Model note · Orthopedic Implants
Howmedica Osteonics Triathlon Total Knee System
Triathlon is Stryker's modular total knee replacement, with femoral, tibial and patellar components in cruciate retaining, cruciate substituting, posterior stabilised and total stabiliser versions. Its defining feature is a single radius femoral curve centred on the epicondylar axis, intended to keep the ligaments evenly tensioned through mid flexion. Stryker reports over 3 million implantations. For a technician, the active items are the reusable instrument trays and the traceability of implant lots rather than the implant itself.
The model
Maker, model and type.
- Maker
- Howmedica Osteonics Corp., dba Stryker Orthopaedics
- Model
- Triathlon Total Knee System (CR, CS, PS and TS options)
- Device type
- Orthopedic Implants
- Main document
- Open the public document
Key specifications
What the public record says.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Component materials | Cobalt chromium alloy, titanium alloy, commercially pure titanium, UHMWPE and calcium phosphate | Source |
| Femoral geometry | Single radius centred on the epicondylar axis, constant from 10 to 110 degrees of flexion | Source |
| Femoral sizes | 8 sizes (1 to 8) in CR and PS, left and right | Source |
| X3 tibial inserts | GUR1020 UHMWPE per ASTM F648, sequentially crosslinked and annealed, with a cobalt chromium locking wire per ASTM F90 | Source |
| Fixation options | Tritanium components cemented or uncemented; beaded with Peri-Apatite uncemented only; all polyethylene tibia cemented only | Source |
| Insert designs | PS, CR, CS and TS tibial inserts; symmetric and asymmetric patellae | Source |
| MRI | MR Conditional; scan parameters updated in the instructions for use under K242831 | Source |
| Regulatory | Product codes JWH, MBH, KRR among others; latest labelling clearance K242831, December 2024 | Source |
Recalls
Known FDA recalls.
- Z-0164-20272026-09-16
Reprocessing instructions gave a 30 minute dry time for TS baseplate finishing trays in blue wrap, which may leave residual moisture.
FDA record - Z-0023-20252024-09-04
Universal TS baseplate anterior locking tabs out of specification, possibly preventing insert locking wire engagement.
FDA record - Z-0459-20222021-11-24
Triathlon Pro tibial preparation tray kitted with the wrong cemented keel punch.
FDA record - Z-0249-20162015-09-29
MIS modular distal capture lots could disassociate during use.
FDA record - Z-0399-20072006-12-04
X3 CR tibial insert size 2 and size 7 packages swapped.
FDA record - Z-0556-052004-10-27
PS femoral component fatigue testing did not consistently meet the predicted load in the 510(k).
FDA record
Safety
Safety warnings from the record.
- Labelling now carries a contraindication for patients with sensitivity to the implant materials. Source
- Use only the current MR Conditional parameters in the instructions for use when a patient with this knee is scanned. Source
- Instrument mix ups in kitted trays can lead to unintended bone preparation if not caught before use. Source
Sources
Where this note comes from.
- FDA 510(k) K242831 summary, Triathlon Knee System MR labelling update
- FDA 510(k) K141056 summary, Triathlon Knee System
- FDA 510(k) K172634 summary, Triathlon X3 inserts and patellae
- Stryker registry protocol NCT02525562 (Triathlon design and sizes)
- Stryker Triathlon Total Knee System product page
- openFDA recall search, Triathlon
- openFDA MAUDE problem counts, brand Triathlon
Not covered: An implant has no error codes. The full instructions for use, including exact MR Conditional parameters and the surgical technique, were not opened, so scan conditions are not stated. Size and geometry details come from a Stryker registry protocol rather than the current IFU. MAUDE terms mix clinical and device problems and are not failure rates. Over 40 Triathlon recall records exist, many for instruments; only a selection is listed.
BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.
Orthopedic Implants
Other models of this device.
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