The Recall Desk
Agency classClass IIOur severity:HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0169-2021·Announced 2020-10-28

Smith & Nephew Recalls Healicoil Suture Anchors Due to Packaging Seal Issues

Smith & Nephew is recalling Healicoil absorbable suture anchors because improper or incomplete packaging seals may breach the sterile barrier.

The agency’s classification

FDA (Devices): Class II

Class II is a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.

This is the agency’s own classification, taken from its notice. The severity score below is our assessment, not the agency’s. How recall classes work

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (sterile medical device) where a breach of the sterile barrier could lead to infection, but no specific injuries or illnesses are reported in the source text.

Plain-English summary

Smith & Nephew, Inc. is recalling 263,874 units of HEALICOIL RSB SA 4.75MM W/1 UT & 1 UB BK Absorbable Suture Anchors (Product Number: 72203705). The recall is due to improper or incomplete seals on the product packaging.

The defect may result in a breach of the sterile barrier created by the pouch surrounding the sterile product. The affected units were distributed nationwide and to numerous foreign countries.

Consumers and healthcare providers should stop using the affected suture anchors and contact Smith & Nephew for further instructions.

The recalled product

Product
HEALICOIL RSB SA 4.75MM W/1 UT & 1 UB BK-- Absorbable Suture anchor Product Number: 72203705
Affected units
263,874

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 40 recalled by Smith & Nephew, Inc. under a single FDA (Devices) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 40 products in this recall →

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