Patient scheduled for elective lumbar spinal fusion (as a same day admission).Surgeon used medtronic thoracic probe (hospital-owned instrument) to access spinal pedicle.While attempting to access pedicle, tip of probe (approx.35mm) broke off in patient in left s1 pedicle.Surgeon attempted to remove, but too difficult.A decision was made by the surgeon to proceed without removal of tip since it would cause significant disruption to the pedicle that would preclude screw placement.It was decided to leave the distal tip of the pedicle probe in the bone.Surgeon completed procedure, placed screw parallel to retained tip, and informed patient's wife of events.This probe is re-sterilized in house through cspd.
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