The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-0705-2013·Announced 2013-01-30

DePuy Spine VIPER Polyaxial Screw Recall for Potential Separation

DePuy Spine is recalling VIPER Polyaxial Screws because the screw shank may separate from the head during high-torque insertion.

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 the mechanical failure (separation) of a spinal implant, which constitutes a significant injury risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

DePuy Spine, Inc. is recalling 34 units of VIPER Polyaxial Screws, specifically the 5.5 8 X70MM Tl model (Product Code: 1867-15-870). The recall covers all lots of this specific spinal implant component.

The recall was initiated because polyaxial screws 8x 80 and larger may disassociate when inserted into the Ilium. Additionally, VIPER large diameter long screws have the potential for the screw shank to separate from the polyaxial head in high-torque circumstances.

The affected products were distributed worldwide, including nationwide in the United States (specifically in AZ, CA, FL, HI, IL, MD, MI, MO, NC, TN, and TX) and in Australia. Healthcare providers and patients should contact DePuy Spine for further instructions regarding the replacement or removal of these devices.

The recalled product

Product
DePuy Spine VIPER POLY SCREW 5.5 8 X70MM Tl Product Code: 1867-15-870 Spinal Implant Component.
Manufacturer
DePuy Spine, Inc.
Affected units
34

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 (1)

  • All lots

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 11 states specifically:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 9 recalled by DePuy Spine, 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 9 products in this recall →