MAUDE Adverse Event Report: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC. GII EM ALIGNMENT TOWER; PROSTHESIS, KNEE, FEMOROTIBIAL, SEMI-CONSTRAINED, CEMENTED, METAL/POLYMER

Model Number 71440045

Device Problems Break (1069); Mechanics Altered (2984)

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

Event Date 01/19/2022

Event Type  malfunction  

Event Description

It was reported that, during the set up for tka surgery, the screw mechanism for a gii em alignment tower was broken and no longer loosens or tightens.The procedure was completed, without delay, using a smith and nephew back up device.No injury to patient was reported.

Manufacturer Narrative

Internal complaint reference case-(b)(4).

Manufacturer Narrative

H3, h6: the device was not returned for evaluation and the reported event could not be confirmed.A review of the manufacturing records did not reveal a manufacturing abnormality that could have caused or contributed to the reported incident.A review of complaint history revealed similar events for the listed device over the previous 12 months, but no similar events for the batch based on the historical data, 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 product 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 probable causes of the reported event.We recommend that all reusable instruments be routinely inspected for wear and damage and replaced as necessary.The contribution of the device to the reported event could not be corroborated.Based on this investigation, the need for corrective action is not indicated.Without the return of the actual product involved, our investigation could not proceed.Should the device or 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.

Manufacturer Narrative

Additional information: d9 h3, h6: the associated device was returned and evaluated.A visual inspection of the returned device confirmed the stated failure.The locking mechanism is broke, rendering the device inoperable.A visual inspection of the returned device also confirms multiple scratches, burrs and gouges in the metal.A review of complaint history revealed similar events for the listed device over the previous 12 months, but no similar events for the batch based on the historical data, this failure mode will be monitored for future complaints for any necessary corrective actions.A review of the manufacturing records did not reveal a manufacturing abnormality that could have caused or contributed to the reported incident.At this time, we do not have reason to suspect that the product failed to meet any product specifications at the time of manufacture.A review of the risk management file revealed this failure mode was previously identified.The anticipated risk level is still adequate.Assessment of historical escalated cases concluded that there are no prior actions related to this device and failure mode.As the device broke and it can no longer fit its purpose, the contribution of the device to the reported event could be corroborated.This device is a reusable instrument that can be exposed to numerous surgeries.Damage from prolonged use, misuse or rough handling are probable causes of 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 future complaints and investigate as necessary.We consider this investigation closed.H3, h6, h10.

• Brand Name: GII EM ALIGNMENT TOWER
• Type of Device: PROSTHESIS, KNEE, FEMOROTIBIAL, SEMI-CONSTRAINED, CEMENTED, METAL/POLYMER
• 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: 13486059
• MDR Text Key: 285324552
• Report Number: 1020279-2022-00582
• Device Sequence Number: 1
• Product Code: HRY
• UDI-Device Identifier: 03596010551856
• UDI-Public: 03596010551856
• Combination Product (y/n): N
• Reporter Country Code: US
• PMA/PMN Number: K121393
• Number of Events Reported: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Report Source: Manufacturer
• Source Type: User Facility,Company Representative
• Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup,Followup
• Report Date: 10/04/2022

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Date FDA Received: 02/08/2022
• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: No
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: Yes
• Device Operator: Health Professional
• Device Model Number: 71440045
• Device Catalogue Number: 71440045
• Device Lot Number: 09DM20853
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: No
• Date Manufacturer Received: 10/03/2022
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer?: Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Device Manufactured: 04/28/2009
• 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