The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-0536-2019·Announced 2018-12-12

Zimmer Biomet Recalls Humeral Guide Wires Due to Sterility Compromise

Zimmer Biomet is recalling 8,027 Humeral Guide Wires because creases in the sealing area may compromise product sterility.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class II. The hazard involves compromised sterility of a single-use surgical instrument used in orthopaedic surgery, which poses a significant risk of infection or serious injury, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Zimmer Biomet, Inc. is recalling 8,027 units of the Zimmer Humeral Guide Wire - Ball Tip, 2.4 mm Diameter, 70 cm Length (Item Number: 47-2255-008-00). The recall affects all lots expiring prior to September 30, 2023. These single-use surgical instruments are used during orthopaedic surgery for the implantation of a prosthesis.

The recall was initiated because creases were found in the sealing area on the end opposite of the product's chevron opening. These creases may compromise the sterility of the product. The affected units were distributed worldwide, including in the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Healthcare providers and facilities should stop using the affected guide wires and contact Zimmer Biomet for further instructions. Consumers should not use these medical devices if they have them in their possession.

The recalled product

Product
Zimmer Humeral Guide Wire - Ball Tip, 2.4 mm Diameter, 70 cm Length Item Number: 47-2255-008-00 Product Usage: A single use surgical instrument used during orthopaedic surgery for implantation of a prosthesis.
Affected units
8,027

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (2)

  • All lots expiring prior to September 30
  • 2023

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 13 recalled by Zimmer Biomet, 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 13 products in this recall →