MAUDE Adverse Event Report: TRIGEN LOW PROFILE SCREW 5.0MM X 25MM; ROD, FIXATION, INTRAMEDULLARY AND ACCESSORIES

Model Number 71645025

Device Problems Break (1069); Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem (2993)

Patient Problems Bacterial Infection (1735); Impaired Healing (2378)

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 loosening of distal screws, secretion and wound healing problems with the presence of staphylococcus aureus in the area of distal locking.X-ray scans showed that there was a proximal locking screw perforated which later on during revision surgery was noticed broken.A revision surgery was performed on (b)(6) 2021 to treat this adverse event.The trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 35mm ((b)(4)), low profile screw 5.0mm x 35mm ((b)(4)), int hex cap scr 5.0mm x 35mm ((b)(4)), trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 40mm ((b)(4)), trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 55mm ((b)(4)) and trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 25mm ((b)(4)) alongside with the nail meta-nail tibial 10mm x 36cm were explanted during this revision surgery.Despite of the tibial fracture being diagnosed as "somewhat submerged and shortened", the surgeon advised that the healing process of the incompletely consolidated fracture can be awaited, but there is a risk of pseudoarthrosis formation.For this, an additional surgery will be discussed and evaluated with the patient to implant a larger intramedullary nail or a plate system, both possible once the infectious situation has been completely rehabilitated.Patient outcome is post-op with antibiotic regime.

Manufacturer Narrative

Internal complaint reference: (b)(4).The device, used in treatment, was not returned for evaluation and the reported event could not be confirmed.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.

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 loosening of distal screws, secretion and wound healing problems with the presence of staphylococcus aureus in the area of distal locking.There was also an adjacent extensive fluid deposit in the subcutaneous adipose tissue.X-ray scans showed that there was a proximal locking screw perforated which later on during revision surgery was noticed broken.A revision surgery was performed on (b)(6) 2021 to treat this adverse event.The trigen low profile screw 5.0mm x 25mm was explanted during this revision surgery.Despite of the tibial fracture being diagnosed as "somewhat submerged and shortened", the surgeon advised that the healing process of the incompletely consolidated fracture can be awaited, but there is a risk of pseudoarthrosis formation.For this, an additional surgery will be discussed and evaluated with the patient to implant a larger intramedullary nail or a plate system, both possible once the infectious situation has been completely rehabilitated.Patient was in post-op antibiotic regime until (b)(6) 2021, and a complete bony consolidation of the fibula is well demonstrable.For the right tibia, a narrow bridge of consolidation is evident.An additional control appointment has been scheduled on end of (b)(6) 2021 to monitor complete union of the tibia, and if pain occurs, an additional plate osteosynthesis will be performed.The leg is slightly edematous and the soft tissue mantle is indurated.

• Brand Name: TRIGEN LOW PROFILE SCREW 5.0MM X 25MM
• Type of Device: ROD, FIXATION, INTRAMEDULLARY AND ACCESSORIES
• MDR Report Key: 12046396
• MDR Text Key: 257693267
• Report Number: 1020279-2021-05350
• Device Sequence Number: 1
• Product Code: HSB
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00885556215494
• UDI-Public: 00885556215494
• Combination Product (y/n): N
• PMA/PMN Number: K111025
• Number of Events Reported: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Report Source: Manufacturer
• Source Type: foreign,health professional
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date: 10/28/2021

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Date FDA Received: 06/22/2021
• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: Yes
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: Yes
• Device Operator: Health Professional
• Device Model Number: 71645025
• Device Catalogue Number: 71645025
• Device Lot Number: 16HT74801
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: No
• Date Manufacturer Received: 10/26/2021
• Is the Device Single Use?: Yes
• Is This a Reprocessed and Reused Single-Use Device?: No
• Type of Device Usage: Initial
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Outcome(s): Hospitalization; Other; Required Intervention