Visual, dimensional, functional and material analysis could not be performed as the device was not returned.A review of the device and complaint history records could not be performed as a valid lot number was not provided and could not be obtained.From es2 surgical technique: final tightening of the blockers is performed using the counter torque tube and the torque wrench.Place the counter torque tube down over the blades.Insert the torque wrench through the counter torque tube to engage the blocker.Turn the handle of the torque wrench clockwise to align the two arrows on the torque wrench to achieve the 12nm of torque required to secure the implant construct.Information for patients: the surgeon must warn the patient that the device cannot and does not replicate the flexibility, strength, reliability or durability of normal healthy bone, that the implant can break or become damaged as a result of strenuous activity or trauma, and that the device may need to be replaced in the future.If the patient is involved in an occupation or activity which applies inordinate stress upon the implant (e.G., substantial walking, running, lifting, or muscle strain) the surgeon must advise the patient that resultant forces can cause failure of the device.Patients who smoke have been shown to have an increased incidence of non-unions.Post-operative care: surgeons must instruct patients regarding appropriate and restricted activities during consolidation and maturation for the fusion mass in order to prevent placing excessive stress on the implants which may lead to fixation or implant failure and accompanying clinical problems.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.Based on available information, most likely cause of the reported event is poor bone quality of the patient and excessive post-op activity.Other probable causes include: patient obesity, blocker not tightened properly at 12 nm during initial surgery.
|