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No device was returned for evaluation.A photograph of the device was able to confirm the reported event, as the distal articulating jaw was seen to be fractured.No operative notes were provided for review of usage/technique.Based on the information obtained, the cause of the reported fracture was likely a combination of off-axis excessive force and excessive twisting motions placed on the device during use and wear/fatigue during the device's over five-year field life.Labeling review: "warnings, cautions and precautions: complications to the hospital staff may include but are not limited to: injury that may result from instrument breakage, slippage, misuse, or mishandling." "pre-operative warnings: the method of use for the instruments are to be determined by the user¿s experience and training in surgical procedures.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." "intra-operative warnings: 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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