Table of Contents
Stryker recalls polyethylene joint inserts
Stryker has recalled joint replacement inserts made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) twice in less than three years. The most recent recall posted by the FDA began in July 2026 and covers 137 part numbers used in knee, hip, shoulder and elbow replacements. The first recall listed on the FDA website began in December 2023 and covered 57 part numbers, mostly knee replacement parts.
In both recalls, the inserts were made from raw polyethylene stored for more than five years before using it in manufacturing. FDA records list 12,156 affected units in the US for the 2026 recall. For the 2023 recall, FDA lists at least 1,600 US units, but it does not give a count for every part.
The FDA says the affected polyethylene inserts may wear out faster than expected. That can cause pain and inflammation and lead to revision surgery to replace the implant.
The brand names listed in the recall include: Hinge, Triathlon, Scorpio, Duracon, Trident, System One, Omnifit, ABG I, PCA, System 12, and others.
mctlaw is reviewing claims from people who received a recalled Stryker part and have had, or need, revision surgery. Call 888.952.5242 or fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation.
mctlaw is a national medical product liability firm with offices in Sarasota, Washington, D.C., and Seattle. Our attorneys represent people hurt by failed joint and orthopedic implants, including metal-on-metal hip replacements and the Cartiva toe implant recall. Partner Michael J. Cowgill leads the firm’s Products Liability Law Group. Meet our team.
Which Stryker implants are included in the recall?
The recalls cover specific part numbers and lots, not every implant in these product lines. Here are the product lines with at least one recalled part.
- Knee (both recalls): Triathlon Hinge insert, Triathlon No. 9 tibial insert, Scorpio patellas and tibial inserts, ScorpioFlex, Scorpio NRG, Scorpio+ Mobile Bearing, Series II, Series P-S I, Duracon and PCA revision inserts, EIUS, KRH, MRH, Kali and GMRS components. See the knee recall page.
- Hip (both recalls): Trident inserts and all-poly cup, P7 inserts, UHR bipolar, System One bipolar, Omnifit Series I, ABG I, ARC2F, constrained acetabular inserts, PCA and System 12 constrained liners, and Exeter Wingless centralizers. See the hip recall page.
- Shoulder (2026 recall): glenoid and keeled glenoid components in sizes 5 through 11, plus self-pressurizing glenoids.
- Elbow (2026 recall): an axle pin assembly, bearing and axle bushing assemblies, and an MRS radial bushing.
Eleven Scorpio part numbers were recalled in both 2023 and 2026, each time for different lots.
Why Stryker recalled these orthopedic implant parts
Many joint replacements use polyethylene, a tough, plastic-like material. It forms an insert with a smooth surface between the moving parts of the metal joint.
Industry guidance says the raw polyethylene used to make these inserts should be stored for less than five years. Stryker made the recalled inserts from raw polyethylene stored longer than five years.
According to FDA’s recall record, polyethylene stored that long may have higher levels of oxidation. Oxidation can change the properties of this plastic-like material and cause it to wear faster inside the body.
This is the second time Stryker has recalled inserts made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for this reason. In December 2023, Stryker recalled 57 inserts made of the made from raw polyethylene older than five years. In July 2026, it recalled 137 more. Scorpio and Trident product lines appear in both recalls.
Possible problems and warning signs of defective Stryker polyethylene implants
For the 2026 Stryker recall notice, the FDA lists these hazards in the patient’s body from faster wear:
- Excessive wear debris
- Pieces of polyethylene breaking off
- A broken implant part
- Implant parts coming apart
The FDA lists three possible injuries: pain, inflammation and revision surgery.
Signs that a joint replacement may be wearing or failing include:
-
- New or worsening pain in the joint
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- A joint that feels loose, unstable or gives way
- Clicking, grinding or popping
- Stiffness or trouble walking, reaching or lifting
- A hip or shoulder that slips out of place
These symptoms can have other causes. If you notice any of them, see your orthopedic surgeon. For a hip, our list of hip revision surgeons may help.
How to find out if your Stryker hip, knee, shoulder or elbow implant was recalled
Stryker sent its recall notices to hospitals and other customers, telling them to stop using affected parts and return them. Many patients who already have a recalled part may not know it.
To check your implant:
- Look for the implant card or stickers you received after surgery. They list the part and lot numbers.
- Request your operative report from the hospital where you had surgery. It usually records the parts used.
- Ask your surgeon’s office for the implant details.
Do I qualify for a Stryker implant recall claim?
mctlaw is reviewing claims from people who meet both of these conditions:
- You received a Stryker knee, hip, shoulder or elbow implant with a part and lot number listed in the December 2023 or July 2026 recall.
- Your doctor has recommended revision surgery, you are scheduled for revision surgery, or you have already had revision surgery.
Revision surgery is the key requirement. Many people with a recalled part may never have problems. Claims focus on people whose implant wore out or failed and had to be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Stryker knee or hip implant recalled?
No. The two recalls cover specific part numbers and lots made from raw polyethylene stored more than five years.
Why did Stryker recall parts twice?
Both recalls involve parts made from raw polyethylene stored longer than industry guidance recommends. The first, in December 2023, covered 57 part numbers. The second, in July 2026, covered 137 part numbers, including some of the same Scorpio parts in different lots.
My implant was recalled, but it feels fine. Should I have it removed?
Both recalls told hospitals to stop using affected parts. Neither told patients to have working implants removed. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon about whether you need any follow-up.
My implant was recalled, but I have no problems. Do I have a claim?
Claims focus on people who need or have had revision surgery. If problems develop later, contact us then.
How serious is a Class II recall?
FDA uses Class II when a product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or when the chance of serious harm is remote. Revision surgery is still a major operation with a long recovery.
Is there a deadline to file a claim?
Yes. Every state sets time limits for injury claims, and some limits depend on when the implant was placed. Contact us soon so we can review your dates.
What does it cost to talk to mctlaw?
The case evaluation is free. You can also read what past clients say about working with us.
The two Stryker implant recalls at a glance
July 2026 Stryker Implant Recall
- Recall began: July 30, 2026
- Posted by FDA: September 16, 2026
- FDA classification: Class II
- Part numbers: 137
- Affected units in the US: 12,156
- Joints affected: knee, hip, shoulder and elbow
- Recall status: open
- FDA recall records: view all 12 records
December 2023 Stryker recall
- Recall began: December 1, 2023
- Posted by FDA: January 31, 2024
- FDA classification: Class II
- Part numbers: 57
- Affected units in the US: at least 1,600 (FDA gives counts for only some parts)
- Joints affected: knee and hip
- Recall status: open
- FDA recall records: view all 58 records
The manufacturer for both recalls is Howmedica Osteonics Corp. (Stryker Orthopaedics) of Mahwah, New Jersey.
