K073337 · Medacta International S.A. · LZO · Feb 13, 2008 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K073337
Device Name
MECTACER BIOLOX FORTE-FEMORAL HEADS
Applicant
Medacta International S.A.
Product Code
LZO · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Feb 13, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3353
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are intended for mechanical fixation to a mating hip stem and indicated for treatment of patients who are candidates for total or partial hip arthroplasty in primary or revision surgery. The patient should be skeletally mature. The patient's condition should be due to one or more of the following: Severely painful and/or disabled joint as a result of osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis. Congenital hip dysplasia. Ankylosing spondylitis. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Acute traumatic fracture of the femoral head or neck. Failure of previous hip surgery: joint reconstruction, internal fixation, arthrodesis, hemiarthroplasty, surface replacement arthroplasty or total hip replacement where sufficient bone stock is present.
Device Story
MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are ceramic ball components for hip arthroplasty; designed for mechanical fixation to mating hip stems. Device replaces damaged hip joints to reduce pain and increase mobility. Used in primary or revision surgery by orthopedic surgeons in clinical/hospital settings. Fabricated from high-purity alumina ceramic; available in 28, 32, and 36 mm diameters. Device provides structural interface between femoral stem and acetabular component.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included static load resistance (ISO 7206-10) and axial disassembly force (ASTM F-2009-00) to verify mechanical performance against established standards for ceramic hip components.
Technological Characteristics
Material: High-purity aluminium oxide ceramic (Al2O3) per ISO 6474:1994. Form factor: Modular femoral ball heads (28, 32, 36 mm diameters). Connection: Taper interface for mechanical fixation to hip stems. Sterilization: Radiation per AAMI/ANSI/ISO 11137.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients undergoing total or partial hip arthroplasty (primary or revision) due to osteoarthritis, post-traumatic/rheumatoid/psoriatic arthritis, congenital hip dysplasia, ankylosing spondylitis, avascular necrosis, acute traumatic fracture, or failed previous hip surgery.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hip joint metal/ceramic/polymer semi-constrained cemented or nonporous uncemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a hip joint. This device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. The two-part femoral component consists of a femoral stem made of alloys to be fixed in the intramedullary canal of the femur by impaction with or without use of bone cement. The proximal end of the femoral stem is tapered with a surface that ensures positive locking with the spherical ceramic (aluminium oxide, A12 03 ) head of the femoral component. The acetabular component is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with nonporous metal alloys, and used with or without bone cement.
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K073337 (fg 1 of 3)
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Medacta International. The logo consists of a stylized black graphic to the left of the word "Medacta" in black lowercase letters. Below "Medacta" is the word "International" in a smaller font, also in black. To the right of "International" is a small graphic of a plus sign.
#### 510(k) Summary
FEB 13 2008
Manufacturer: MEDACTA International SA Strada Regina CH6874 Castel San Pietro Switzerland Phone (+41) 91 696 60 60 (+41) 91 696 60 66 FAX
- Contact Person: Ms. Natalie J. Kennel Consultant NJK & Associates, Inc. 13721 Via Tres Vista San Diego, CA 92129 USA Phone: (858) 705-0350 Fax: (858) 764-9739 email: NKennel@nikconsulting.com
Date Prepared: February 4, 2008
#### DEVICE INFORMATION
Trade/Proprietary Name: MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads Common/Classification Name: Hip Joint, metal/ceramic/polymer, semiconstrained, cemented or non-porous uncemented prosthesis
21 CFR 888.3353 Class II Device Product Code: LZO
Predicate Devices:
The MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are substantially equivalent to Plus Ceramic Ball Heads 28, 32 & 36, which were cleared under K070928 and Exactach® 12/14 Alumina Femoral Heads, which were cleared under K032964.
#### Product Description:
The MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are ceramic ball heads intended for mechanical fixation to a mating hip stem and indicated for the treatment of patients who are candidates for total or partial hip arthroplasty to provide
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K073337 (pg 2 of 3)
increased patient mobility and reduced pain by replacing the damaged hip joint, in primary or revision surgery.
The MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads consist of High Purity Aluminium Oxyde Ceramic, Al2 O3 per standard ISO 6474:1994, Implants for surgery --Ceramics materials based on high purity alumina, Type A. The MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are available in various sizes from 28, 32 and up to 36 mm diameters.
## Indications for Use:
The MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are intended for mechanical fixation to a mating hip stem and indicated for treatment of patients who are candidates for total or partial hip arthroplasty in primary or revision surgery. The patient should be skeletally mature.
The patient's condition should be due to one or more of the following:
- . Severely painful and/or disabled joint as a result of osteoarthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis.
- Congenital hip dysplasia .
- Ankylosing spondylitis .
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head .
- . Acute traumatic fracture of the femoral head or neck
- Failure of previous hip surgery: joint reconstruction, internal fixation, . arthrodesis, hemiarthroplasty, surface replacement arthroplasty or total hip replacement where sufficient bone stock is present.
## Performance Testing
No performance standards applicable to this device have been adopted under Section 514 of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Performance testing of the MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads was conducted in accordance with the following international standards and FDA quidance documents.
- . ISO 6474:1994, Implants for surgery -- Ceramic materials based on high purity alumina
- ISO 7206-10, 2003, Implants for surgery Partial and total hip-joint . prosthesis - Part 10: Determination of resistance to static load of modular femoral heads.
- ASTM F-2009-00, Test Method for Determining the Axial Disassembly . Force of Taper Connections of Modular Prostheses
- . AAMI/ANSI/ISO 11137 Sterilization of health care products – Radiation
- FDA's "Guidance Documents for the Preparation of Premarket . Notifications for Ceramic Ball Hip Systems", January 10, 1995.
## Conclusion:
The data and information provided in this submission support the conclusion that the MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are substantially equivalent to its
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K073337 (pg 3 of 3)
predicate devices, Plus Ceramic Ball Heads 28, 32 & 36, and Exactech® 12/14 Alumina Femoral Heads with respect to indications for use and technological characteristics. Actual device performance as tested conforms to applicable standards and FDA guidance.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three stripes forming its body and wing. The eagle is facing right. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the eagle.
FEB 13 2008
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MEDACTA International SA % Ms. Natalie J. Kennel NJK & Associates, Incorporated 13721 Via Tres Vista San Diego, California 92129
Re: K073337
Trade/Device Name: MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3353 Regulation Name: Hip joint metal/ceramic/polymer semi-constrained cemented or nonporous uncemented prosthesis. Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LZO Dated: November 27, 2007 Received: November 29, 2007
Dear Ms. Kennel:
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
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Page 2 - Ms. Natalie J. Kennel
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. 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 Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometric's (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at (240) 276-3474. For questions regarding of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at (240) 276-3464. 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,
Mark N. Mulhausen
Mark N. Melkerson 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
510(k) Number (if known): K073337
Device Name: MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads
Indications for Use:
The MectaCer BIOLOX® forte Femoral Heads are intended for mechanical fixation to a mating hip stem and indicated for treatment of patients who are candidates for total or partial hip arthroplasty in primary or revision surgery.
The patient should be skeletally mature.
The patient's condition should be due to one or more of the following:
- Severely painful and/or disabled joint as a result of osteoarthritis, post-. traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis.
- Congenital hip dysplasia .
- . Ankylosing spondylitis
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head .
- Acute traumatic fracture of the femoral head or neck .
- Failure of previous hip surgery: joint reconstruction, internal fixation, . arthrodesis, hemiarthroplasty, surface replacement arthroplasty or total hip replacement where sufficient bone stock is present.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Barbara Briems
Division of Greeral, Restorative, Page _ of and Neurological Devices
**510(k) Number** K073337
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.