K103705 · Arthrex, Inc. · HWC · Mar 18, 2011 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K103705
Device Name
LOW PROFILE SCREWS
Applicant
Arthrex, Inc.
Product Code
HWC · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Mar 18, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (2.0-3.0mm solid) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws, or in a plate-screw system for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, and wrist. When used with a plate, the screw may be used with the Arthrex Low Profile and Small Fragment Plates. The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (2.0-3.0mm cannulated) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, and wrist. The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (3.5mm and larger, solid) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws, or in a plate-screw system for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, wrist, clavicle, scapula, olecranon, humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, calcaneous, femur and fibula. When used with a plate, the screws may be used with the Arthrex Low Profile and Small Fragment Plates, Humeral Fracture Plates, and Osteotomy Plates. The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (3.5mm and larger, cannulated) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, wrist, clavicle, scapula, olecranon, humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, calcaneous, femur and fibula.
Device Story
Arthrex Low Profile Screws are self-tapping, headed bone screws; available in solid or cannulated configurations; diameters 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm; lengths 8 mm to 80 mm. Used by orthopedic surgeons for internal bone fixation of fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and non-unions. Screws function as stand-alone fasteners or in conjunction with specific Arthrex plates (Low Profile, Small Fragment, Humeral Fracture, Osteotomy). Device provides mechanical stability to bone segments to facilitate healing. No electronic or software components.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Mechanical testing demonstrated torque and pull-out force substantially equivalent to predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Titanium or stainless steel. Configuration: Self-tapping, headed, solid or cannulated. Dimensions: 2.0-4.0 mm diameter, 8-80 mm length. Mechanical principle: Bone fixation via threaded fastener. No energy source, software, or connectivity.
Indications for Use
Indicated for internal bone fixation (fractures, fusions, osteotomies, non-unions) in ankle, foot, hand, wrist, clavicle, scapula, olecranon, humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, calcaneous, femur, and fibula. Applicable to patients requiring bone fixation via stand-alone screws or plate-screw systems.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener is a device intended to be implanted that consists of a stiff wire segment or rod made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum and stainless steel, and that may be smooth on the outside, fully or partially threaded, straight or U-shaped; and may be either blunt pointed, sharp pointed, or have a formed, slotted head on the end. It may be used for fixation of bone fractures, for bone reconstructions, as a guide pin for insertion of other implants, or it may be implanted through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.
Predicate Devices
Arthrex Low Profile Plate and Screw System (K052614)
Osteomed Extended 2.0/2.4 Cannulated Screw System (K062863)
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k103705
## 1 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Date Summary Prepared | March 10, 2011 |
|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer/Distributor/Sponsor | Arthrex, Inc.<br>1370 Creekside Boulevard<br>Naples, FL 34108-1945 USA |
| 510(k) Contact | Courtney Smith<br>Regulatory Affairs Project Manager<br>Arthrex, Inc.<br>1370 Creekside Boulevard<br>Naples, FL 34108-1945 USA<br>Telephone: 239/643.5553, ext. 1720<br>Fax: 239/598.5508<br>Email: csmith@arthrex.com |
| Trade Name | Low Profile Screws |
| Common Name | Screw, fixation, bone |
| Product Code -Classification<br>Name<br>CFR | HWC, HRS<br>21CFR 888.3030: Single/multiple component metallic bone<br>fixation appliances and accessories<br>21 CFR 888.3040: Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation<br>fastener. |
| Predicate Device | K052614: Arthrex Low Profile Plate and Screw System<br>K062863: Osteomed Extended 2.0/2.4 Cannulated Screw System<br>K001941: Synthes Modular Foot System<br>K043185: Synthes 3.5mm Cortex Screws<br>K102343: Cannulated Screw System |
| Purpose of Submission | This traditional 510(k) premarket notification is submitted to<br>obtain clearance for the Low Profile Screws. The Arthrex<br>Low Profile Screws are a line extension of the Low Profile<br>Screws cleared in K052614. |
| Device Description and Intended<br>Use | The Arthrex Low Profile Screw is fully or partially threaded,<br>titanium or stainless steel, self-tapping, headed screw. The<br>screw ranges from 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm in diameter and in<br>length from 8 mm to 80 mm. The screw may be either solid<br>or cannulated.<br><br>The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (2.0-3.0mm solid) are<br>intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws, or in a plate-<br>screw system for internal bone fixation for bone fractures,<br>fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand,<br>and wrist. When used with a plate, the screw may be used<br>with the Arthrex Low Profile and Small Fragment Plates. |
| | |
| | The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (2.0-3.0mm cannulated)<br>are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws for<br>internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies<br>and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, and wrist. |
| | The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (3.5mm and larger, solid)<br>are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws, or in a<br>plate-screw system for internal bone fixation for bone<br>fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle,<br>foot, hand, wrist, clavicle, scapula, olecranon, humerus,<br>radius, ulna, tibia, calcaneous, femur and fibula. When used<br>with a plate, the screws may be used with the Arthrex Low<br>Profile and Small Fragment Plates, Humeral Fracture Plates,<br>and Osteotomy Plates. |
| | The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (3.5mm and larger,<br>cannulated) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone<br>screws for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions,<br>osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, wrist,<br>clavicle, scapula, olecranon, humerus, radius, ulna, tibia,<br>calcaneous, femur and fibula. |
| Substantial Equivalence<br>Summary | The Low Profile Screws are substantially equivalent to the<br>predicate Osteomed Extended 2.0/2.4 Cannulated Screw<br>System, Synthes Modular Foot System, Synthes 3.5mm<br>Cortex Screw, and the previously cleared Arthrex Low Profile<br>Screws, in which the basic features and intended uses are the<br>same. Any differences between the Low Profile Screws and<br>the predicates are considered minor and do not raise questions<br>concerning safety and effectiveness. |
| | The proposed devices are composed of Titanium or Stainless<br>Steel that is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. |
| | The submitted mechanical testing data demonstrated that the<br>torque and pull-out force of the proposed devices is<br>substantially equivalent to the torque and pull-out force of the<br>predicate devices. |
| | Based on the indication for use, technological characteristics.<br>and the comparison to the predicate devices, Arthrex, Inc. has<br>determined that the Low Profile Screws are substantially<br>equivalent to currently marketed predicate devices. |
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and 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 an abstract image of an eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Mail Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Arthrex, Inc. % Ms. Courtney Smith 1370 Creekside Boulevard Naples, Florida 34108-1945
MAR 1 8 2011
Re: K103705
Trade/Device Name: Arthrex Low Profile Screws Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3040 Regulation Name: Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener Regulatory Class: II Product Code: HWC, HRS Dated: February 16, 2011 Received: February 18, 2011
Dear Ms. Smith.
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 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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Page 2 - Ms. Courtney Smith
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/ucm115809.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,
Aty B. Duh
fen
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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## 1 Indications for Use Form
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K103705
Device Name: Arthrex Low Profile Screws
Indications For Use:
The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (2.0-3.0mm solid) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws, or in a plate-screw system for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, and wrist. When used with a plate, the screw may be used with the Arthrex Low Profile and Small Fragment Plates,
The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (2.0-3.0mm cannulated) are intended to be used as standalone bone screws for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and nonunions in the ankle, foot, hand, and wrist.
The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (3.5mm and larger, solid) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws, or in a plate-screw system for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, wrist, clavicle, scapula, olecranon, humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, calcaneous, femur and fibula. When used with a plate, the screws may be used with the Arthrex Low Profile and Small Fragment Plates, Humeral Fracture Plates, and Osteotomy Plates.
The Arthrex Low Profile Screws (3.5mm and larger, cannulated) are intended to be used as stand-alone bone screws for internal bone fixation for bone fractures, fusions, osteotomies and non-unions in the ankle, foot, hand, wrist, clavicle, scapula, olecranon; humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, calcaneous, femur and fibula.
Prescription Use _ V _ AND/OR Over-The-Counter Use _______ (Per 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
PAGE 1 of 1
*for M. Melkerson*
| (Division Sign-Off) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices |
| 510(k) Number | K103705 |
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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.