K022399 · Blackstone Medical, Inc. · KWQ · Aug 6, 2002 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K022399
Device Name
BLACKSTONE SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM SPACER
Applicant
Blackstone Medical, Inc.
Product Code
KWQ · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Aug 6, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3060
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Blackstone Spinal Fixation System is intended for non-cervical use in the spine. The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for pedicle screw fixation, is intended only for patients: a) Having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint; b) Who are receiving fusion using autogenous bone graft only; c) Who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine (L3 and below); and d) Who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in skeletally mature patients, is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments, as an adjunct to fusion, in treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine: a) Degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment; b) Fracture; c) Dislocation: d) Scoliosis; e) Kyphosis: f) Spinal tumor; and g) Failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for anterolateral non-pedicle fixation, is intended for the following indications: a) Degenerative disc disease (as defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degenerative disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies); b) Spinal stenosis; c) Spondylolisthesis: d) Spinal deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis); e) Pseudarthrosis; f) Tumor; g) Trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); h) Previous failed fusion.
Device Story
Titanium alloy (6AL-4V ELI) spacer component for Blackstone Spinal Fixation System; adjunct to spinal implant constructs. Features spherical recess for pedicle screw nesting; enables congruent contact between components. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to stabilize spinal operative sites during bone graft fusion process. Available in two thicknesses; single-use; non-sterile. Provides mechanical immobilization of spinal segments to facilitate fusion.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Titanium alloy (6AL-4V ELI, ASTM F136). Form factor: Spacer with spherical recess for pedicle screw nesting. Available in one diameter, two thicknesses. Non-sterile, single-use. Mechanical fixation device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients requiring spinal stabilization/immobilization as an adjunct to fusion for non-cervical spine conditions including degenerative spondylolisthesis, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor, pseudarthrosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Specific pedicle screw use restricted to severe L5-S1 spondylolisthesis (Grades 3-4) with autogenous bone graft and removal after 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.
Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System Second-Gen Cross-Connector (K003735)
Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System 4.5mm Mono-Axial Screws (K013558)
Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System 4.5mm Multi-Axial Screws (K020674)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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## AUG 0 6 2002
## 510(K) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
| Name of Firm: | Blackstone Medical, Inc.<br>90 Brookdale Drive<br>Springfield, MA 01104 |
|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Contact: | Alan Lombardo<br>Director of Engineering |
| Trade Name: | Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System<br>Spacer (System Modification) |
| Common Name: | Rod and screw spinal instrumentation |
| Device Product Code<br>& Classification: | MNH 888.3070 - Spondylolisthesis Spinal<br>Fixation Device System<br>KWQ 888.3060 - Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation<br>Orthosis<br>MNI 888.3070 - Pedicle Screw Spinal System |
| Substantially<br>Equivalent Devices: | Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System (K994217)<br>Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System Second-Gen Cross-<br>Connector (K003735)<br>Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System 4.5mm Mono-Axial<br>Screws (K013558) |
## Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System 4.5mm Multi-Axial Screws (K020674)
#### Device Description:
The Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System Spacer (System Modification) is a titanium alloy (6AL-4V ELI, per ASTM F136) device, which is a non-sterile, single use component. This device is an adjunct to the Spinal Fixation System, which allows a surgeon to build a spinal implant construct. The system's design is intended to stabilize the spinal operative site during the fusion process of a bone graft in the disc space. The device added to the current Spinal Fixation System is listed below with a brief description.
#### Spacer:
The Spacer is available in one diameter and two thicknesses. This device may be required in various clinical applications, as determined by a qualified surgeon. The Spacer has a spherical recess feature, which allows the head of a pedicle screw to nest in it for congruent contact between components. For the actual application of the device
KO22390
{1}------------------------------------------------
refer to the surgical technique in Appendix A, Exhibit D.
The Spacer is available in the configurations are as follows:
Spacer 3mm thickness Spacer 5mm thickness
## Intended Use / Indications for Use:
Blackstone Spinal Fixation System is intended for non-cervical use in the spine.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for pedicle screw fixation, is intended only for patients:
- a) Having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint;
- b) Who are receiving fusion using autogenous bone graft only;
- c) Who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine (L3 and below); and
- d) Who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in skeletally mature patients, is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments, as an adjunct to fusion, in treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine:
- a) Degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment;
- b) Fracture;
- c) Dislocation:
- d) Scoliosis;
- e) Kyphosis:
- f) Spinal tumor; and
- g) Failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis).
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for anterolateral non-pedicle fixation, is intended for the following indications:
- a) Degenerative disc disease (as defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degenerative disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies);
- b) Spinal stenosis;
- c) Spondylolisthesis:
- d) Spinal deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis);
- e) Pseudarthrosis;
- f) Tumor;
- g) Trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation);
- h) Previous failed fusion.
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# K 022399
## BASIS OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE:
The Blackstone™ Spacer is a system modification to the Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System which has received regulatory clearance as follows:
Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System (K994217)
Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System Second-Gen Cross-Connector (K003735) Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System 4.5mm Mono-Axial Screws (K013558) Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System 4.5mm Multi-Axial Screws (K020674)
{3}------------------------------------------------
# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image contains a logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features the department's emblem, which is a stylized representation of an eagle with three human profiles incorporated into its design. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the emblem. Part of the word "Page" is visible on the right side of the image.
age 1 - Mr. Alan Lombardo
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
ど
AUG 0 6 2002
Mr. Alan Lombardo Director, Engineering Blackstone Medical, Inc. 90 Brookdale Drive Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
Re: K022399
Trade/Device Name: Blackstone Spinal Fixation System Spacer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3060, 888.3070 Regulation Name: Spinal intervetebral body fixation orthosis; spondylolisthesis spinal fixation device system; pedicle screw spinal system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KWQ, MNH, MNI Dated: July 22, 2002 Received: July 23, 2002
Dear Mr. Lombardo:
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 mav 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 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2 - Mr. Alan Lombardo
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" (21 CFR 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.
Sincerely yours,
Mark N. Milburn
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use:
Blackstone Spinal Fixation System is intended for non-cervical use in the spine.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for pedicle screw fixation, is intended only for patients:
- a) Having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint;
- b) Who are receiving fusion using autogenous bone graft only;
- c) Who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine (L3 and below); and
- d) Who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in skeletally mature patients, is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments, as an adjunct to fusion, in treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine:
a) Degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment;
- b) Fracture:
- c) Dislocation;
- d) Scoliosis;
- e) Kyphosis:
- f) Spinal tumor; and
- g) Failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis).
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for anterolateral non-pedicle fixation, is intended for the following indications:
- a) Degenerative disc disease (as defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degenerative disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies);
- b) Spinal stenosis;
- c) Spondylolisthesis;
- d) Spinal deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis);
- e) Pseudarthrosis;
- f) Tumor;
- g) Trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation);
- h) Previous failed fusion.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
f Mark
Sohcurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Division Sien om
Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number_
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.