MAUDE Adverse Event Report: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC. 4.0MM SHORT AO PILOT DRILL; PLATE, FIXATION, BONE

Catalog Number	71631123
Medical Device Problem Code	Fracture (1260)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	03/01/2025
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H10: internal complaint reference: (b)(4).H3, h6: this complaint was opened by smith+nephew to document a product problem associated with a smith+nephew device.The reported problem relates to known inherent device and/or procedural risks that are appropriately documented in our risk files.Smith+nephew will continue to monitor trends in accordance with our post-market surveillance process and take necessary action as required if anticipated severity and/or occurrence rates are exceeded.Smith+nephew has no reason to suspect that the product failed to meet any specifications at the time of manufacture.Based on our review of all currently available information, we are unable to identify a definitive root cause.However, as the use of our product cannot be excluded as a potential cause or contributory factor to the reported issue, we are conservatively submitting this report in accordance with applicable regulations.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that during an internal fixation surgery, one (1) 4.0mm short ao pilot drill broke while drilling the distal block.The drill bit ended up forcing against the rod, which caused the tip to break.The broken piece was removed with the help of a needle holder.The procedure was resumed, without any delay, using a s+n back-up device.No injury was reported as a consequence of this issue.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Correction: e2, g2, h5, h6 (component code) and h8.Additional information: e1, e3, h6 (type of investigation), and h11 (roi).H11: the device was not returned for evaluation; therefore, a device analysis could not be performed.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 revealed similar events for the listed device over the previous 12 months, but no similar events for the batch based on the historical data, this failure mode will be monitored for future complaints for any necessary corrective actions.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.At this time, we have no evidence to conclude that the product failed to meet any specifications at the time of manufacture.This is a single use device, surgical technique or damage from misuse are likely potential factors that could contribute to the reported event.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.Internal complaint reference: (b)(4).
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H3, h6: the associated device was returned and evaluated.The visual inspection revealed that the device returned heavily worn from use, with the distal tip fractured off and returned with the shaft.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 revealed similar events for the listed device over the previous 12 months, but no similar events for the batch based on the historical data, this failure mode will be monitored for future complaints for any necessary corrective actions.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.At this time, we have no evidence to conclude that the product failed to meet any specifications at the time of manufacture.This is a single use device, surgical technique or damage from misuse are likely potential factors that could contribute to the reported event.Based on this investigation, the need for corrective action is not indicated.Should 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.Additional information: d9.

• Brand Name: 4.0MM SHORT AO PILOT DRILL
• Common Device Name: PLATE, FIXATION, BONE
• Manufacturer (Section D): SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis TN 38116
• Manufacturer (Section G): SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis TN 38116
• Manufacturer Contact: holly topping ; 7000 west william cannon drive; austin, TX 78735 ; 5123913905
• MDR Report Key: 21689397
• Report Number: 1020279-2025-00532
• Device Sequence Number: 9308317
• Product Code: HRS
• UDI-Device Identifier: 03596010497475
• UDI-Public: 3596010497475
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: BR
• PMA/510(K) Number: K123055
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Serviced by Third Party (Y/N): N
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: Other,Foreign,Health Professional,Company Representative
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Physician
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 01/15/2026

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
• Operator of Device: Health Professional
• Device Catalogue Number: 71631123
• Device Lot Number: 21KUQ0018A
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: No
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: Yes
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 03/01/2025
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 04/14/2025; 01/14/2026
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 03/25/2025
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 04/17/2025; 01/15/2026
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Device Manufactured: 03/07/2024
• Is the Device Labeled for Single Use? (Y/N): Yes
• Is This a Single-Use Device that was Reprocessed and Reused on a Patient? (Y/N): No
• Usage of Device: Initial
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Age: 25 YR
• Patient Sex: Female