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It was reported that a patient underwent a procedure.During the procedure, while the surgeon was final tightening, the tip of the final lock screw driver fractured off within the lock screw.The tip was left in-situ, embedded in the lock screw.No further patient impact was reported.No additional information was provided.
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No operative notes and/or radiograph images were provided for review of usage/technique.Information regarding the torque handle used and/or the patient's bone quality was not provided.No device was returned for evaluation; however, a photograph was provided and was used to confirm the reported event.Further review of the photograph provided identified the tip likely experienced a high-load torsional fracture.Additionally, based on the manufacturing date of the device, material fatigue as a result of use during the device's duration in the field was also a likely contributor.A review of the device history record was performed and no discrepancies were found that could have caused or contributed to the reported event.Labeling review: ".Warnings, cautions and precautions: the implantation of spinal systems should be performed only by experienced spinal surgeons with specific training in the use of this spinal system because this is a technically demanding procedure presenting a risk of serious injury to the patient." ".The instruments should be treated as any precision instrument and should be carefully placed on trays, cleaned after each use, and stored, according to generally accepted hospital methods and practices.The instruments should be carefully examined prior to use for functionality, excessive wear, or damage.A damaged instrument should not be used as this may increase the risk of malfunction and potential patient injury." ".Care should be used during surgical procedures to prevent damage to the device(s) and injury to the patient." ".The physical characteristics required for many instruments do not permit them to be manufactured from implantable materials.If any broken fragments of instruments remain in the body of a patient, they could cause allergic reactions or infections.If an instrument breaks in surgery and fragments go into the patient, these pieces should be removed prior to closure and should not be implanted.".
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