The Recall Desk
SevereFDA (Devices)·Z-2850-2020·Announced 2020-09-02

FDA Recalls Specific Lots of ALTERA Spacer Implants Due to Material Error

Globus Medical is recalling specific lots of ALTERA Spacer implants because internal components may have been manufactured using stainless steel instead of the specified cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy.

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. Per the rubric, FDA Class II recalls are assigned a severity score of 4 (Severe), particularly when involving structural or material defects in medical devices that could impact patient safety.

Plain-English summary

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class II recall for specific lots of ALTERA Spacer implants manufactured by Globus Medical, Inc. The recall involves the ALTERA Spacer, 10x31, 8-12mm, 8° (sterile), identified by Part # 1124.1111S and Lot#/UDI # GBX132UC.

The reason for the recall is that internal components of these specific implants may have been manufactured using stainless steel rather than the specified cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy. This deviation from the specified material composition is the basis for the corrective action.

The affected products were distributed worldwide. Patients who have received these specific implants should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance regarding the potential impact of the material discrepancy.

The recalled product

Product
ALTERA Spacer ALTERA Spacer, 10x31, 8-12mm, 8¿ (sterile)

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)

  • Part #: 1124.1111S
  • Lot#/UDI #: GBX132UC / (01)00889095720723(17)250511(10)GBX132UC

Distribution

Distribution scope not specified by the agency.

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 22 recalled by Globus Medical, 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 22 products in this recall →