DePuy Synthes Spinal Instrument Breakage
There are more than 900,000 Americans that undergo spine surgery annually, which demands the market to constantly adapting with new products to improve the outcome and recovery of these procedures. One of which products being the Depuy Synthes T25 Screwdriver, designed with an unusual star-shaped head for a more secure fit and a higher torque transmission to allow screws and bolts to be tightened better than other products on the market. However, the screwdriver’s shaft has been found to continuously break, putting patients at risk of catastrophic consequences, and prompting over 225 incident reports over the last 10 years.
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What is the DePuy Synthes T25 Screwdriver?
The Synthes T25 surgical instrument is a tool used in spinal surgeries when inserting and securing hardware in patients. During a spinal procedure, screws are used to help secure implants in place. Screwdrivers are used to stabilize screws in plates during orthopedic surgical procedures which aim to repair a broken bone, secure two bone fragments, or aid a degenerative spinal condition.
This device resembles a screwdriver you probably have laying around your house, used by every-day people to tighten and remove screws. Carpenters, installers, electricians, and technicians use similar tools in their field, yet these tools hardly ever break while performing such tasks.
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Reasons for Recall
To date, over 225 incidents involving the Synthes T25 have been voluntarily reported to the FDA, according to the MAUDE Adverse Event Report. A defect in the driver is causing the tip of the shaft to break off, causing higher- than-expected failure rates and injuring patients. Surgeons have experienced a variety of adverse effects while using the device, including:
- Detachment of device components;
- Metal shedding debris;
- Breaking; and
Despite the instrument being a relatively straightforward design and use, the malfunction can cause a series of life-threating complications, such as:
- Hemorrhaging;
- Infection;
- Blood loss;
- Laceration(s);
- Pain;
- Punctured organs; and/or
- The device embedding in tissue or plague.
DePuy Orthopaedics is fully responsible for inspecting their screwdriver for defects and is deemed negligent for endangering the lives of patients due to their faulty product. Despite the numerous complaints, the FDA has yet to take action to prevent further incidents.
History of Winning Against DePuy Synthes Companies
This is not the first issue with a DePuy product, nor the first time Meyers & Flowers has stood up against the orthopedic franchise. In 2015, Meyers & Flowers secured a $2.5 billion settlement against DePuy Orthopaedics, of Johnson & Johnson, for the more than 8,000 patients suffering from defective ASR-hip replacement devices implanted in their bodies. Spearheading the litigation in Illinois for hundreds of patients, Peter Flowers, of Meyers & Flowers filed suits in this case representing the thousands of patients suffering from these metal-on-metal devices who have undergone revision surgery across the country. Learn more by clicking here.
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How Can We Help
At the law offices of Meyers & Flowers, we have the expertise and experience to pursue litigation against large medical companies such as DePuy. Our long record of excellence includes million-dollar awards on behalf of clients harmed by medical device failure. Manufacturers who allow faulty devices onto the market must be held accountable for the harm they cause to unsuspecting patients.
Meyers & Flowers is currently accepting cases in all 50 states. If you or a loved one have suffered serious complications after a spinal surgery involving a DePuy Synthes T25 Screwdriver, we encourage you to contact our team of experienced product liability attorneys to explore your legal options. Please call us today to find out more: (630) 232-6333.