Stryker Orthopaedics Triathlon X3 Tibial Bearing Insert - CR REF 5530-G-209 (component of the Triathlon Total Knee System) for fixation to the tibial baseplates via a locking wire mechanism.

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-2389-2015) was formally reported on August 26, 2015, with the manufacturer initiating the action on May 29, 2015. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Stryker Howmedica Osteonics Corp. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Mahwah, NJ. Federal records indicate 10 units units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: Stryker has received a report which identified that a Triathlon Tibial Bearing Insert CS X3 Size #2 9mm (5531-G-209) was reported to be in a pack that was labelled as a CR insert (5530-G-209). Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: OH, SC, RI, WV. 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.