The complainant contacted the company on 2/21/2020 to report a product complaint from a pedicle screw system.The complainant reported that when the physician hammered the end of the screwdriver handle while inserting a pedicle screw, the plate at the proximal end of screwdriver handle broke and popped off the instrument during a procedure on (b)(6) 2020.There were no known patient complications associated with this complaint.An instrument was available and used to successfully complete the procedure.A visual assessment of the returned screwdriver handle showed an instrument with repeated use, as identified by worn laser markings, extensive surface scratches, and discoloration to the silicone handle.The proximal plate of the instrument was broken from the body of the instrument and not returned with the handle.A functionality assessment confirmed that the ratcheting mechanism of the instrument was performing as intended.The fractured proximal cap prevents this instrument from being in acceptable condition for continued distribution and was removed from distributable inventory.A dhr review was performed for the complaint instrument lot and there were no manufacturing anomalies identified.The device met all required specifications prior to being released to distributable inventory.This lot has been available for distribution since 10/19/2007.The proximal cap of the screwdriver handle is a t-shaped plug that is secured to into the end of the instrument, surrounded by a silicone handle.An impact to the edge of the cap can cause the cap to flex on the silicone handle and result in a fractured cap.The condition of the proximal cap could not be confirmed due to it not being returned for complaint assessment.The root cause of this complaint cannot be reliably determined.
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