MAUDE Adverse Event Report: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC. GAP SPACER; TEMPLATE

Model Number 71935180

Device Problem Fracture (1260)

Patient Problem No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)

Event Date 05/08/2023

Event Type  malfunction  

Manufacturer Narrative

Complaint reference number: case (b)(4).

Event Description

It was reported that during surgery, using a gap spacer to check balance in flexion/extension, it snapped/broke when surgeon was taking it out.Both pieces were recovered.The procedure was resumed, without any delay, using the same device.Patient was not harmed as consequence of this problem.

Manufacturer Narrative

Additional information: b5, h6 h3.

Event Description

It was reported that during surgery, using a gap spacer to check balance in flexion/extension, it snapped/broke when surgeon was taking it out.Both pieces were recovered using tweezers and suction.The procedure was resumed, without any delay, using the same device.Patient was not harmed as consequence of this problem.

Manufacturer Narrative

The associated device was returned and evaluated.The visual inspection revealed that the device fractured in half.Both pieces were returned.The device shows signs of excessive wear and use.A review of the production order did not reveal a manufacturing abnormality that could have caused or contributed to the reported incident.A review of complaint history based on the historical data revealed similar events for the listed batch, this failure mode will be monitored for future complaints for any necessary corrective actions.A review of the risk management file revealed this failure mode was previously identified.The anticipated risk level is still adequate.A historical review concluded that there are no prior actions related to this product and event.At this time, we have no reason to suspect that the product failed to meet any specifications at the time of manufacture.This device is a reusable instrument that can be exposed to numerous surgeries.Damage from prolonged use, misuse or rough handling are likely potential factors that could contribute to the reported event.We recommend that all reusable instruments be routinely inspected for wear and damage and replaced as necessary.Based on this investigation, the need for corrective action is not indicated.Should additional information be received, the complaint will be reopened.No further investigation is warranted for this complaint; however, we will continue to monitor for future complaints and investigate as necessary.We consider this investigation closed.

• Brand Name: GAP SPACER
• Type of Device: TEMPLATE
• Manufacturer (Section D): SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis TN 38116
• Manufacturer (Section G): SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis TN 38116
• Manufacturer Contact: holly topping ; 7000 west william cannon drive; austin, TX 78735 ; 5123913905
• MDR Report Key: 17035068
• MDR Text Key: 316396692
• Report Number: 1020279-2023-01209
• Device Sequence Number: 1
• Product Code: HWT
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00885556578445
• UDI-Public: 00885556578445
• Combination Product (y/n): N
• Reporter Country Code: US
• Number of Events Reported: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Report Source: Manufacturer
• Source Type: Health Professional,Company Representative
• Reporter Occupation: Physician
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup,Followup
• Report Date: 06/29/2023

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: No
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: Yes
• Device Operator: Health Professional
• Device Model Number: 71935180
• Device Catalogue Number: 71935180
• Device Lot Number: 18JDN1108
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Returned to Manufacturer: 05/24/2023
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: Yes
• Initial Date Manufacturer Received: 05/10/2023
• Initial Date FDA Received: 05/31/2023
• Supplement Dates Manufacturer Received: 06/01/2023; 06/28/2023
• Supplement Dates FDA Received: 06/05/2023; 06/29/2023
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer?: Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Is the Device Single Use?: No
• Is This a Reprocessed and Reused Single-Use Device?: No
• Type of Device Usage: Unknown
• Patient Sequence Number: 1