DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial Distraction System: Class I Recall - May Reverse Directions After Surgery

[Posted 08/28/2014]

AUDIENCE: Orthopedics, Surgery, Risk Manager

ISSUE: FDA notified healthcare professionals of a Class I recall of the DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Distraction System (AB Distractor Bodies and BC Distractor Bodies). Also called an External Mandibular Fixator And/Or Distractor and a Bone Plate. DePuy Synthes is recalling certain lots of the Craniomaxillofacial Distraction System because the device may reverse direction and lose the desired distraction distance after surgery.

• Infants are at the highest risk for injury if the device fails because sudden obstruction of the trachea can occur. This could lead to respiratory arrest, and result in death.
• Children or adults with the ability to maintain an open airway are at less risk for serious injury because failure of the device would not result in tracheal obstruction and could be medically reversible.
• In all patient populations, failure of the device may result in the need for surgical intervention to replace the failed device.

There have been 15 reports of injury associated with the use of this device.

See the Recall Notice for a complete listing of affected products with part and lot numbers.

BACKGROUND: The DePuy Synthes Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Distraction System is an implant used to lengthen and/or stabilize the lower jawbone (mandibular body) and the side of the lower jaw (ramus). This device is used in pediatric and adult patients to correct birth (congenital) or post-traumatic defects of the jaw by gradually lengthening the bone (distraction).

RECOMMENDATION: On April 16, 2014, DePuy Synthes sent an Urgent Notice to their customers. The notice identified the problem, affected products and tells customers to:

• Review their inventory and remove affected lots from stock.
• Call DePuy Synthes at 1-800-479-6329 for a return authorization number
• Complete and return the verification in the letter included with the notice.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

• Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
• Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

[08/26/2014 - Recall Notice - FDA]
[04/16/2014 - Medical Device Recall Notice - DePuy Synthes (PDF)]