FDA Medical Device Recalls (openFDA)
Howmedica Osteonics Corp.: Tritanium TL Steerable Inserter, Cat. No. 48930000, UDI 07613327381900 Product Usage: The TL Steerable Inserter is a Class 1 instrument which is provided in a non-sterile condition. The inserter is designed to enter the disc space, with a fixed engagement between the inserter and the cage and then rotate for desired placement. The three components of the TL Steerable Inserter System include: 1. TL Steerable Inserter 2. TL Steerable Inserter Inner Shaft 3. TL Steerable Inserter Driver
- Recall number
- Z-0207-2019
- Recalling firm
- Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
- Product
- Tritanium TL Steerable Inserter, Cat. No. 48930000, UDI 07613327381900 Product Usage: The TL Steerable Inserter is a Class 1 instrument which is provided in a non-sterile condition. The inserter is designed to enter the disc space, with a fixed engagement between the inserter and the cage and then rotate for desired placement. The three components of the TL Steerable Inserter System include: 1. TL Steerable Inserter 2. TL Steerable Inserter Inner Shaft 3. TL Steerable Inserter Driver
- Status
- Terminated
- Initiated
- 2018-09-12
- Posted
- not on file
- Terminated
- 2020-07-16
- Reason
- The firm received complaints related to the locking mechanism on the steerable inserter not functioning as intended. The firm confirmed that the issue is related to lack of lubrication of the instrument. There are two potential hazards associated with the implant pivoting unexpectedly during implant insertion into the disc space. First, if the implant is initially inserted into the disc space via the impaction method and the implant pivots unexpectedly, the implant potentially may unintentionally contact sensitive anatomy. Additionally, the user may potentially experience difficulty positioning the implant within the disc space due to the lack of rigidity. A third potential hazard is associated with the inserter not unlocking at the articulating pivot head during implant positioning within the disc space. Once the implant is in the prepared disc space and contacts the ventral annulus, the surgeon unlocks the articulating pivot head and positions the implant perpendicular to the spinous process. The surgeon may then elect to lock/unlock the articulating pivot head for desired final positioning of the implant. If the inserter does not unlock during these final implant positioning steps, the user may potentially implant the cage in a suboptimal trajectory/placement.
- Root cause
- Under Investigation by firm
- Action
- On September 12, 2018, the firm notified its sales personnel of the recall via a Product Correction letter. The letter identified the affected product, problem and actions to be taken. Applicable Stryker personnel that are involved in the maintenance or preparation of the Tritanium TL Inserter have been identified to receive notification of this correction to assure that the instrument is lubricated adequately.
- Quantity
- 58
- Distribution
- US Nationwide Distribution.
- Lot, serial or model codes
- All lots
- 510(k) numbers
- not on file
- PMA numbers
- not on file
- Product code
- LXH
- Firm FEI
- 3004024955
- Firm city
- Allendale
- Firm state
- NJ
- Firm country
- not on file
Where this comes from
- Register
- FDA Medical Device Recalls (openFDA)
- Publisher
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA)
- File
- device-recall-0001-of-0001.json.zip
- sha256
- b87518bfe2e8
- Size
- 288210821 bytes
- Published
- 2026-09-28
- Read
- 2026-09-29T08:25:23.626Z
- Source file
- Source file retained · verify
- Refresh due
- 2026-10-06
Unless otherwise noted, the content, data, documentation, code, and related materials on openFDA is public domain and made available with a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal dedication.
Cite as
FDA Medical Device Recalls (openFDA) (U.S. Food and Drug Administration (openFDA)), device-recall-0001-of-0001.json.zip, sha256 b87518bfe2e8, published 2026-09-28