Zimmer Recalls Knee-Surgery Instrument

Zimmer Holdings Inc. has recalled a surgical instrument used during minimally invasive knee replacement surgeries because of problems with the instrument.

The recall involves a tibial broach impactor, an instrument used in preparing the tibial bone to accept the final implant component,  Zimmer spokesman Brad Bishop said in an e-mail.

The Dow Jones News Service cited Bishop who said the orthopedic manufacturer received reports that several instruments had broken during surgery.

The Warsaw, IN-based company said that it has not recalled its NexGen knee implant. It said the recall is isolated to a single surgical instrument and that additional instrumentation options are available.

Zimmer doesn’t expect the recall to have a material effect on sales.

Bishop said in an e-mail that Zimmer had notified the FDA and affected customers earlier this month.

SOURCE: Journal Gazette