MAUDE Adverse Event Report: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC. TRIGEN LOW PROFILE SCREW 5.0MM X 35MM; ROD, FIXATION, INTRAMEDULLARY AND ACCESSORIES

Model Number 71645035

Device Problem Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem (2993)

Patient Problems Awareness during Anaesthesia (1707); Bacterial Infection (1735)

Event Date 04/07/2021

Event Type  Injury  

Event Description

It was reported that, due to a fall on (b)(6) 2020, a patient experienced a right tibial fracture which required a temporary treatment with an external fixator on (b)(6) 2020.This external fixator was removed on (b)(6) 2020 and after a right tibial internal infixation surgery with trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 35mm performed the same day, the patient experienced secretion and wound healing problems with the presence of staphylococcus aureus.A revision surgery was performed on (b)(6) 2021 to treat this adverse event.The trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 35mm (x2), int hex cap scr 5.0mm x 35mm, trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 40mm and trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 55mm were explanted during this revision surgery.It is unknown if the explanted device was substituted with a smith and nephew implant.The patient outcome is unknown.

Manufacturer Narrative

The device, used in treatment, was not returned for evaluation and the reported event could not be confirmed.The clinical / medical investigation concluded that, based on the limited information provided the clinical root cause for the reported infection could not be linked to the s+n devices used and are likely the complication of the external fixator pins or the procedure complication of implanting the internal devices.The surgical report was provided for review; however, it does not provide any insight for the cause of the reported infection.There is no evidence to support that the smith and nephew device contributed to the reported infection.The future impact to the patient beyond the revision cannot be determined.Should additional information become available this issue can be re-elevated.No further clinical assessment is warranted at this time.A review of complaint history did not reveal additional complaints for the listed batch.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 the risk management file and instructions for use documents revealed this failure mode was previously identified.A review of the sterilization records revealed the batch was sterilized within normal parameters.At this time, we have no reason to suspect that the product failed to meet any product specifications at the time of manufacture.Possible causes could include but not limited to traumatic injury, excessive forces applied to implant, contamination, patient reaction, and post-operative healing issue.Based on this investigation, the need for corrective action is not indicated.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

The associated device, used in treatment, was returned and evaluated.A visual inspection of the returned device did not confirm the stated failure mode.The device was naturally worn from usage.The threads and head appear to be intact and functional.The clinical/medical evaluation concluded that based on the limited information provided the clinical root cause for the reported infection could not be linked to the s+n devices used and are likely the complication of the external fixator pins or the procedure complication of implanting the internal devices.There is no evidence to support that the smith and nephew device contributed to the reported infection.The root cause for the reported broken bolt could not be determined based on the information provided.As of (b)(6) 2021, records indicate that the patient is being monitored for complete union of the tibia, ¿the leg is slightly edematous, and the soft tissue mantle is indurated (harden).¿ this event is considered ongoing.No further clinical assessment is warranted at this time.Should additional information become available this issue can be re-elevated.A review of complaint history did not reveal additional complaints for the listed batch.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 and instructions for use documents revealed this failure mode and potential harm was previously identified.Possible causes could include but not limited to traumatic injury, excessive forces applied to implant, contamination, patient reaction, and post-operative healing issue.A review of sterilization documents indicated that the product was sterilized according to sterilization release documentation.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.

• Brand Name: TRIGEN LOW PROFILE SCREW 5.0MM X 35MM
• Type of Device: ROD, FIXATION, INTRAMEDULLARY AND ACCESSORIES
• Manufacturer (Section D): SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis TN 38116
• MDR Report Key: 11817078
• MDR Text Key: 250361571
• Report Number: 1020279-2021-04177
• Device Sequence Number: 1
• Product Code: HSB
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00885556215692
• UDI-Public: 00885556215692
• Combination Product (y/n): N
• PMA/PMN Number: K111025
• Number of Events Reported: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Report Source: Manufacturer
• Source Type: company representative,health
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup,Followup
• Report Date: 10/22/2021

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Date FDA Received: 05/13/2021
• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: Yes
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: No
• Device Operator: Health Professional
• Device Model Number: 71645035
• Device Catalogue Number: 71645035
• Device Lot Number: 20BM11529
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Returned to Manufacturer: 09/13/2021
• Date Manufacturer Received: 10/21/2021
• Is This a Reprocessed and Reused Single-Use Device?: No
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Outcome(s): Hospitalization; Other; Required Intervention