Biomet Recalls Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder Due to High Fracture Rate

By Staff Writer

Leading medical device manufacturer Zimmer Biomet has recalled the Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder, a device implanted to restore arm movement. The FDA put out a Class 1 Recall, the most serious recall issued when devices can cause injury or possible death.

They have recalled 3,662 devices manufactured between August 25, 2008 to September 27, 2011 and distributed between October 2008 and September 2015. All lots with part number 115340 have been affected by the recall.

Patients who have received total shoulder replacements as well as health care providers using this device during reverse shoulder replacement surgeries are potentially affected by this recall.

The devices have been recalled because they were shown to fracture at a much higher rate than described on the labeling. During revision surgery, a fracture could result in serious health issues such as an infection, permanent loss of shoulder function or even death.

Zimmer Biomet sent an Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice and a Certificate of Acknowledgement form to all affected customers on December 20,2016. According to the FDA:

The notice asked doctors and medical facilities who use the Comprehensive Reverse Shoulder to:

• Review the safety notice and ensure appropriate staff is aware of the notice.
• Identify and quarantine any affected devices in stock.
• The Zimmer Biomet sales representative will remove the affected device from the facility.
• Complete and return the Certificate of Acknowledgement form within 3 days via email to postmarket@zimmerbiomet.com.
• Retain a copy of the Certificate of Acknowledgement form for records in the event of a compliance audit.

The notice also stated that there are “no specific patient monitoring instructions related to this recall that are recommended beyond existing surgical follow up protocol.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this medical device, contact a skilled Tennessee defective medical device attorney at Gilreath & Associates to help you receive the proper compensation you deserve.

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