MAUDE Adverse Event Report: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC. RULER; TAPE, MEASURING, RULERS AND CALIPERS

Catalog Number	71674079
Medical Device Problem Code	Fracture (1260)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	02/06/2026
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H11: 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 risks with the device itself or with its use 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 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.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that, during a trigen im nailing surgery, the outer sleeve of one (1) ruler snapped at the connection to the inner sleeve.The procedure was resumed, after a non-significant delay, using the same device.No further complications were reported.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H11: internal complaint reference (b)(4).H3, h6: the associated device was returned and evaluated.The visual inspection revealed that the device presents with the threaded collar fractured off the device.The device is worn with the markings on the outer shaft illegible.Device batch number was not provided; thus, an evaluation of the manufacturing records could not be performed.A review of complaint history of the previous 12 months revealed similar events for the listed part number, 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 device is a reusable instrument that can be exposed to numerous surgeries.Damage from prolonged use, misuse or rough handling are likely potential factors that could contribute to the reported event.We recommend that all reusable instruments be routinely inspected for wear and damage and replaced as necessary.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.

• Brand Name: RULER
• Common Device Name: TAPE, MEASURING, RULERS AND CALIPERS
• 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: 24541655
• Report Number: 1020279-2026-00313
• Device Sequence Number: 9158041
• Product Code: FTY
• UDI-Device Identifier: 03596010560759
• UDI-Public: 3596010560759
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: UK
• 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: Administrator/Supervisor
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 05/06/2026

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: 71674079
• Device Lot Number: UNKNOWN
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Yes
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 02/17/2026
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 04/24/2026
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 03/07/2026
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 05/06/2026
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Is the Device Labeled for Single Use? (Y/N): No
• Is This a Single-Use Device that was Reprocessed and Reused on a Patient? (Y/N): No
• Usage of Device: Unknown
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Sex: Unknown