UNITY LX ANTEROLATERAL LUMBAR PLATE FIXATION SYSTEM
Applicant
Blackstone Medical, Inc.
Product Code
KWQ · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Jul 24, 2006
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3060
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Unity LX™ Anterolateral Lumbar Plate Fixation System is indicated for use as an anteriorly or anterolaterally placed supplemental fixation device for the lumbar region of the spine (L1-L5) above the bifurcation of the vascular structures. When properly used, this system will help provide temporary stabilization until a solid spinal fusion develops. Specific indications include: Degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with 1) degenerative disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies) - 2) Pseudoarthrosis - 3) Spondylolysis - 4) Spondylolisthesis - 5) Fracture - 6) Neoplastic disease - 7) Unsuccessful previous fusion surgery - 8) Lordotic deformities of the spine - 9) Idiopathic thoracolumbar or lumbar scoliosis 10) Deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis) associated with deficient posterior elements such as that resulting from laminectomy, spina bifida, or mvelomenigocele 11) Neuromuscular deformity (i.e., scoliosis, lordosis, and/or kyphosis) associated with pelvic obliquity
Device Story
Unity LX™ Anterolateral Lumbar Plate Fixation System; supplemental fixation device for lumbar spine (L1-L5). Components: base plate, cover plate with locking setscrew, bone screws. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to provide temporary stabilization during spinal fusion. Mechanical fixation device; no electronic or software components. Benefits patient by maintaining alignment and stability until solid fusion occurs.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only; no clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
System comprises base plate, cover plate with locking setscrew, and bone screws. Mechanical fixation device; no energy source, connectivity, or software. Sterilization method not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring supplemental fixation in the lumbar spine (L1-L5) for conditions including degenerative disc disease, pseudoarthrosis, spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, fractures, neoplastic disease, failed fusion, lordotic deformities, idiopathic scoliosis, deformities with deficient posterior elements (laminectomy, spina bifida, myelomeningocele), and neuromuscular deformity with pelvic obliquity.
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
Unity™ Anterior Lumbar Plate Fixation System (K043548)
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# 510(k) SUMMARY
Blackstone Medical's Unity LX™ Anterolateral Lumbar Plate Fixation System
SUBMITTER: Blackstone Medical, Inc.
ADDRESS: 1211 Hamburg Turnpike Suite 300 Wayne, NJ 07470
PHONE: (973) 406-2847 FAX: (973) 633-6811
CONTACT PERSON: Martin G. Sprunck Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
TRADE NAME: Unity LX™ Anterolateral Lumbar Plate Fixation System
COMMON NAME: Spinal Fixation System
CLASSIFICATION NAME: Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation Orthosis, 21 CFR 888.3060
PRODUCT CODE: KWQ - Appliance, Fixation, Spinal Intervertebral Body
Blackstone Medical, Inc. Unity™ Anterior Lumbar Plate PREDICATE DEVICES: Fixation System, (K043548 SE 6-14- 2005) Synthes Anterior Tension Band System (K022791 SE 11-13-2002)
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### Intended Use / Indications for Use
The Unity LX™ Anterolateral Lumbar Plate Fixation System is indicated for use as an anteriorly or anterolaterally placed supplemental fixation device for the lumbar region of the spine (L1-L5) above the bifurcation of the vascular structures. When properly used, this system will help provide temporary stabilization until a solid spinal fusion develops. Specific indications include:
Degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with 1) degenerative disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies)
- 2) Pseudoarthrosis
- 3) Spondylolysis
- 4) Spondylolisthesis
- 5) Fracture
- 6) Neoplastic disease
- 7) Unsuccessful previous fusion surgery
- 8) Lordotic deformities of the spine
- 9) Idiopathic thoracolumbar or lumbar scoliosis
10) Deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis) associated with deficient posterior elements such as that resulting from laminectomy, spina bifida, or mvelomenigocele
11) Neuromuscular deformity (i.e., scoliosis, lordosis, and/or kyphosis) associated with pelvic obliquity
# Technological Characteristics
The Unity LX Anterolateral Lumbar Fixation Plate consists of:
- 1) A base plate
- 2) A cover plate with locking setscrew
- 3) Bone screws
# Performance Data
Mechanical testing of the Blackstone Medical Unity LX Anterolateral Lumbar Fixation Plate System was conducted which demonstrates that the system is substantially equivalent to predicate devices that have the same intended use, similar indications, technological characteristics and principles of operation.
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#### Substantial Equivalence
The Unity LX Anterolateral System, the Unity Anterior System and the Synthes ATB System have the same intended use and similar indications, technological characteristics and principles of operation. The only technological differences between the Unity LX Anterolateral Lumbar Fixation Plate and its predicates are minor dimensional characteristics and have been addressed with side-by-side mechanical verification testing. These differences do not present any new issues of safety or effectiveness, therefore, the Unity LX Anterolateral Lumbar Fixation Plate is substantially equivalent to its predicate devices.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized caduceus symbol, which features a staff with a serpent entwined around it, and three human figures. The logo is encircled by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES U.S.A."
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JUL 2 4 2006
Mr. Martin Sprunck Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Blackstone Medical, Inc. 1211 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 300 Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Re: K061229
> Trade/Device Name: Unity LX Anterolateral Lumbar Plate System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3060 Regulation Name: Spinal intervertebral body fixation orthosis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Codes: K WQ Dated: July 19, 2006 Received: July 20, 2006
Dear Mr. Sprunck:
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
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Page 2 - Mr. Martin Sprunck
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. 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 (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Barlie Brenno
Mark N. Melke Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### Indications for Use Statement
K061229 510(k) Number (if known):
Unity LX™ Anterolateral Lumbar Plate Fixation System Device Name:
Indications for Use:
The Unity LX™ Anterolateral Lumbar Plate Fixation System is indicated for use as an anteriorly or anterolaterally placed supplemental fixation device for the lumbar region of the bifurcation of the vascular structures. When properly used, this system will help provide temporary stabilization until a solid spinal fusion develops. Specific indications include:
- Degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degenerative disc confirmed by 1) history and radiographic studies)
- Pseudoarthrosis 2)
- 3) Spondylolysis
- Spondylolisthesis 4)
- Fracture ર)
- Neoplastic disease ()
- Unsuccessful previous fusion surgery 7)
- Lordotic deformities of the spine 8)
- Idiopathic thoracolumbar or lumbar scoliosis 9)
- Deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis) associated with deficient posterior elements such as that 10) resulting from laminectomy, spina bifida, or myelomenigocele
- Neuromuscular deformity (i.e., scoliosis, lordosis, and/or kyphosis) associated with pelvic obliquity || |
Preseription Use × (Part 21 C.F.R. 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 C.F.R. 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -- CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Rattari Brelim
Division of Gene and Neurological Devices
Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number K001229
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.