K021564 · Spinal Concepts, Inc. · KWQ · Oct 25, 2002 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K021564
Device Name
INCOMPASS SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM
Applicant
Spinal Concepts, Inc.
Product Code
KWQ · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Oct 25, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3060
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
When intended for pedicle serew fixation from T1-S1, the InCompass Spinal Fixation System is intended to provide immobilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine: degenerative disc disease (defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, deformities or curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, and/or lordosis), tumor and failed previous fusion. As a pedicle screw system placed between L3 and S1, the indications include Grade 3 or Grade 4 spondylolisthesis, when utilizing autologous bone graft, when affixed to the posterior lumbosacral spine, and intended to be removed after solid fusion is established. When intended for non-pedicle, posterior screw fixation of the non-cervical spine (T1-S1), the indications are idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis with associated paralysis or spasticity, scoliosis with deficient posterior elements such as that resulting from laminectomy or myelomeningocele, spinal fractures (acute reduction or late deformity), degenerative disc disease (back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), tumor, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis and failed previous fusion. When intended for anterolateral screw, rod and or cable fixation of the T6-L5 spine the indications are degenerative disc disease (back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), spondylolisthesis, trauma (i.e. fracture or dislocation), spinal stenosis, deformities or curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, and/or lordosis), tumor and failed previous fusion. The use of posterior spinal instrumentation in children has been reported in the literature. The InCompass Spinal Fixation System may be used for non-pedicle posterior use in this patient group. After solid fusion occurs, these devices serve no functional purpose and should be removed. In most cases, removal is indicated because the implants are not intended to transfer or support forces developed during normal activities. Any decision to remove the device must be made by the physician and the patient, taking into consideration the patient's general medical condition and the potential risk to the patient of a second surgical procedure.
Device Story
InCompass Spinal Fixation System provides temporary spinal stabilization following fusion surgery. System components include hooks, screws, rods, and connectors; features top-loading open-style implants, closed-style implants, offset connectors for rod contouring, and crosslinks for rotational stiffness. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to immobilize spinal segments. Device serves no functional purpose post-fusion and is intended for removal. Benefits include stabilization of spinal segments during the healing process.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Static and fatigue mechanical testing performed in accordance with ASTM F1717 to verify design and functional requirements.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Stainless Steel (ASTM F-138) and titanium alloy Ti6Al4V ELI (ASTM F-136). Components: hooks, screws, rods, connectors, crosslinks. Mechanical stabilization principle. Warning: Do not mix stainless steel and titanium in the same construct.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients (and children for non-pedicle posterior use) requiring spinal immobilization/stabilization as an adjunct to fusion. Treats acute/chronic instabilities or deformities (T1-S1 or T6-L5) including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis (including Grade 3/4), scoliosis (idiopathic/neuromuscular), fractures, dislocations, tumors, spinal stenosis, and failed previous fusion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal intervertebral body fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of titanium. It consists of various vertebral plates that are punched into each of a series of vertebral bodies. An eye-type screw is inserted in a hole in the center of each of the plates. A braided cable is threaded through each eye-type screw. The cable is tightened with a tension device and it is fastened or crimped at each eye-type screw. The device is used to apply force to a series of vertebrae to correct “sway back,” scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine), or other conditions.
Predicate Devices
BacFix Spinal Fixation System (Spinal Concepts, Inc)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K021564 r'/2
# OCT 2 5 2007
| SUBMITTED BY | Spinal Concepts, Inc.<br>12012 Technology Blvd., Suite 100<br>Austin, TX 78727 |
|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ESTABLISHMENT<br>REGISTRATION NUMBER | 1649384 |
| CONTACT PERSON | David M. Hooper, Ph.D.<br>Director, Regulatory and Clinical Affairs |
| DATE PREPARED | May 10, 2002 |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME | Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation Orthosis<br>Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis<br>Pedicle Screw Spinal System |
| COMMON NAME | Spinal Fixation System |
| PROPRIETARY NAME | InCompass Spinal Fixation System |
| PREDICATE DEVICE | BacFix Spinal Fixation System (Spinal Concepts, Inc) |
# InCompass Spinal Fixation System 510(k) Summary
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Spinal Concepts, Inc. InCompass Spinal Fixation System consists of various hooks, screws, rods and connectors and is intended to provide temporary stabilization following surgery to fuse the spine. This system includes open styled hooks and screws, which allow the surgeon to use a top loading technique for dropping the spinal rod down to the fixation components. Closed styled implants are also provided. Offset connectors are included to provide both offset between the screw and rod and also and reduce the effort needed to contour the spinal rod. Crosslinks are provided to increase rotational stiffness to longer constructs. Two sizes of spinal rods are included with this system.
### MATERIALS
Components of the InCompass Spinal Fixation System are offered in Stainless Steel (ASTM F-138) and titanium alloy Ti6Al4V ELI (ASTM F-136).
WARNING: Stainless steel and titanium components should not be used in the same construct.
#### INDICATIONS
When intended for pedicle screw fixation from T1-S1, the InCompass Spinal Fixation System is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine: degenerative disc disease (defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, deformities or curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis), tumor, and failed previous fusion.
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As a pedicle screw system placed between L3 and S1, the indications include Grade 3 or Grade 4 spondylolisthesis, when utilizing autologous bone graft, when affixed to the posterior lumbosacral spine, and intended to be removed after solid fusion is established.
When intended for non-pedicle, posterior screw fixation of the non-cervical spine (T1-S1), the indications are idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis with associated paralysis or spasticity, scoliosis with deficient posterior elements such as that resulting from laminectomy or mvelomeningocele, spinal fractures (acute reduction or late deformity), degenerative disc disease (back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), tumor, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis and failed previous fusion.
When intended for anterolateral screw, rod and or cable fixation of the T6-L5 spine the indications are degenerative disease (back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), spondylolisthesis, trauma (i.e. fracture or dislocation), spinal stenosis, deformities or curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, and/or lordosis), tumor and failed previous fusion
After solid fusion occurs, these devices serve no functional purpose and should be removed. In most cases, removal is indicated because the implants are not intended to transfer or support forces developed during normal activities. Any decision to remove the device must be made by the physician and the patient, taking into consideration the patient's general medical condition and the potential risk to the patient of a second surgical procedure.
The use of posterior spinal instrumentation in children has been reported in the literature. The InCompass Spinal Fixation System may be used for non-pedicle posterior use in this patient group.
#### MECHANICAL TEST DATA
Mechanical testing data, collected in accordance with ASTM 1717, were collected to verify the designs. Static and fatigue data were provided to demonstrate that the design met all functional requirements.
## BASIS OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The InCompass Spinal Fixation System is substantially equivalent to its predicates in terms of fit, form and function. All systems are made from biocompatible metals, and include screws, hooks and rods to provide stabilization of the spine.
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
0 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
David M. Hooper, Ph.D. Manager, Regulatory and Clinical Affairs Spinal Concepts, Inc. 12012 Technology Boulevard, Suite #100 Austin, Texas 78727
K021564 Re:
> Trade/Device Name: InCompass Spinal Fixation System Regulatory Number: 21 CFR 888.3070(b)(1), 888.3050, 888.3060 Regulation Name: Pedicle Screw Spinal System, Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis, Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation Orthosis Regulatory Class: III Product Code: MNI, MNH, KWP, KWQ Dated: August 28, 2002 Received: August 29, 2002
Dear Dr. Hooper:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration. Iisting of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 331-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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Page 2 - Dr. David M. Hooper
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of ' Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device. please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
Mark N. Milliman
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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INIDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
Page 1 of 2
510(k) Number (if known): K021564
Device Name: Spinal Concepts, Inc. InCompass Spinal Fixation System
## Indications for Use:
When intended for pedicle serew fixation from T1-S1, the InCompass Spinal Fixation System is intended to provide immobilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine: degenerative disc disease (defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, deformities or curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, and/or lordosis), tumor and failed previous fusion.
As a pedicle screw system placed between L3 and S1, the indications include Grade 3 or Grade 4 spondylolisthesis, when utilizing autologous bone graft, when affixed to the posterior lumbosacral spine, and intended to be removed after solid fusion is established.
When intended for non-pedicle, posterior screw fixation of the non-cervical spine (T1-S1), the indications are idiopathic scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis with associated paralysis or spasticity, scoliosis with deficient posterior elements such as that resulting from laminectomy or myelomeningocele, spinal fractures (acute reduction or late deformity), degenerative disc disease (back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), tumor, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis and failed previous fusion.
When intended for anterolateral screw, rod and or cable fixation of the T6-L5 spine the indications are degenerative disc disease (back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), spondylolisthesis, trauma (i.e. fracture or dislocation), spinal stenosis, deformities or curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, and/or lordosis), tumor and failed previous fusion
The use of posterior spinal instrumentation in children has been reported in the literature. The InCompass Spinal Fixation System may be used for non-pedicle posterior use in this patient group.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use: (Per 21 CFR 801.109) OR
Over-The-Counter: (Optional Format 1-2-96)
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# INIDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
Page 2 of 2
510(k) Number (if known): KU2454
Device Name: Spinal Concepts, Inc. InCompass Spinal Fixation System
Indications for Use:
After solid fusion occurs, these devices serve no functional purpose and should be removed. In most cases, removal is indicated because the implants are not intended to transfer or support forces developed during normal activities. Any decision to remove the device must be made by the physician and the patient, taking into consideration the patient's general medical condition and the potential risk to the patient of a second surgical procedure.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use: (Per 21 CFR 801.109) OR
Over-The-Counter: (Optional Format 1-2-96)
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.