Class II U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Encore Medical, LP Empowr 3D Knee Tibial Insert 5R 14MM, VE, REF: 342-14-705 recall: 942-01-40G acetabular system package was found to contain 942-01-36H

Recall published 9 months ago

942-01-40G acetabular system package was found to contain 942-01-36H acetabular system; and several other acetabular system and knee insert devices may also have a packaging discrepancy, which may cause surgical delay to exchange devices or revision surgery.

The hazard: Device safety concern

The manufacturer or the FDA identified a problem with this device. The model, lot and catalogue numbers are what define the scope.

What the notice says: 942-01-40G acetabular system package was found to contain 942-01-36H acetabular system; and several other acetabular system and knee insert devices may also have a packaging discrepancy, which may cause surgical delay to exchange devices or revision surgery.

Why it matters: The FDA recorded an enforcement action against this device. Most device recalls are corrections rather than removals, so the device often stays in use while the manufacturer issues a fix.

Recall details

Recall number
Z-1233-2026
Published
February 11, 2026
Risk level
Class II
Status
Ongoing
Issued by
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Brand
Encore Medical, LP
Product type
Medical devices
Units affected
19
Distribution
Alabama, California, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Texas
Made in
United States
Lot / code info
UDI-DI: 00888912167529. Lot: 139T1075A. Expiration: 03-12-2026

Products covered by this recall

EMPOWR 3D Knee Tibial Insert 5R 14MM, VE, REF: 342-14-705

Check your product

The notice names 3 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Lot or batch code

Usually ink-stamped near the seam, the cap or the bottom of the pack.

  • 139T1075A. Expiration

Best-by / use-by date

Printed beside the lot code, not on the price sticker.

  • 03-12-2026 — 19

Model or item number

On the rating label, the box or the instruction sheet.

  • 342-14-705 — UDI-DI

Codes are lifted verbatim from the FDA — Device enforcement notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Device

Encore Medical, LP — The manufacturer or the FDA identified a problem with this device. The model, lot and catalogue numbers are what define the scope.

  1. Match the model, catalogue, lot and serial numbers on your device against the identifiers on this page.
  2. If you are a facility, quarantine affected stock and log the correction.
  3. Report device problems to the FDA through MedWatch.
  4. If the device is implanted or you depend on it daily, speak to your clinician before changing how you use it.

Who pays for a device recall

The manufacturer funds the remedy. The practical question is usually which link in the chain executes it.

  • If a clinic fitted or supplied the device, start there — they hold the serial-number records the manufacturer needs.
  • Ask for written confirmation that the remedy was applied to your serial number. That is what an insurer or a future clinician will want to see.
  • If you bought it yourself online or from a pharmacy, go to the manufacturer’s recall page rather than the retailer; device claims are handled centrally.
  • Where the remedy is a software update, there is nothing to claim, but do confirm the version changed afterwards.

Company contact: Encore Medical, LP — 9800 Metric Blvd, Austin, TX, 78758-5445

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the FDA — Device enforcement record U.S. Food and Drug Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was Encore Medical, LP medical devices recalled?

942-01-40G acetabular system package was found to contain 942-01-36H acetabular system; and several other acetabular system and knee insert devices may also have a packaging discrepancy, which may cause surgical delay to exchange devices or revision surgery. 942-01-40G acetabular system package was found to contain 942-01-36H acetabular system; and several other acetabular system and knee insert devices may also have a packaging discrepancy, which may cause surgical delay to exchange devices or revision surgery.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

Match the codes printed on your package against the notice: lot code 139T1075A. Expiration; best-by date 03-12-2026 — 19; model number 342-14-705 — UDI-DI. If the code on your package is not on that list, your unit is outside the recall.

What should I do with it right now?

Match the model, catalogue, lot and serial numbers on your device against the identifiers on this page.

Can I get my money back?

If a clinic fitted or supplied the device, start there — they hold the serial-number records the manufacturer needs.

Which states were affected?

The notice lists Alabama, California, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and others.

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