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| Model Number |
IBALANCE TKA, MODULAR TIBIAL TRAY, SZ 2 |
| Medical Device Problem Codes |
Degraded (1153); Patient Device Interaction Problem (4001)
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| Health Effect - Clinical Codes |
Bone Fracture(s) (1870); Failure of Implant (1924); Pain (1994)
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| Date of Event |
06/25/2025
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Type of Reportable Event
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Serious Injury
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Additional Manufacturer Narrative
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Investigation is in process.A follow-up report will be provided upon availability of additional information.
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Event or Problem Description
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On (b)(6) 2025, it was reported by a patient that an arthrex knee implant had been placed approximately four years prior.The patient experienced persistent pain and frequent falls throughout that time.It was later determined that the implant had fallen apart, resulting in fractures to the bones in the knee.A total revision and bone graft procedure was performed in late (b)(6) 2025.
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Event or Problem Description
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Additional information received on 10/9/2025: the patient underwent right knee surgery on (b)(6) 2021, during which arthrex implants were used.A revision procedure was later performed on (b)(6) 2025.Throughout the course of treatment, the patient received multiple evaluations, including x-rays and mris, as well as physical therapy.Additional orthopedic consultations were conducted on (b)(6) 2022 and (b)(6) 2024 to assess the condition of the right knee implant.Nothing further was provided.Additional information was received on 10/14/2025: part number ar-513-t2 ibalance tka modular tibial tray and an ar-526-4r ibal tka fem, ps cemented were both implanted and later explanted.Additional information was requested.
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Additional Manufacturer Narrative
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Additional information: b3, b5, d1, d2a, d2b, d4, g3, g4, h3, h6.The complaint allegation is not confirmed.Photographic evidence submitted from the field shows only surface damage to the ar-513-t2, ibalance® tka tibial tray modular size 2, batch number 12650709.Based on the available information and visual confirmation, arthrex has determined that the most likely cause is a patient-specific event.Based on the submitted images, the implant appears to be well-cemented, structurally intact, and free from any visible damage or breakage.Given the history of persistent pain and frequent falls over the four-year period following implantation, it is most likely that the implant became loose due to cumulative trauma rather than a product-related issue.Per dfu-0184-4-e, patients must receive detailed instructions regarding the use and limitations of this device.Patient-specific factors¿including activity level, bone quality, and adherence to postoperative protocols¿can significantly influence outcomes.Engaging in activities that place excessive stress on implants (e.G., running, lifting, skiing) may lead to premature implant failure.It is critical that the fixation provided by the device be protected until healing is complete, and that the postoperative regimen prescribed by the physician be strictly followed to minimize the risk of adverse stresses on the implant.
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Additional Manufacturer Narrative
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Additional information: b3, b5, d1, d2a, d2b, d4, g3, g4, h3, h6.The complaint allegation is confirmed.Photographic evidence submitted from the field shows damage to an ar-513-t2 implant, batch number 12650709.Based on the available information and visual confirmation, arthrex has determined that the most likely cause is a patient-specific event.Per dfu-0184-4-e, patients must receive detailed instructions regarding the use and limitations of this device.Patient-specific factors¿including activity level, bone quality, and adherence to postoperative protocols¿can significantly influence outcomes.Engaging in activities that place excessive stress on implants (e.G., running, lifting, skiing) may lead to premature implant failure.It is critical that the fixation provided by the device be protected until healing is complete, and that the postoperative regimen prescribed by the physician be strictly followed to minimize the risk of adverse stresses on the implant.
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Event or Problem Description
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Additional information received on 10/9/2025: the patient underwent right knee surgery on (b)(6) 2021, during which arthrex implants were used.A revision procedure was later performed on (b)(6) 2025.Throughout the course of treatment, the patient received multiple evaluations, including x-rays and mris, as well as physical therapy.Additional orthopedic consultations were conducted on (b)(6) 2022 and (b)(6) 2024 to assess the condition of the right knee implant.Nothing further was provided.Additional information was received on 10/14/2025: part number ar-513-t2 ibalance tka modular tibial tray and an ar-526-4r ibal tka fem, ps cemented were both implanted and later explanted.Additional information was requested.
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Event or Problem Description
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Additional information was received on 10/14/2025: per the patient's medical records, the patient reported persistent pain rated between 7/10 and 9/10, stiffness, and limited range of motion from the time of implantation.The patient was unable to return to the previous level of activity and relied on a cane for mobility.Frequent falls and functional decline were noted, including difficulty with daily tasks such as shopping and exercising.Imaging and ct scans performed in 2024 showed no gross malpositioning, but mild tibial rotation was noted.Despite these findings, the patient continued to experience debilitating symptoms.A surgical pathology report dated (b)(6) 2025 confirmed mechanical loosening of the implant and degenerative changes in the surrounding bone and synovial tissue.Physical therapy records post-revision documented improved gait, reduced swelling, and progress toward functional goals, including stair climbing and sit-to-stand exercises.Pain levels decreased to an average of 2¿5/10, with continued monitoring and rehabilitation.
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Additional Manufacturer Narrative
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Additional information: b5, g3, h6.
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Additional Manufacturer Narrative
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Additional information: g3, h3 the complaint allegation is not confirmed.Photographic evidence submitted from the field shows only surface damage to the ar-513-t2, ibalance® tka tibial tray modular size 2, batch number 12650709.Based on the available information and visual confirmation, arthrex has determined that the most likely cause is a patient-specific event.Based on the submitted images, the implant appears to be well-cemented, structurally intact, and free from any visible damage or breakage.Given the history of persistent pain and frequent falls over the four-year period following implantation, it is most likely that the implant became loose due to cumulative trauma rather than a product-related issue.Per dfu-0184-4-e rev.0, patients must receive detailed instructions regarding the use and limitations of this device.Patient-specific factors¿including activity level, bone quality, and adherence to postoperative protocols¿can significantly influence outcomes.Engaging in activities that place excessive stress on implants (e.G., running, lifting, skiing) may led to premature implant failure.It is critical that the fixation provided by the device be protected until healing is complete, and that the postoperative regimen prescribed by the physician be strictly followed to minimize the risk of adverse stresses on the implant.Conclusion: the implant was evaluated onsite, and based on the assessment, it was determined that the most likely cause of the issue is a patient-specific event.This conclusion aligns with the patient¿s history of persistent pain and frequent falls over a four-year period following implantation and concurs with the current investigation findings.
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Search Alerts/Recalls
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