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Lower risk Medical device recall · FDA · Published October 24, 2017

Howmedica Radial Stem Implant Recall: Higher Revision Risk After Surgery

Howmedica recalls radial stem implant #3 (Sterile packed) due to higher revision rates than other proximal radial head replacements. This implant may not perform as expected post-surgery.

Plain-English summary generated from official FDA data by GovInfoNow · Published by Carlos Caban · How we make summaries

🇺🇸 FDA recall #Z-2729-2018Medical deviceHowmedica ›
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Contact the company

Recalling firmHowmedica Osteonics Corp.325 Corporate Dr · Mahwah, NJ 07430-2006
✎ GovInfoNow plain-language explainer

Howmed: Howmedica Osteonics Corp. recalls radial stem implant #3 (Sterile packed) for orthopedic use. The implant has a higher revision rate than other similar products, meaning it may not function properly after surgery. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/72669-howmedica-radial-stem-implant-recall-higher-revision-risk-after-surgery.

Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/72669-howmedica-radial-stem-implant-recall-higher-revision-risk-after-surgery · Updated September 14, 2026 · FDA enforcement record: FDA #Z-2729-2018

Cite this page

“Howmedica Radial Stem Implant Recall: Higher Revision Risk After Surgery.” GovInfoNow, updated September 14, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/72669-howmedica-radial-stem-implant-recall-higher-revision-risk-after-surgery. Based on FDA recall #Z-2729-2018 (https://api.fda.gov/device/enforcement.json?search=recall_number:%22Z-2729-2018%22&limit=1).

Howmedica Osteonics Corp. recalled radial stem implant #3 (Sterile packed) on Oct. 24, 2017, according to the FDA. The device carries a Class II classification because its revision rate is higher than other proximal radial head replacement devices.

How to tell if you have it

  • Brand: Howmedica
  • Product: radial stem implant #3 (Sterile packed)
  • Model: RHA-S3
  • System: Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system

The hazard

The FDA stated the product may not perform at its expected level post-surgery. This conclusion is based on a literature review identifying a revision rate higher than other proximal radial head replacement devices.

Context

GovInfoNow's records show Howmedica Osteonics Corp. has issued 46 other recalls since July 21, 2017. Recent brand recalls include the Howmedica SCORPIO Mobile Bearing PCS Recall on July 30, 2026, and the Howmedica Triathlon Baseplate Size 3 Recall on May 19, 2026. Other recent recalls of similar products include the ConMed Suture Anchor Recall (July 14, 2026), the Arrowhead Implant Recall (June 23, 2026), and the Medicrea IB3D PL Instruments Set Recall (Oct. 29, 2025).

How to tell if you have this one

Check for the product name 'radial stem implant #3 (Sterile packed)' in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system. The model code is RHA-S3.

  • Brand
    Howmedica
  • Category
    Medical device
FDA recall event · 70 products

All 70 products in this recall

FDA lists each product line separately under one recall event. Check your product description, lot or code numbers against each row. Every row shares the hazard and remedy on this page.

  • Classification
    Class II
  • Status
    Terminated
  • Distribution
    Distribution US Nationwide.
Recall numberProduct, codes & lotsQuantity
Z-2663-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Implant, Size 1 Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0000211
Z-2664-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Stem Implant, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0001396
Z-2665-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Stem Implant, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0002492
Z-2666-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Stem Implant, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0003280
Z-2667-2018Lat Assembly, Rad Stem Implant,Collar 6mm, Size1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0004170
Z-2668-2018Lat Assembly, Rad Stem Implant,Collar 6mm,Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0005190
Z-2669-2018Lat Assembly, Rad Stem Implant,Collar 6mm,Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0006230
Z-2670-2018Lat Assembly, Rad Stem Implant,Collar 6mm,Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0007175
Z-2671-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Head Implant, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0008283
Z-2672-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Head Implant, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0009690
Z-2673-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Head Implant, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-00010285
Z-2674-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Head Impl Assembly, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-00011150
Z-2675-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Head Impl Assembly, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-00012191
Z-2676-2018Lateral Assembly, Radial Head Impl Assembly, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-0001381
Z-2677-2018rHead Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2010270
Z-2678-2018rHead Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2011285
Z-2679-2018rHead Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2012320
Z-2680-2018rHead Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2013301
Z-2681-2018rHead Stem Implant 6mm Collar, Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2014245
Z-2682-2018rHead Stem Implant 6mm Collar, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2015268
Z-2683-2018rHead Stem Implant 6mm Collar, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2016305
Z-2684-2018rHead Stem Implant 6mm Collar, Size 4.Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2017256
Z-2685-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2018314
Z-2686-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2019303
Z-2687-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2020396
Z-2688-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant Plasma Coated, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2021310
Z-2689-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant 6mm Collar,Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2022265
Z-2690-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant 6mm Collar, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2023269
Z-2691-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant 6mm Collar, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2024298
Z-2692-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant 6mm Collar, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 310-2025216
Z-2693-2018Radio Capitellum Large, Left Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0000170
Z-2694-2018Radio Capitellum Small, Left. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0001214
Z-2695-2018Radio Capitellum Large, Right. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0002158
Z-2696-2018Radio Capitellum Small, Right. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0003121
Z-2697-2018Radial Head Assy Size #2, Rad. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0004128
Z-2698-2018Radial Head Assy Size #3, Rad. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0005166
Z-2699-2018Radial Head Assy Size #4, Rad. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0006107
Z-2700-2018Radio Capitellum, Recon Head, Size #2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0007163
Z-2701-2018Radio Capitellum, Recon Head, Size #3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0008225
Z-2702-2018Radio Capitellum, Recon Head, Size #4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-0009124
Z-2703-2018rHead Standard Extended Stem, 6mm Collar, Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-010033
Z-2704-2018rHead Standard Extended Stem, 6mm Collar, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-010166
Z-2705-2018rHead Standard Extended Stem, 6mm Collar, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-010245
Z-2706-2018rHead Standard Extended Stem, 6mm Collar, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-010336
Z-2707-2018rHead Recon Extended Stem Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-030019
Z-2708-2018rHead Recon Extended Stem Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-030119
Z-2709-2018rHead Recon Extended Stem Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-030219
Z-2710-2018Radio Capitellum Broach Large, Right. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; 410-030310
Z-2711-2018#2 Bipolar radial head Implant (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-H2605
Z-2712-2018#3 Bipolar radial head Implant (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-H3999
Z-2713-2018#4 Bipolar radial head Implant (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-H4546
Z-2714-2018#1 Bipolar stem implant (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S1169
Z-2715-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant non-coated, Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S16090
Z-2716-2018#2 Bipolar stem implant (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S2543
Z-2717-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant non-coated, Size 2. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S260133
Z-2718-2018#3 Bipolar stem implant (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S3673
Z-2719-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant non-coated, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S360141
Z-2720-2018#4 Bipolar stem implant (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S4387
Z-2721-2018rHead Recon Stem Implant non-coated, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RCN-S460118
Z-2722-2018radial head implant #2 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-H2607
Z-2723-2018radial head implant #3 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-H31213
Z-2724-2018radial head implant #4 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-H4628
Z-2725-2018radial stem implant #1 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S1256
Z-2726-2018rHead, Radial Implant 6 mm Collar, Size 1. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S160201
Z-2727-2018radial stem implant #2 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S2544
Z-2728-2018radial stem implant #2 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S260180
Z-2729-2018radial stem implant #3 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S3750
Z-2730-2018rHead, Radial Implant 6 mm Collar, Size 3. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S360162
Z-2731-2018radial stem implant #4 (Sterile packed). Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S4431
Z-2732-2018rHead, Radial Implant 6 mm Collar, Size 4. Orthopedic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the radius in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.; RHA-S460286
Based on the official FDA remedy

What to do — step by step

  1. Check Product Details

    Identify if your implant is labeled 'radial stem implant #3 (Sterile packed)' with model RHA-S3 in the Stryker rHead Radial Head and Uni-Elbow system.

Where it went and when

Where it was distributed

Distributed nationwide.

Alaska: yesAKMaine: yesMEVermont: yesVTNew Hampshire: yesNHWashington: yesWAIdaho: yesIDMontana: yesMTNorth Dakota: yesNDMinnesota: yesMNIllinois: yesILWisconsin: yesWIMichigan: yesMINew York: yesNYRhode Island: yesRIMassachusetts: yesMAOregon: yesORNevada: yesNVWyoming: yesWYSouth Dakota: yesSDIowa: yesIAIndiana: yesINOhio: yesOHPennsylvania: yesPANew Jersey: yesNJConnecticut: yesCTCalifornia: yesCAUtah: yesUTColorado: yesCONebraska: yesNEMissouri: yesMOKentucky: yesKYWest Virginia: yesWVVirginia: yesVAMaryland: yesMDDelaware: yesDEArizona: yesAZNew Mexico: yesNMKansas: yesKSArkansas: yesARTennessee: yesTNNorth Carolina: yesNCSouth Carolina: yesSCDistrict of Columbia: yesDCOklahoma: yesOKLouisiana: yesLAMississippi: yesMSAlabama: yesALGeorgia: yesGAHawaii: yesHITexas: yesTXFlorida: yesFL

FDA distribution: “Distribution US Nationwide.” States read from FDA’s own wording; “not listed” means the notice does not name it.

Distributed nationwide.

Recall timeline

FDA terminated this recall 5.6 years after the firm started it.

1. Firm started the recall: Oct 24, 201712. FDA classified it Class II: Aug 8, 201823. Published in FDA’s Enforcement Report: Aug 15, 201834. FDA terminated the recall: May 18, 2023420172023
  1. Firm started the recall
  2. FDA classified it Class II
  3. Published in FDA’s Enforcement Report
  4. FDA terminated the recall

Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.

✎ GovInfoNow

Questions people ask

From the GovInfoNow team · based on the FDA notice · How we make summaries

Do I need to stop using this implant?

No, the recall does not require stopping use; it is a higher revision risk that may need follow-up care.

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Where this comes from

The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official FDA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.

  • Official source: FDA Recall #Z-2729-2018 (October 24, 2017) — FDA publishes no per-recall page; this is the official machine-readable enforcement record. Search FDA recalls for Z-2729-2018 to see it in context.
  • Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on September 14, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the FDA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
  • GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official FDA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.
GovInfoNow is an independent guide. We are not FDA or any government agency. Always confirm details with the official recall.Data: CPSC · FDA · NHTSA · USDA