The Recall Desk

Hazard

Surgical Complication recalls

249 recalls in our database tag this hazard, drawn from FDA, USDA FSIS, CPSC, and NHTSA source notices.

What the numbers show

Total
249
Critical
3
Severe
37
Most recent
2026-07-01

Of the 249 surgical complication recalls we have scored against our rubric, 3 (1%) are Critical — deaths or serious injuries reported, or the agency’s own highest classification — and 37 (15%) are Severe.

About this hazard tag

Hazard tags are short, machine-readable labels we attach to every recall to make cross-cutting queries possible — “all surgical complication recalls regardless of agency”, “all listeria recalls in California”, “all airbag recalls in 2025”. The tags are extracted from each recall’s source text during the LLM rewrite step and validated against a fixed schema.

A recall can carry multiple tags — a Listeria recall might also be tagged ready-to-eat and undeclared-allergen. Use the full-text search if you want to combine hazard tags with brand or category filters.

26–50 of 249

  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0376-2024·2023-11-29

    Compress Device Anchor Plugs Recalled for Metal Burrs in Surgical Holes

    Biomet is recalling Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plugs due to metal burrs that may prevent surgical instruments from passing through properly. The defect may result in extended surgery time.

    Product
    Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plug, 22 MM-For Correction of revision of unsuccessful osteotomy, arthrodesis, or previous joint replacement. Item Number: 178412
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0381-2024·2023-11-29

    Biomet Compress Device Anchor Plugs Recalled for Metal Burrs

    Biomet is recalling Compress Device Short Anchor Plugs due to metal burrs that may prevent proper surgical installation and extend operation time. Distribution includes US nationwide and eight other countries.

    Product
    Compress Device Short Anchor Plug, 16 MM- Correction of revision of unsuccessful osteotomy, arthrodesis, or previous joint replacement Item Number: 178558
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0372-2024·2023-11-29

    Surgical Anchor Plug Devices Recalled for Potential Metal Burrs

    Biomet is recalling Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plugs due to metal burrs in transverse holes that may prevent surgical drill passage and extend surgery time.

    Product
    Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plug, 14 MM-For Correction of revision of unsuccessful osteotomy, arthrodesis, or previous joint replacement. Item Number: 178404
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0375-2024·2023-11-29

    Biomet Compress Device Anchor Plugs Recalled for Metal Burrs

    Biomet is recalling Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plugs due to metal burrs in transverse holes that may prevent proper device function during surgery. The defect could result in extended surgical time.

    Product
    Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plug, 20 MM-For Correction of revision of unsuccessful osteotomy, arthrodesis, or previous joint replacement. Item Number: 178410
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0386-2024·2023-11-29

    Surgical implant anchor plugs may contain metal burrs affecting insertion

    Biomet's Compress Device Short Anchor Plugs may contain metal burrs in the transverse holes, which can prevent proper insertion of surgical tools and extend surgery time. The affected devices are distributed nationwide and internationally.

    Product
    Compress Device Short Anchor Plug, 24 MM-For Correction of revision of unsuccessful osteotomy, arthrodesis, or previous joint replacement. Item Number: 178566
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0374-2024·2023-11-29

    Biomet Compress Anchor Plugs Recalled for Metal Burrs in Transverse Holes

    Biomet is recalling Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plugs (18 MM) due to metal burrs in transverse holes that may prevent proper drill or pin placement, potentially extending surgery time.

    Product
    Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plug, 18 MM-For Correction of revision of unsuccessful osteotomy, arthrodesis, or previous joint replacement. Item Number: 178408
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • ModerateFDA (Devices)·Z-0370-2024·2023-11-29

    Orthopedic Anchor Plugs Recalled for Metal Burrs Preventing Proper Installation

    Biomet is recalling Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plugs due to metal burrs in transverse holes that may prevent drills or pins from passing through, potentially extending surgical procedures.

    Product
    Compress Device Segmental Anchor Plug, 10 MM-For Correction of revision of unsuccessful osteotomy, arthrodesis, or previous joint replacement. Item Number: 178400
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2481-2023·2023-09-06

    Surgical Rasp Handle May Fracture Due to Weld Crack

    The Link OptiStem Rasp Handle used in knee replacement surgery may develop a crack in the weld that causes the handle to fracture. If this occurs, surgical removal of the rasp must be modified, potentially prolonging the procedure.

    Product
    Link OptiStem Rasp Handle-Used with the OptiStem Rasp to prepare the femoral medullary canal for a knee prosthesis implant during a total knee arthroplasty surgical procedure Item Number: 17-5220/01
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    3 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2351-2023·2023-08-16

    Hip implant trial stem: increased removal force may extend surgery

    Waldemar Link is recalling LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem trial instruments due to increased force required for removal during surgery, which may prolong the procedure or require modification.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 20 - Indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur Item Number: 136-120/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2352-2023·2023-08-16

    LINK MP Hip Stem trial instruments may require increased removal force during surgery

    LINK MP Monoblock hip stem trial instruments may require increased force to remove during surgery, potentially prolonging procedures or requiring surgical modification.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 21 - Indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur Item Number: 136-121/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2346-2023·2023-08-16

    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem trial instruments recalled for difficulty in removal

    Waldemar Link is recalling 24 LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem trial instruments due to increased force required to remove them after impaction, which may prolong surgery or require procedure modification.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 15 - Indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur. Item Number: 136-115/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2345-2023·2023-08-16

    Hip Stem Trial Implant May Require Excessive Force During Removal

    A trial hip stem implant may require excessive force to remove after insertion during surgery, potentially prolonging the procedure or requiring surgical modification.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 14-Indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur. Item Number: 136-114/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2350-2023·2023-08-16

    Hip stem trial instruments recalled due to excessive removal force

    LINK MP Monoblock hip stem trial instruments may require excessive force to remove after impaction, potentially prolonging surgery or requiring procedural modification.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 19-Indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur Item Number: 136-119/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2348-2023·2023-08-16

    Medical Device Recall: LINK MP Hip Stem Trial Instruments Removal Difficulty Risk

    Waldemar Link GmbH recalls LINK MP Monoblock hip stem trial instruments due to increased removal force requirements after impaction, which may prolong surgery or require procedural modification.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 17 - indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur Item Number: 136-117/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2354-2023·2023-08-16

    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem trial instruments recalled for increased removal difficulty

    Waldemar Link GmbH recalled LINK MP Monoblock hip stem trial instruments (Size 23) nationwide due to increased force required for removal post-impaction, potentially prolonging surgery time.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 23 - Indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur Item Number: 136-23/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2355-2023·2023-08-16

    LINK MP Hip Stem Trial Instruments difficult to remove after implantation

    The LINK MP Monoblock hip stem trial instruments may require increased force to remove after implantation, potentially prolonging surgery or requiring modification of the surgical procedure.

    Product
    LINK MP Monoblock Hip Stem, Trial Stem Instruments, Size 24 - Indicated for patients with Mobility-limiting diseases, fractures or defects of the hip joint or proximal femur Item Number: 136-24/00
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2241-2023·2023-08-02

    Hernia repair implant balloon may not inflate as intended

    Davol's Ventralight ST hernia repair implant balloon may fail to inflate properly during laparoscopic surgery. This could result in procedure delay, inadequate mesh placement, and risk of infection.

    Product
    Ventralight ST 4" x 6" Ellipse with Echo PS Catalog Number: 5955460
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1045-2023·2023-02-08

    MEDLINE UNITE Foot and Ankle Screw Recall: Intra-Operative Failure

    MEDLINE INDUSTRIES is recalling 420 units of UNITE Foot and Ankle surgical screws (Lot 810304) due to observed intra-operative failure when pre-drilled and implanted with excessive torque.

    Product
    MEDLINE UNITE FOOT & ANKLE Screw, Non-Locking, Mini T8 (2.0x8mm), REF MMSN2008
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1678-2022·2022-09-14

    External Fixation Wire May Fracture During Surgery, Leaving Fragments in Patient

    OrthoPediatrics Corp is recalling an external fixation wire due to manufacturing variance that may cause the tip to fracture. Fractured fragments could remain in patients.

    Product
    Orthex External Fixation Wire Sharp Bayonet 1.8 x 400 mm Model: K400-18BN
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1379-2022·2022-07-20

    Tibial Prosthesis Component Recalled for Intraoperative Screw Loosening Defect

    Tibial prosthesis components may have blind screws that cannot be loosened during surgery, potentially requiring surgical procedure changes and extended operative time.

    Product
    Tibial Component. orthopedic prosthesis. Model Nos: Small, W 16-2817/02 Medium, W 16-2817/05 Large, W 16-2817/07
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    15 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1377-2022·2022-07-20

    Modular Orthopedic Implant Screws May Not Loosen During Surgery

    FDA recalls certain Endo Model orthopedic implants because the blind screws may not loosen during surgery, potentially requiring surgeons to change their approach and prolonging the procedure.

    Product
    Endo Model Modular Rotational Tibia - Small (Model No #15-2814/02), Medium (Model No #15-2814/03), and Large (Model No #15-2814/04). orthopedic prosthesis.
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    15 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0740-2022·2022-03-16

    Surgical hammertoe instruments recalled for potential locking mechanism deformation

    The Nextra Cannulated Hammertoe Standard Instrument Kit's driver may deform the implant locking mechanism during insertion, potentially requiring revision surgery.

    Product
    Nextra Cannulated Hammertoe Standard Instrument Kit-indicated for small bone reconstruction limited to inter-digital repair and fusion of the lesser toe SKU: CH-STD-KT
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0485-2022·2022-01-19

    DePuy Joint Stem May Have Undersized Bore, Complicating Surgical Removal

    DePuy Orthopaedics has recalled 3 units of GLOBAL UNITE REV STEM SZ 8 due to an undersized spigot bore. Separation of the implant components may not be possible without surgical delay and/or bone damage.

    Product
    GLOBAL UNITE REV STEM SZ 8 Part Number: 110008600
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0486-2022·2022-01-19

    Hip stem implants recalled due to undersized bore defect

    DePuy Orthopaedics is recalling 781 hip stem implants that may have an undersized spigot bore diameter, potentially preventing surgical removal without additional surgical delay or bone damage.

    Product
    GLOBAL UNITE STD STEM SZ 10 Part Number: 110010100
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2242-2021·2021-08-18

    Smith & Nephew Orthopedic Nail May Detach During Surgery

    Smith & Nephew is recalling an orthopedic surgical nail (BHR SQUARE HEADED, catalog #999908) that may detach during surgery. Forty-seven affected units have been distributed worldwide.

    Product
    smith&nephew BHR SQUARE HEADED NAIL, REF CATALOG NUMBER 999908. For use during orthopedic surgery.
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide