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Section h3, h6: the device was not returned for evaluation; therefore, a device analysis could not be performed.The clinical/medical investigation concluded that, based on the limited information provided, the definitive clinical root cause of the reported infection 36 days post-implantation could not be determined.However, a procedural variance could not be ruled out as the likely cause of the reported adverse event.Therefore, it cannot be concluded that the reported infection was due to a mal-performance of the smith & nephew implant or an implant failure.The impact to the patient beyond the reported infection, the subsequent revision and the expected transient recovery period cannot be determined since the health status of the patient is unknown.Should any additional relevant patient information be provided, this case would be re-assessed.A review of the production order did not reveal a manufacturing abnormality that could have caused or contributed to the reported incident.A review of complaint history for the part number over the past 12 months and for the batch number based on historical data of the device did not reveal similar events for the listed device.A review of the instructions for use documents for knee systems revealed that acute post-surgical wound infection has been identified in possible adverse effects.Active, local infection or previous intra-articular infections are identified in contraindications for total knee replacement.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.A review of the sterilization records revealed the batch was sterilized within normal parameters.At this time, we have no evidence to conclude that the product failed to meet any specifications at the time of manufacture.Factors that could contribute to the reported event include loss of sterility during procedure, post-operative healing issue, injury, patient condition and/or medical history.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.
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