USFDA Medical Device Class I Recall Alert: DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial Distraction System - May Reverse Directions After Surgery...

Recall Class: Class I

Date Recall Initiated: April 16, 2014

Product: The DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Distraction System (AB Distractor Bodies and BC Distractor Bodies). Also called an External Mandibular Fixator And/Or Distractor and a Bone Plate.

Manufacturing Dates: April 20, 2009 through April 15, 2011

Distribution Dates: November 3, 2009 to April 14, 2014

See the Recall Notice or the Firm Customer Notice for a complete listing of affected products with part and lot numbers.

Use: The DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Distraction System is an implant used to lengthen and/or stabilize the lower jawbone (mandibular body) and the side of the lower jaw (ramus). This device is used in pediatric and adult patients to correct birth (congenital) or post-traumatic defects of the jaw by gradually lengthening the bone (distraction).

Recalling Firm: 
Synthes (USA)
1302 Wrights Lane East
West Chester, PA 19380

Reason for Recall: DePuy Synthes is recalling certain lots of the Craniomaxillofacial Distraction System because the device may reverse direction and lose the desired distraction distance after surgery.

• Infants are at the highest risk for injury if the device fails because sudden obstruction of the trachea can occur. This could lead to respiratory arrest, and result in death.
• Children or adults with the ability to maintain an open airway are at less risk for serious injury because failure of the device would not result in tracheal obstruction and could be medically reversible.
• In all patient populations, failure of the device may result in the need for surgical intervention to replace the failed device.

There have been 15 reports of injury associated with the use of this device.

Public Contact: Customers who have questions about this recall may contact DePuy Synthes Customer Support at 1-800- 479-6328, Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time or the sales consultant.

FDA District: Philadelphia District Office

More Information about this Recall: 

On April 16, 2014, DePuy Synthes sent an Urgent Notice to their customers. The notice identified the problem, affected products and tells customer to:

• Review their inventory and remove affected lots from stock.
• Call DePuy Synthes at 1-800-479-6329 for a return authorization number
• Complete and return the verification in the letter included with the notice.