The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1721-2024·Announced 2024-05-08

Zimmer Periarticular Locking Plate May Fail to Secure Fracture Fixation

Zimmer's periarticular locking plates may fail to properly secure surgical fixation due to a thread-form defect. The defect could result in loss of fixation requiring further surgical intervention.

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: FDA Class II device with a defect that may result in loss of surgical fixation requiring further intervention. No injuries or hospitalizations have been reported; this is a risk-of-harm product where potential for patient harm exists but has not yet manifested.

Plain-English summary

Zimmer, Inc. is recalling specific lots of its ZPLP (Zimmer Periarticular Locking Plate System) Distal Lateral Fibular Plates due to a thread-form defect affecting the locking holes.

The defect may prevent locking screws from properly mating with the plate. Users may not immediately recognize the defect because the screw may appear to lock even though it has not properly engaged.

Affected surgeons should verify proper screw locking before completing fracture-fixation procedures. If improper locking is detected, the affected plate should not be used. Loss of fixation may result in delayed healing or require revision surgery.

Patients who have received these plates should contact their healthcare provider if they experience unexpected surgical complications. The recall affects worldwide distribution including the United States, Brazil, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, and Taiwan.

The recalled product

Product
ZPLP (Zimmer Periarticular Locking Plate System) Distal Lateral Fibular Plate, Left, 16 Holes, 236 MM, Sterile- Indicated for temporary internal fixation and stabilization of osteotomies and fractures Item Number: 47-2357-018-16
Manufacturer
Zimmer, Inc.
Hazard
  • thread-defect
  • loss-of-fixation
  • screw-locking-failure

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.