed Angled Percutaneous Rod Inserter is to insert a rod percutaneously through the extender sieeves to positio
Reported: July 18, 2012 Initiated: June 5, 2012 #Z-1981-2012 249 ( angle handle and straight) in total units
Zimmer, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on July 18, 2012. Classified as Moderate severity (Class II). Approximately 249 ( angle handle and straight) in total units are affected. The recall was issued because: Zimmer is recalling Pathfinder NXT Fixed Percutaneous Rod Holder, because complaints have been received that the rod …. 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-1981-2012) was formally reported on July 18, 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 indicate 249 ( angle handle and straight) in total units are affected.
The documented reason for this recall is: Zimmer is recalling Pathfinder NXT Fixed Percutaneous Rod Holder, because complaints have been received that the rod holder tip may crack or break when the rod is manipulated during surgery. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and the countries of: Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Gelmany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.. 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 14 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
Units Affected
249 ( angle handle and straight) in total
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product Description
Pathfinder NXT Fixed Percutaneous Rod Holder, Part numbers 3573-2 (straight handle) Stainless Steel / Silicone Rubber, Rx only, non sterile. Product Usage: PathFinder NXT is a minimally invasive pedicle screw system. The PathFinder NXT System consists of various screws and rods intended to provide temporary stabilization following surgery to fuse the spine. The intended use of the Fixed Angled Percutaneous Rod Inserter is to insert a rod percutaneously through the extender sieeves to position into the implanted screw heads for securing with closure tops forming a construct that provides temporary stabilization following MIS or mini-open surgery to fuse the spine.
Reason for Recall
Zimmer is recalling Pathfinder NXT Fixed Percutaneous Rod Holder, because complaints have been received that the rod holder tip may crack or break when the rod is manipulated during surgery.
Details
- Recalling Firm
- Zimmer, Inc.
- Units Affected
- 249 ( angle handle and straight) in total
- Distribution
- Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and the countries of: Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Gelmany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- Location
- Warsaw, IN
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-1981-2012 |
| Date reported | July 18, 2012 |
| Date initiated | June 5, 2012 |
| Recalling firm | Zimmer, Inc. |
| Units affected | 249 ( angle handle and straight) in total |
| Distribution | Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and the countries of: Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Gelmany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Pathfinder NXT Fixed Percutaneous Rod Holder, Part numbers 3573-2 (straight handle) Stainless Steel / Silicone Rubber, Rx only, non sterile. Product Usage: PathFinder NXT is a minimally invasive pedicle screw system. The PathFinder NXT System consists of various screws and rods intended to provide temporary stabilization following surgery to fuse the spine. The intended use of the Fixed Angled Percutaneous Rod Inserter is to insert a rod percutaneously through the extender sieeves to position into the implanted screw heads for securing with closure tops forming a construct that provides temporary stabilization following MIS or mini-open surgery to fuse the spine.. Recalled by Zimmer, Inc.. Units affected: 249 ( angle handle and straight) in total.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
Zimmer is recalling Pathfinder NXT Fixed Percutaneous Rod Holder, because complaints have been received that the rod holder tip may crack or break when the rod is manipulated during surgery.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on July 18, 2012. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1981-2012.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution - USA (nationwide) and the countries of: Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Gelmany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-1981-2012) 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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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.
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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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS — demographic + housing + income data. census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — wage + employment by occupation. bls.gov/oes
- BEA Regional Economic Accounts — GDP + personal income by state/metro. bea.gov/data/regional
- U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns — establishment + employment by industry. census.gov/cbp
- IRS Statistics of Income (SOI) — tax-return aggregate data. irs.gov/statistics
- data.gov — U.S. federal open-data portal — discovery layer for additional federal sources. data.gov
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).