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	09/03/2025
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that, before starting an internal fixation surgery one (1) 4.0mm short ao pilot drill broke while drilling the bone cortex.The material was completely removed from the patient using surgical forceps.The procedure was performed, without any delay, using the same device.No further complications were reported.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Internal complaint reference: (b)(4).This complaint was opened by smith+nephew to document a patient complication reported that includes reference to the use of a smith+nephew product without evidence about a specific product problem.The reported complication relates to known inherent 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 confirm a relationship between the reported event and the device or 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 submitting this report in accordance with applicable regulations.If additional investigative findings or information becomes available that alters the conclusions of this report, a follow-up report will be submitted as required.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
The device was not returned for evaluation.However, the photographs were reviewed and revealed that the weld of the device is fractured.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 based on the historical data revealed similar events for the listed batch, 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.We consider this investigation closed.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Internal complaint reference: (b)(4).Reported device was returned for evaluation.Sections d9, h3, h6 and h11 were updated.H3, h6: results of investigation: 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 with no material returned.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 based on the historical data revealed similar events for the listed batch, 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.

• 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 ; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis, TN 38116 ; 5123913905
• MDR Report Key: 23163868
• Report Number: 1020279-2025-01602
• Device Sequence Number: 15841728
• 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): 04/29/2026

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: 23CSZ0038
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Yes
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: Yes
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 09/03/2025
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 10/28/2025; 04/22/2026
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 09/28/2025
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 10/29/2025; 04/29/2026
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Device Manufactured: 05/23/2024
• 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: 44 YR
• Patient Sex: Male