inforMED
InjuryINP

CRUTCH TIP

Received May 30, 2013 · Event occurred Feb 6, 2013

Report 1417592-2013-00048 · MDR key 3143142

Device

Catalog number

G00841

Lot number

R120654447

Product problems

  • Insufficient Device Problem Information

Patient

65 YR

  • Fall
  • Laceration(s)

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

THE END USER FELL WHILE AMBULATING WITH CRUTCHES. HE WAS LATER DIAGNOSED WITH A TORN ROTATOR CUFF.

Additional Manufacturer Narrative

THE END USER REPORTED THAT THE CRUTCH TIPS WORE THROUGH, CAUSING HIM TO FALL. HE WAS ORIGINALLY EVALUATED AND REPORTED TO US THAT NO SERIOUS INJURY RESULTED. ON (B)(6) 2013, HE NOTIFIED US THAT HE WAS LATER DIAGNOSED WITH A TORN ROTATOR CUFF. WE DO NOT KNOW IF THE CRUTCH TIPS WERE USED ON MEDLINE CRUTCHES OR IF HIS WEIGHT WAS WITHIN THE CRUTCHES' WEIGHT LIMITATIONS. THE CRUTCH TIPS WERE RETURNED FOR EVALUATION. THEY WERE WORN ON THE EDGES BUT NOT COMPLETELY WORN THROUGH. THE INTEGRITY OF THE CENTER OF THE TIP WAS NOT COMPROMISED. THE WORN EDGES SUGGEST THAT WHILE AMBULATING WITH THE CRUTCHES, THE END USER MAY HAVE EXERTED HIS WEIGHT ON THE EDGES OF THE TIPS RATHER THAN THE CENTER, AS IS INTENDED.