Zimmer Spine Issues Urgent Worldwide Medical Device Recall of the Inserter Instrument for the PEEK Ardis® Interbody Spacer

Minneapolis, Dec. 20, /PRNewswire

Zimmer Spine, Inc. is initiating a voluntary worldwide recall of all 315 units of the PEEK ® Inserter. The Inserter is a surgical instrument used during spinal surgery to implant the PEEK Interbody Spacer.

The inserters are being recalled because Zimmer Spine has received reports of PEEK Interbody Spacer implant breakage when the implant is subjected to excessive lateral and/or off-axis forces from the inserter during surgery. Intra-operative complaint reports received to date indicate an occurrence rate of 0.52%. 

Observed health risks associated with implant fragments may include dural tears and blood loss.  No post-operative complaints have been reported that are attributed to a fractured implant. Patients with concern about their implant should contact their healthcare provider.

Surgeons and hospitals with PEEK Inserter instruments should immediately stop using the inserters and return them to Zimmer Spine. Surgery using the PEEK Interbody Spacer cannot be performed as intended without the aid of the PEEK Inserter instrument.

This recall includes all lots of the following part numbers that were distributed from June 2008 through December 2012:

Products can be identified by the part number and lot number physically marked on the surgical instrument.  Products were distributed nationwide in and around the world. Zimmer Spine has notified the FDA of this action and is working with other regulatory agencies worldwide.

Zimmer Spine is notifying its distributors and customers worldwide via a letter and is arranging for the return of all PEEK Inserters.

  Further information, including a detailed listing of part and lot numbers, is available at www.peekardis.zimmer.com.

  Healthcare professionals or customers may report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of these products to Zimmer Spine by calling 866-774-6368 or by email at qualitycompliance@zimmer.com.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of these products may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

SOURCE: Zimmer Spine, Inc.