The CerviFix® System is indicated for the following: - DDD (neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc as confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies - Spondylolisthesis - Spinal stenosis - Fracture/dislocation - Atlantoaxial fracture with instability - Occipitocervical dislocation - Revision of previous cervical spine surgery - Tumors When used to treat these cervical and occipitocervical conditions, these screws are limited to occipital fixation only. Hooks and Rods The rod and hook components are also intended to provide stabilization to promote fusion following reduction of fracture/dislocation or trauma in the cervical/upper thoracic (C1-T3) spine. Rods, Clamps, Screws and Nuts The rods, clamps, screws and nuts are intended to promote fusion following reduction of fracture/dislocation or trauma in the upper thoracic spine (T1-T3). The use of these screws (3.5 mm, 4.0 mm cancellous and 3.5 mm, 4.2 mm cortex) is limited to placement in T1-T3 in treating thoracic conditions only. They are not intended to be placed in or treat conditions involving the cervical spine.
Device Story
Synthes CerviFix System is a spinal fixation orthosis consisting of rods, plates, hooks, clamps, screws, and nuts. Implants are constructed from titanium or titanium alloy. Device provides stabilization to promote fusion in cervical and upper thoracic (C1-T3) spine following trauma, fracture, dislocation, or degenerative conditions. System components can be linked to the Synthes Universal Spinal System via parallel connectors and tapered rods. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to stabilize the spine; output is mechanical fixation of spinal segments to facilitate bone fusion and patient recovery.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Titanium or titanium alloy. Components: Rods, plates, hooks, clamps, screws, nuts, and parallel connectors. Dimensions: 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm cancellous screws; 3.5 mm, 4.2 mm cortex screws. Connectivity: Mechanical linkage to Universal Spinal System. Energy source: None (mechanical).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with cervical/upper thoracic (C1-T3) conditions including DDD, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, fracture/dislocation, atlantoaxial fracture with instability, occipitocervical dislocation, revision surgery, or tumors. Screws limited to occipital fixation for cervical conditions and T1-T3 for thoracic conditions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of an alloy, such as stainless steel, that consists of various hooks and a posteriorly placed compression or distraction rod. The device is implanted, usually across three adjacent vertebrae, to straighten and immobilize the spine to allow bone grafts to unite and fuse the vertebrae together. The device is used primarily in the treatment of scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine), but it also may be used in the treatment of fracture or dislocation of the spine, grades 3 and 4 of spondylolisthesis (a dislocation of the spinal column), and lower back syndrome.
Reference Devices
Synthes Universal Spinal System
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K02 3675 P1/2
Synthes Spine 510(k) Premarket Notification Synthes CerviFix® Line Extension - Axon Components Special 510K
### 8.4 ATTACHMENT IV - 510(K) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND NOV 2 6 2002 EFFECTIVENESS
### DEVICE
Synthes CerviFix® consists of rods, plate/rods, hooks, clamps, screws, nuts and transconnectors. The implants are composed of Titanium or titanium alloy.
## INDICATIONS
The CerviFix® System is indicated for the following:
- . DDD (neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc as confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies
- Spondylolisthesis ●
- Spinal stenosis ●
- Fracture/dislocation ●
- Atlantoaxial fracture with instability ●
- Occipitocervical dislocation ●
- Revision of previous cervical spine surgery ●
- Tumors ●
When used to treat these cervical and occipitocervical conditions, these screws are limited to occipital fixation only.
### Hooks and Rods
The rod and hook components are also intended to provide stabilization to promote fusion following reduction of fracture/dislocation or trauma in the cervical/upper thoracic (C1-T3) spine.
### Rods, Clamps, Screws and Nuts
The rods, clamps, screws and nuts are intended to promote fusion following reduction of fracture/dislocation or trauma in the upper thoracic spine (T1-T3).
The use of these screws (3.5 mm, 4.0 mm cancellous and 3.5 mm, 4.2 mm cortex) is limited to placement in T1-T3 in treating thoracic conditions only. They are not intended to be placed in or treat conditions involving the cervical spine.
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\$\times 023675. p^{2/2}\$
The Synthes CerviFix™ System can also be linked to the Synthes Universal Spinal System using the 3.5 mm/6.0 mm parallel connectors from that system, and via the CerviFix tapered rods using lamina hooks, transverse process hooks, pedicle hooks, 4.2 mm screws, and the 5.0 mm/ 6.0 mm parallel connector.
## CONFIDENTIAL
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850 .
Vikki M. Hoffman Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Synthes Spine Post Office Box 0548 1690 Russell Road Paoli, Pennsylvania 19301
Re: K023675
> Trade/Device Name: Svnthes CerviFix™ System Regulatory Number: 21 CFR 888.3050 Regulation Name: Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KWP Dated: October 31, 2002 Received: November 1, 2002
Dear Ms. Hoffman:
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, listing 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 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Image /page/2/Picture/11 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
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Page 2 – Ms. Vikki M. Hoffman
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), 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.qov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours.
K. Michael Millican
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
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page 1 of 2.
Synthes Spine 510(k) Premarket Notification Synthes CerviFix® Line Extension - Axon Components Special 510K
## 8.2 ATTACHMENT II - INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
510(k) Number (if known): K22 ك
Device Name: Synthes CerviFix®
### Indications for Use:
The CerviFix® System is indicated for the following:
- DDD (neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc as confirmed . by patient history and radiographic studies
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal stenosis
- Fracture/dislocation ●
- . Atlantoaxial fracture with instability
- Occipitocervical dislocation
- Revision of previous cervical spine surgery
- . Tumors
When used to treat these cervical and occipitocervical conditions, these screws are limited to occipital fixation only.
### Hooks and Rods
The rod and hook components are also intended to provide stabilization to promote fusion following reduction of fracture/dislocation or trauma in the cervical/upper thoracic (C1-T3) spine.
### Rods, Clamps, Screws and Nuts
The rods, clamps, screws and nuts are intended to promote fusion following reduction of fracture/dislocation or trauma in the upper thoracic spine (T1-T3).
The use of these screws (3.5 mm, 4.0 mm cancellous and 3.5 mm, 4.2 mm cortex) is limited to placement in T1-T3 in treating thoracic conditions only. They are not intended to be placed in or treat conditions involving the cervical spine.
for Mark H. Wilkinson
(Division Sign-On)
Division of Reproductive,
and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number: K023675
CONFIDENTIAL life. 32
{5}------------------------------------------------
Synthes Spine 510(k) Premarket Notification
Synthes CerviFix® Line Extension - Axon Components Special 510K
The Synthes CerviFix™ System can also be linked to the Synthes Universal Spinal System using the 3.5 mm/6.0 mm parallel connectors from that system, and via the CerviFix tapered rods using lamina hooks, transverse process hooks, pedicle hooks, 4.2 mm screws, and the 5.0 mm/ 6.0 mm parallel connector.
# (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 Use
Mad McMillan
vision Sign-Off) ision of General, Resta A Neurological Devices
Number K(0.9) 36.73
### CONFIDENTIAL
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.
