MAUDE Adverse Event Report: NUVASIVE, INC. NUVASIVE RELINE SYSTEM; THORACOLUMBOSACRAL PEDICLE SCREW SYSTEM

Model Number 13116545

Device Problem Fracture (1260)

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

Event Date 07/27/2022

Event Type  malfunction  

Manufacturer Narrative

Pre-revision radiographs were provided; however, the reported screw fracture could not be identified or confirmed during review of the radiographs.No device was returned to nuvasive for evaluation; further, operative notes and/or radiograph images from the initial procedure were not provided for review of usage/technique.It is unknown at what period of time the fracture may have occurred.It was noted that the patient continued to have an active lifestyle after the initial implantation.A review of the device history record was performed and no discrepancies were found.A definitive root cause is unable to be determined with the information provided; however, the patient's post-operative activities after initial implantation may have caused or contributed to the reported fracture.There are warnings in the device labeling that this type of event can occur.Labeling review: ".Potential adverse events and complications: potential risks identified with the use of this system, which may require additional surgery, include: bending, fracture or loosening of implant component(s)." ".Warnings, cautions and precautions: these devices can break when subjected to the increased load associated with delayed union or nonunion.Internal fixation appliances are load-sharing devices that hold bony structures in alignment until healing occurs.If healing is delayed, or does not occur, the implant may eventually loosen, bend, or break.Loads on the device produced by load bearing and by the patient¿s activity level will dictate the longevity of the implant." ".Patient education: preoperative instructions to the patient are essential.The patient should be made aware of the limitations of the implant and potential risks of the surgery.The patient should be instructed to limit postoperative activity, as this will reduce the risk of bent, broken or loose implant components.The patient must be made aware that implant components may bend, break or loosen even though restrictions in activity are followed." if any further information is obtained that would change or alter any information provided, a supplemental report will be filed accordingly.

Event Description

It was reported the patient underwent an initial posterior fixation procedure.Subsequently, the patient underwent a revision procedure approximately two (2) years later to revise the fixation construct to address symptoms at adjacent levels.During the revision, it was identified that one of the screws at the l3 level had fractured as only the proximal portion of the screw shank was able to be removed.The distal end of the screw shank was unable to be removed from the vertebral body but was reported to be completely encased in the bone.As a result, the fractured portion was retained by the patient and the fixation construct was extended to the level below.No further patient impact was reported and the patient reportedly did not experience pain or any symptoms related to the fractured screw.

• Brand Name: NUVASIVE RELINE SYSTEM
• Type of Device: THORACOLUMBOSACRAL PEDICLE SCREW SYSTEM
• Manufacturer (Section D): NUVASIVE, INC.; 7475 lusk boulevard; san diego CA 92121
• Manufacturer (Section G): NUVASIVE, INC.; 7475 lusk boulevard; san diego CA 92121
• Manufacturer Contact: geoff gannon ; 7475 lusk boulevard; san diego, CA 92121
• MDR Report Key: 15263577
• MDR Text Key: 305096942
• Report Number: 2031966-2022-00156
• Device Sequence Number: 1
• Product Code: NKB
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00887517582508
• UDI-Public: 887517582508
• Combination Product (y/n): N
• Reporter Country Code: NZ
• PMA/PMN Number: K143684
• Number of Events Reported: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Report Source: Manufacturer
• Source Type: Foreign,Health Professional,Company Representative
• Reporter Occupation: Physician
• Type of Report: Initial
• Report Date: 08/21/2022

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: No
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: Yes
• Device Operator: Health Professional
• Device Model Number: 13116545
• Device Catalogue Number: N/A
• Device Lot Number: SA1643
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: No
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: Yes
• Was the Report Sent to FDA?: No
• Initial Date Manufacturer Received: 07/27/2022
• Initial Date FDA Received: 08/21/2022
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer?: Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Device Manufactured: 07/12/2017
• Is the Device Single Use?: Yes
• Is This a Reprocessed and Reused Single-Use Device?: No
• Type of Device Usage: Initial
• Removal/Correction Number: N/A
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Sex: Female