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	Foreign Body In Patient (2687)
Date of Event	02/20/2026
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that, during an intramedullary nail surgery, while performing distal rod locking freehand using one (1) 4.0mm short ao pilot drill, it experienced friction against the bone and broke, the pieces were removed with pliers, and it was required to use the long drill bit instead.The procedure was resumed, without any delay, using an equivalent s+n back-up.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Internal complaint reference: (b)(4).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.

• 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: 24600305
• Report Number: 1020279-2026-00343
• Device Sequence Number: 20924205
• Product Code: HRS
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: US
• 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: Other Health Care Professional
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 09/22/2026

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?: No
• Was the Report Sent to FDA?: No
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 02/20/2026
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 09/10/2026
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 03/14/2026
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 09/22/2026
• 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: 24 YR
• Patient Sex: Male