K100685 · Alphatec Spine, Inc. · KWP · Jun 18, 2010 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K100685
Device Name
ZODIAC POLYAXIAL SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM
Applicant
Alphatec Spine, Inc.
Product Code
KWP · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Jun 18, 2010
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System is intended for use as a posterior spinal fixation device to aid in the surgical correction of various spinal deformities and pathologies of the spine. It is intended to provide stabilization during the development of fusion utilizing a bone graft. Specific indications for the Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System are dependent in part on the configuration of the assembled device and the method of attachment to the spine. It is intended that this device, in any system configuration, be removed after development of solid fusion mass. Hook component indications are limited to T7-L5. Sacral-iliac screw indications are limited to the sacrum-iliac crest only.
Device Story
Posterior spinal fixation system; provides stabilization during bone graft fusion. Components include pedicle screws, laminar hooks, and sacral-iliac screws. Used in thoraco-lumbo-sacral iliac region. Operated by surgeons in clinical/OR settings. Device configuration varies by pathology; provides mechanical stabilization to spine. Removed after solid fusion achieved. Benefits include correction of deformities and stabilization of fractures/pathologies.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing only. Mechanical and dynamic testing performed per ASTM F1717, including static compression, static torsion, and dynamic compression run-out. Simulated derotation testing performed to evaluate torsional stability of updated Uniplanar screw versus predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Titanium Alloy (ASTM F136/F67), Stainless Steel (ASTM F138/F2229), Cobalt Chrome (ASTM F799/F1537). Polyaxial and Uniplanar screw configurations. Mechanical fixation via pedicle screws, laminar hooks, and sacral-iliac screws. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with thoracic/lumbar fractures, spinal deformities (idioscoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis with paralysis/spasticity), spondylolisthesis (isthmic, degenerative, acute pars fracture), degenerative spondylolisthesis with neurologic impairment, dislocation, spinal tumor, failed previous fusion (pseudoarthrosis), and severe grade 3/4 spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. Used with autograft or allograft bone. Hook use limited to T7-L5; sacral-iliac screws limited to sacrum-iliac crest.
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.
Predicate Devices
Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System (K033090)
Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System (K042673)
Zodiac® Stainless Steel Spinal Fixation System (K051286)
Zodiac® 4.0 Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System (K071890)
Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System (K093077)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System
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## 510(k) SUMMARY
# Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System March 2010
Company: Alphatec Spine, Inc. 5818 El Camino Real JUN 1 8 2010 Carlsbad, CA 92008 Direct: (760) 494-6770 Fax: (760) 431-0289 Contact Person: Cheryl Allen, Regulatory Affairs Submissions Specialist Trade/Proprietary Name: Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System Common Name: Pedicle Screw Spinal Device Classification Names: Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis Pedicle Screw Spinal System Classification Number(s)/Product Code(s): 21 CFR 888.3050, 888.3070 KWP, MNI. MNH
### Product Description:
The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System is intended for use as a posterior spinal fixation device to aid in the surgical correction of various spinal deformities and pathologies in the thoracolumbo-sacral liac portion of the spine. It is intended to provide stabilization during the development of fusion utilizing a bone graft. Specific indications for the Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System are dependent in part on the configuration of the assembled device and the method of attachment to the spine. The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System unplants are manufactured from Titanium Alloy conforming to ASTM F136 or ASTM F67, Stainless Steel conforming to ASTM F138 or ASTM F2229, or Cobalt Chrome conforming to ASTM F799 or ASTM F1537.
## Indications for Use:
The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System is intended for use as a posterior spinal fixation device to aid in the surgical correction of various spinal deformities and pathologies of the spine. It is intended to provide stabilization during the development of fusion utilizing a bone graft. Specific indications for the Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System are dependent in part on the configuration of the assembled device and the method of attachment to the spine.
It is intended that this device, in any system configuration, be removed after development of solid fusion mass. Hook component indications are limited to T7-L5. Sacral-iliac screw indications are limited to the sacrum-iliac crest only.
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1. The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System when used as a hook and sacral iliac screw fixation system (nonpedicle screw) is intended for:
a. Patients having fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine.
b. Patients having deformity (i.e. idioscoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis with associated paralysis or spasticity).
c. Patients having spondylolisthesis (i.e. isthmic spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis, and acute pars fracture allowing spondylolisthesis).
2. The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in the thoraco-lumbo-sacral iliac region of the spine is intended for degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, spinal tumor and failed previous fusion (pseudoarthrosis).
3. In addition, the Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system is intended for:
a. Patients receiving autograft or allograft bone.
b. Patient having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral iliac spine and having severe spondylolisthesis grade 3 or 4 at the fifth lumbar-first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint.
4. The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System, when used as a laminar hook and bone screw system is intended for:
a. Patients having fractures of thoracic and lumbar spine.
b. Patients having thoracolumbar deformity (i.e. idioscoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, kyphoscoliosis or kyphoscoliosis with associated paralysis or spasticity),
c. Patients having spondylolisthesis (i.e. Isthmic spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis and acute pars fracture allowing spondylolisthesis).
## Substantial Equivalence:
The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System additional components are substantially equivalent to the following predicate device:
| Trade/Proprietary/Model Name | Manufacturer | 510(k) No. |
|------------------------------------------------|----------------------|------------|
| Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System | Alphatec Spine, Inc. | K033090 |
| Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System | Alphatec Spine, Inc. | K042673 |
| Zodiac® Stainless Steel Spinal Fixation System | Alphatec Spine, Inc | K051286 |
| Zodiac® 4.0 Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System | Alphatec Spine, Inc. | K071890 |
| Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System | Alphatec Spine, Inc. | K093077 |
### Performance Data:
Mechanical and dynamic testing was performed which provides reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for its intended use. The testing demonstrated that additional components are substantially equivalent to the predicate Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System device. It is similar in terms of general design, intended use, and technological characteristics to the predicate devices.
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Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System
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The following preclinical testing was performed:
## ASTM F1717 Mechanical Testing.
Conclusions:
- Static compression values are equivalent to the previously cleared legally marketed Alphatec 1. Spine predicate devices.
- Static torsion values are equivalent to previously cleared legally marketed Alphatec Spine 2. predicate devices confirming substantial equivalence.
- The critical dynamic compression run out value is identical to the previously cleared legally 3. marketed Alphatec Spine predicate devices confirming substantial equivalence.
# Simulated Derotation Testing:an evaluation of the torsional stability provided by the updated Uniplanar screw and the previously cleared Uniplanar screw.
Conclusion:
- ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ Testing of the Uniplanar screw s showed a much higher ultimate moment during torsional loading compared to the predicate.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" written around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract image of an eagle.
JUN 1 8 2010
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Mail Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Alphatec Spine, Inc. % Ms. Cheryl Allen Regulatory Affairs Submissions Specialist 5818 El Camino Real Carlsbad, California 92008
Re: K100685
Trade/Device Name: Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3050 Regulation Name: Spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KWP, MNI, MNH Dated: May 20, 2010 Received: May 21, 2010
Dear Ms. Allen:
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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to 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. Cheryl Allen
CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ycm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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 (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
Ваввадниева
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System
# INDICATIONS FOR USE
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System
### Indications for Use:
The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System is intended for use as a posterior spinal fixation 1116 2001ac - 1 ofyaxian Optical I manon of various spinal deformities and pathologies of the spine. It is intended to provide stabilization during the development of fusion utilizing a bone graft. Specific indications for the Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System are dependent in part on the mondations for the assembled device and the method of attachment to the spine.
It is intended that this device, in any system configuration, be removed after development of solid It is mended that this de roo, in ally of one limited to T7-L5. Sacral-iliac screw indications are limited to the sacrum-iliac crest only.
1. The Zodiae Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System when used as a hook and sacral iliac screw fixation system (nonpedicle screw) is intended for:
a. Patients having fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine.
a. Tatients having deformity (i.e. idioscoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis with associated paralysis or spasticity).
associated paratysis of Spassions //
c. Patients having spondylolisthesis (i.e. isthmic spondylolisthesis, and acute pars fracture allowing spondylolisthesis).
2. The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in the thoraco-lumbo-sacral illiac region of the spine is intended for degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor and failed previous fusion (pseudoarthrosis).
Page 1 of 2
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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Image /page/6/Picture/2 description: The image shows the letter 'a' in cursive, followed by the words "Alphatec Spine" in a bold, italicized font. The letter 'a' is positioned above the words, creating a logo-like appearance. The text is black against a white background.
3. In addition, the Zodiac Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system is intended for:
a. Patients receiving autograft or allograft bone.
b. Patient having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral iliac spine and having severe spondylolisthesis grade 3 or 4 at the fifth lumbar-first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint.
4. The Zodiac® Polyaxial Spinal Fixation System, when used as a laminar hook and bone screw system is intended for:
a. Patients having fractures of thoracic and lumbar spine.
b. Patients having thoracolumbar deformity (i.e. idioscoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis,
kyphoscoliosis or kyphoscoliosis with associated paralysis or spasticity),
c. Patients having spondylolisthesis (i.e. Isthmic spondylolisthesis, degenerative spondylolisthesis and acute pars fracture allowing spondylolisthesis).
Prescription Use X (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
ાર
Over-The Counter Use --------
Page 2 of 2
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices
K 100685 510(k) Number_
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.