Manufacturing imperfection of a locking plate screw hole: a case report

J Long Term Eff Med Implants. 2006;16(2):179-83. doi: 10.1615/jlongtermeffmedimplants.v16.i2.70.

Abstract

Plate and screw fixation devices are essential in the orthopaedic surgical management of various fractures. Production of these devices has been nearly perfected, with few manufacturing defects reported. Assuming that all implants have been machined properly may cause a surgeon to overlook a manufacturing defect and may potentially result in a poor patient outcome. We report a case of the imperfect manufacturing of a less invasive stabilization system (LISS) plate screw hole. This resulted in a loss of fixation of a single locking screw to the plate in the treatment of a distal femoral fracture. Prompt recognition of the defect helped avoid a potential adverse outcome for the patient. When these issues arise, open dialogue with industry is crucial to promptly identify a solution and enhance patient care. This case highlights the manufacturing company's outstanding quality control and prompt solution of such an occurrence. It is the purpose of this report to raise surgeons' awareness of potential manufacturing problems with implants and prevent negative consequences as a result.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Screws*
  • Female
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / methods
  • Humans
  • Internal Fixators*
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthopedic Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods*