inforMED
MalfunctionLRZ

CAPTIVE HEX SCREWDRIVER

Received Sep 20, 2004 · Event occurred Aug 25, 2004

Report 1057469-2004-00005 · MDR key 5303354

Device

Generic name

Screwdriver

Manufacturer

Endius, Inc.

Model number

NA

Catalog number

ET 1052-01

Lot number

L526718

Product problems

  • Break
  • Difficult to Remove
  • Device Or Device Fragments Location Unknown

Patient

22 YR

  • Device Embedded In Tissue or Plaque

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

A CAPTIVE HEXTIP SCREWDRIVER BROKE WHILE THE SURGEON WAS TIGHTENING THE LAST CAP SCREW OF A SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM. THE SURGEON ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE HEX TIP FROM THE CAP SCREW UNSUCCESSFULLY. THE TIP OF THE SCREWDRIVER REMAINED EMBEDDED IN THE CAPSCREW AND THE PATIENT WAS CLOSED. THE SCREWDRIVER IS MANUFACTURED WITH 440C STAINLESS STEEL BUT HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR IMPLANTS. THE CAPSCREW IS MADE FROM TITANIUM. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF INTERACTION/CORROSION DUE TO THE IMPLANTATION OF THESE DISSIMILAR METALS.