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The reported event was confirmed via correspondence with the rep.The device was disposed at the hospital and is unavailable for evaluation.Manufacturing record review of the reported lot number did not identify any relevant issues.It is unknown if the patient fused, what their post op activity level was, and what their bone quality was.The devices were implanted for almost 4 years.The xia 3 surgical technique states "while the expected life of spinal implant components is difficult to estimate, it is finite.These components are made of foreign materials which are placed within the body for the potential fusion of the spine and reduction of pain.However, due to the many biological, mechanical and physicochemical factors which affect these devices but cannot be evaluated in vivo, the components cannot be expected to indefinitely withstand the activity level and loads of normal healthy bone.Delayed union or nonunion: internal fixation appliances are load sharing devices which are used to obtain alignment until normal healing occurs.In the event that healing is delayed, does not occur, or failure to immobilize the delayed/nonunion results, the implant will be subject to excessive and repeated stresses which can eventually cause loosening, bending or fatigue fracture.The degree or success of union, loads produced by weight bearing, and activity levels will, among other conditions, dictate the longevity of the implant.If a nonunion develops or if the implants loosen, bend or break, the device(s) should be revised or removed immediately before serious injury occurs.As it is unknown whether the patient fused, and the device was implanted for almost 4 years, the most likely root cause is loosening due to length of implantation.Bone quality and patient post op activity may have also contributed to the event.
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