The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-2731-2018·Announced 2018-08-15

Howmedica Recalls Radial Stem Implants Due to Higher Revision Rates

Howmedica Osteonics Corp. is recalling 431 radial stem implants because literature reviews indicate a higher revision rate than other similar devices.

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: The recall is classified as FDA Class II. The hazard involves a medical device that may not perform as expected, leading to a higher revision rate, which fits the criteria for a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported.

Plain-English summary

Howmedica Osteonics Corp. is recalling 431 units of the radial stem implant #4 (Sterile packed), code RHA-S4. This orthopedic implant is used for the replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system. The products were distributed nationwide in the United States.

The recall was initiated because a literature review identified that the revision rate for this specific device is higher than that of other proximal radial head replacement devices. The source text notes that the product may not perform at the expected level post-surgery.

Healthcare providers and patients who have received this implant should contact Howmedica Osteonics Corp. for further instructions regarding the recall and potential replacement or removal.

The recalled product

Product
radial stem implant #4 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.
Affected units
431

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)

  • RHA-S4

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 70 recalled by Howmedica Osteonics Corp. 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 70 products in this recall →