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Vanguard Knee SystemRecalls & reported problems across all models

Biomet Orthopedics, LLC · 147 models in the FDA device registry

Data updated Oct 16, 2026 from official FDA records · Editorial policy

3 open recalls name at least one Vanguard Knee System model. Check whether yours is affected in the recall details, and contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider.

Adverse event reports
306
Deaths reported
0
Injuries reported
243
Recalls
13

We found 147 models of Vanguard Knee System by Biomet Orthopedics, LLC in the FDA's device registry (GUDID). Together they are named in 306 adverse event reports in the FDA's MAUDE database, received between Sep 10, 2019 and Aug 17, 2026 — classified as 243 injuries, 63 malfunctions.

The most frequently reported specific device problem is “Unstable” (36 reports).

13 FDA recall records name at least one of these models by its device identifier, 3 still open.

Reports come from manufacturers, hospitals and patients and are not verified by the FDA. A report does not prove the device caused the event. Widely used products collect more reports, so totals can't be used to compare products or estimate failure rates. Only reports that name a model's exact device identifier are counted. What reports can and can't tell you · How this data works

Reports received per month, all models

Nov 2023: 2 reportsDec 2023: 6 reportsJan 2024: 0 reportsFeb 2024: 3 reportsMar 2024: 2 reportsApr 2024: 1 reportsMay 2024: 7 reportsJun 2024: 0 reportsJul 2024: 2 reportsAug 2024: 2 reportsSep 2024: 1 reportsOct 2024: 5 reportsNov 2024: 5 reportsDec 2024: 5 reportsJan 2025: 0 reportsFeb 2025: 0 reportsMar 2025: 6 reportsApr 2025: 0 reportsMay 2025: 1 reportsJun 2025: 3 reportsJul 2025: 3 reportsAug 2025: 2 reportsSep 2025: 2 reportsOct 2025: 3 reportsNov 2025: 5 reportsDec 2025: 5 reportsJan 2026: 3 reportsFeb 2026: 0 reportsMar 2026: 8 reportsApr 2026: 1 reportsMay 2026: 1 reportsJun 2026: 1 reportsJul 2026: 2 reportsAug 2026: 2 reportsSep 2026: 0 reportsOct 2026: 0 reports2024202520268
Last 36 months. The most recent month may be incomplete.

Vanguard Knee System recalls

FDA recall records that name at least one of these models by its device identifier, newest first. Each recall usually covers specific models or lots, so check the details.

  1. Mar 13, 2024Open, Classified

    Possible damage to the Vanguard Knee System AS Tibial Bearing caused during the manufacturing process.

    Z-1607-2024 · Root cause: Process change control · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  2. Dec 29, 2022Open, Classified

    Components Incorrectly labeled as either smaller or larger and incorrect side (right/left).

    Z-1043-2023 · Root cause: Labeling Change Control · names 3 of these models · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  3. Dec 29, 2022Open, Classified

    Components Incorrectly labeled as either smaller or larger and incorrect side (right/left).

    Z-1042-2023 · Root cause: Labeling Change Control · names 4 of these models · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  4. Apr 17, 2020Terminated

    Potential presence of elevated endotoxin levels that exceed the specification limit

    Z-2154-2020 · Root cause: Process control · names 2 of these models · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  5. Apr 17, 2020Terminated

    Potential presence of elevated endotoxin levels that exceed the specification limit

    Z-2153-2020 · Root cause: Process control · names 3 of these models · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  6. Apr 17, 2020Terminated

    Potential presence of elevated endotoxin levels that exceed the specification limit

    Z-2152-2020 · Root cause: Process control · names 6 of these models · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  7. Apr 17, 2020Terminated

    Potential presence of elevated endotoxin levels that exceed the specification limit

    Z-2151-2020 · Root cause: Process control · names 5 of these models · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  8. Apr 17, 2020Terminated

    Potential presence of elevated endotoxin levels that exceed the specification limit

    Z-2150-2020 · Root cause: Process control · names 4 of these models · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  9. Dec 21, 2018Terminated

    Vanguard Knee System Series-A Standard Patella a potential commingle that could result in the size of the implant not matching the size on the label.

    Z-0938-2019 · Root cause: Under Investigation by firm · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  10. Dec 21, 2018Terminated

    Vanguard Knee System Series-A Standard Patella a potential commingle that could result in the size of the implant not matching the size on the label.

    Z-0937-2019 · Root cause: Under Investigation by firm · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  11. Oct 22, 2018Terminated

    Label on the outer carton or the patient labels does not match label on the inner sterile packaging

    Z-0496-2019 · Root cause: Labeling mix-ups · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  12. Oct 22, 2018Terminated

    Label on the outer carton or the patient labels does not match label on the inner sterile packaging

    Z-0495-2019 · Root cause: Labeling mix-ups · Recall details · FDA record ↗

  13. May 11, 2018Terminated

    The label master file was errantly set up as a 63/37mm instead of a 63/67mm. There is no 63/37 size offered, and the product is laser marked with the correct size.

    Z-2183-2018 · Root cause: Under Investigation by firm · Recall details · FDA record ↗

Most reported Vanguard Knee System problems

Device problems

  • Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem129
  • Unstable36
  • Packaging Problem30
  • Loosening of Implant Not Related to Bone-Ingrowth24
  • Tear, Rip or Hole in Device Packaging24
  • Insufficient Device Problem Information17
  • Naturally Worn15
  • Noise, Audible12

Patient problems

  • Pain128
  • Loss of Range of Motion75
  • No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions60
  • Failure of Implant34
  • Ambulation or Postural Difficulties33
  • Swelling/ Edema33
  • Joint Laxity31
  • Scar Tissue31

Vanguard Knee System models

147 models, 100 per page, most reported first. Each model has its own page with its reports, recalls and device details.

Recent Vanguard Knee System adverse event reports

The 15 most recent reports across all models, in the reporter's own words as published by the FDA.

Other Biomet Orthopedics, LLC products

All Biomet Orthopedics, LLC devices →

Sources and updates

How reports and recalls are matched · Editorial policy · Report an error on this page