The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0909-2024·Announced 2024-02-07

Knee replacement implant recall due to material oxidation risk

Howmedica Osteonics is recalling knee replacement implants manufactured with aged UHMWPE raw material that may have elevated oxidation levels, which could degrade the material's mechanical properties.

What this means for you

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: This Class II medical device recall involves a theoretical hazard—material degradation from oxidation—with no reported injuries or illnesses. Per the severity rubric, a risk-of-harm product without reported injury qualifies as High severity.

Plain-English summary

Howmedica Osteonics Corp. is recalling LEFT X-LARGE-PCA MOD.REV.DUR.REV.INSERT knee replacement implants (product number 6637-0-328, lot number 42579701). These devices are intended for use in knee replacement surgery.

The recall concerns products manufactured using UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) raw material that was more than 5 years old at the time of manufacturing. Material aged beyond 5 years may develop elevated oxidation levels, which can degrade the material's mechanical properties.

The recalled implants have been distributed nationwide in the United States and internationally to Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Netherlands, and additional countries including Austria, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Norway, and Spain. Patients who received this implant and healthcare providers should contact Howmedica Osteonics Corp. for additional information about the recall.

The recalled product

Product
LEFT X-LARGE-PCA MOD.REV.DUR.REV.INSERT Intended for knee replacement. Product Number: 6637-0-328
Manufacturer
Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
Hazard
  • material-degradation
  • mechanical-failure

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)

  • GTIN: 04546540306104 Lot Numbers: 42579701

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.