Severity
Moderate
ModerateClass IITerminated
FDA Devices recall · Reported September 6, 2017
smith&nephew POLARSTEM(TM) Femoral Stems with Ti/HA (Standard, Lateral, Valgus and Collar), REF 76102260, NON STERILE, QTY: (1), Rx only The subject cardan is used in conjunction with a curved stem impactor used to implant the POLARSTEM hip stem. The hip stem is mounted on the screw at the tip of the instrument, and the stem is then impacted into the femur. After impaction, the surgeon uses a knob at the end of the cardan to unscrew the implanted stem from the instrument
The Cardan joint of the Polarstem Cardan could potentially fracture or functionally fail after multiple procedures.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with FDA Devices →
Smith & Nephew, Inc. recalled smith&nephew POLARSTEM(TM) Femoral Stems with Ti/HA (Standard, Lateral, Valgus and Collar… - a moderate-severity action.
smith&nephew POLARSTEM(TM) Femoral Stems with Ti/HA (Standard, Lateral, Valgus and Collar… was recalled by Smith & Nephew, Inc. in September 6, 2017. Reason: The Cardan joint of the Polarstem Cardan could potentially fracture or functionally fail after multiple proce…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-3100-2017 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Smith & Nephew, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-The Cardan joint of the Polarstem Cardan could potentially fracture or functionally fail after multiple proce….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 402 units
- affected scope
- Class II
- classification
- September 6, 2017
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-3100-2017 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This FDA Devices action (record #Z-3100-2017) was formally reported on September 6, 2017, with the manufacturer initiating the action on July 24, 2017. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Smith & Nephew, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Memphis, TN. Federal records list the affected scope as 402 units.
The documented reason for this recall is: The Cardan joint of the Polarstem Cardan could potentially fracture or functionally fail after multiple procedures. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution - US (Nationwide) and Internationally to Australia, Belgium, Norway, and Switzerland.. 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
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.
Affected scope
402 units
Related Recalls
6
3 from same agency
Product description
smith&nephew POLARSTEM(TM) Femoral Stems with Ti/HA (Standard, Lateral, Valgus and Collar), REF 76102260, NON STERILE, QTY: (1), Rx only The subject cardan is used in conjunction with a curved stem impactor used to implant the POLARSTEM hip stem. The hip stem is mounted on the screw at the tip of the instrument, and the stem is then impacted into the femur. After impaction, the surgeon uses a knob at the end of the cardan to unscrew the implanted stem from the instrument
Reason for recall
The Cardan joint of the Polarstem Cardan could potentially fracture or functionally fail after multiple procedures.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-3100-2017 |
| Date reported | September 6, 2017 |
| Date initiated | July 24, 2017 |
| Recalling firm | Smith & Nephew, Inc. |
| Firm location | Memphis, TN |
| Affected scope | 402 units |
| Distribution | Worldwide Distribution - US (Nationwide) and Internationally to Australia, Belgium, Norway, and Switzerland. |
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-3100-2017) 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? ▼
smith&nephew POLARSTEM(TM) Femoral Stems with Ti/HA (Standard, Lateral, Valgus and Collar), REF 76102260, NON STERILE, QTY: (1), Rx only The subject cardan is used in conjunction with a curved stem impactor used to implant the POLARSTEM hip stem. The hip stem is mounted on the screw at the tip of the instrument, and the stem is then impacted into the femur. After impaction, the surgeon uses a knob at the end of the cardan to unscrew the implanted stem from the instrument. Recalled by Smith & Nephew, Inc.. Units affected: 402 units.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The Cardan joint of the Polarstem Cardan could potentially fracture or functionally fail after multiple procedures.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on September 6, 2017. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-3100-2017.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution - US (Nationwide) and Internationally to Australia, Belgium, Norway, and Switzerland..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-3100-2017) 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 September 6, 2017. 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.