The harmful products solicitors in our specialist claims team are instructed by a patient who was the victim of a surgical instrument snapping and becoming embedded in her hip.
Our client suffered from ongoing pain after the pullwire of the CinchLock Flex Anchor was left implanted in her hip, leaving her with increased pain and reduced mobility in the joint.
A recall notice was issued by the manufacturer which suggests that many patients may have been affected by failure of the CinchLock Flex Anchor surgical instrument manufactured by Stryker Corporation.
What is the issue with the instrument?
In many instances, following the failure of the pullwire, the instrument is unable to be removed from the body and is simply cut flush to the surface level of the bone and left within the body.
The tool is designed to be used in labral repair surgeries, which involves the reattachment of a torn piece of cartilage to the bone. It is most frequently used in hip and shoulder surgeries.
Voluntary recall by Stryker
In January 2025, Stryker issued a voluntary recall in respect of all their Stryker CinchLock Flex Knotless Anchor with Inserter devices after identifying an increase in breakages that resulted in the broken pullwire remaining in the anchor body after deployment.
When this happens, the instrument is unable to be removed from the body and is simply cut flush to the surface level of the bone and left within the body. Patients who have been affected by this instrument may experience an increase in the healing time and ongoing pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
Approximately 9,500 units of the device were affected by the recall and distributed worldwide. A Field Safety Notice was later issued by the MHRA in March 2025.
How common is a surgical error like this?
It is not particularly unusual for medical instruments to malfunction and break during surgery, but a recall by a manufacturer is rare and therefore a very serious occurrence.
If you believe that your surgery utilised one of these recalled instruments and you are now suffering from the impact of this, our product liability lawyers may be able to assist you in obtaining compensation.
Stryker released five variants of the anchor device with only this one variation subject to the recall. Therefore if you believe that you have been affected by the use of one of these devices, it is important that you seek further advice as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us for a free, no obligation chat to explore whether we can assist you.
