inforMED
MalfunctionHTT

SWANSON REAMER BUR, MEDIUM, 4MM

Received May 28, 2008 · Event occurred May 5, 2008

Report 1017294-2008-00214 · MDR key 1054689

Device

Generic name

Reamer Burr

Manufacturer

Conmed Linvatec

Model number

NA

Catalog number

00509114400

Lot number

NK

Product problems

  • Device, or device fragments remain in patient
  • Tip breakage

Patient

NK

  • Nonresorbable materials, unretrieved in body

Narrative

Additional Manufacturer Narrative

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS: THE DEVICE WILL NOT BE RETURNED FOR INVESTIGATION. ACCORDING TO THE REPORTER, THE DEVICE AND PACKAGING WAS DISPOSED OF AT THE USER FACILITY. A REVIEW OF COMPLAINT HISTORY FOR THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS FOUND NO OTHER REPORTS OF THIS FAILURE FOR THIS DEVICE. A CYTOTOXICITY STUDY USING THE MEM ELUTION METHOD FOUND THIS BUR MATERIAL (17-4 STAINLESS STEEL) NON CYTOTOXIC. THIS BUR HOWEVER, IS NOT INTENDED FOR IMPLANT AND OVER TIME WILL CORRODE. IN ADDITION, THIS ALLOY IS MAGNETIC. THE SURGEON WILL BE PROVIDED ADDITIONAL INFO REGARDING THIS BUR.

Description of Event or Problem

IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING USE OF THIS BUR TO PERFORM ARTHROPLASTY OF 4 FINGERS, THE BUR TIP BROKE OFF IN THE PT'S BONE. THIS OCCURRED DURING USE OF THE BUR ON THE LAST (FOURTH) FINGER. AT THIS TIME, THE SURGEON CHOSE NOT TO RETRIEVE THE TIP. TO DATE, THE STATUS OF THE PT IS UNK.