K161665 · Smith & Nephew, Inc. · HRS · Nov 15, 2016 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K161665
Device Name
VLP Wrist Fracture System
Applicant
Smith & Nephew, Inc.
Product Code
HRS · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Nov 15, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3030
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The VLP Wrist Fracture System Radial Plates are indicated for fixation of fractures, malunions, and osteotomies involving the radius.
Device Story
VLP Wrist Fracture System is a radial plating system consisting of metallic plates, screws, and locking pegs; used for surgical fixation of radius fractures, malunions, and osteotomies. System includes volar plates (3, 5, 10 hole configurations), 1.8mm locking pegs, and 3.5mm cortex/locking screws. Operated by orthopedic surgeons in clinical/OR settings. Device provides mechanical stabilization of bone segments to facilitate healing. Surgeon selects appropriate plate/screw configuration based on fracture pattern; implants are secured to bone to maintain alignment during the healing process.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing: finite element analysis (FEA) comparing plate designs to worst-case predicate; four-point bend fatigue testing; torque-to-failure testing for 3.5mm locking screws (meeting ASTM F543 requirements); and bacterial endotoxin testing per ANSI/AAMI ST72.
Technological Characteristics
Metallic bone fixation system (plates, screws, pegs). Materials and design similar to predicates. Mechanical performance validated via FEA and torque-to-failure testing per ASTM F543. Provided sterile. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for fixation of fractures, malunions, and osteotomies involving the radius in patients requiring bone fixation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories are devices intended to be implanted consisting of one or more metallic components and their metallic fasteners. The devices contain a plate, a nail/plate combination, or a blade/plate combination that are made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, stainless steel, and titanium, that are intended to be held in position with fasteners, such as screws and nails, or bolts, nuts, and washers. These devices are used for fixation of fractures of the proximal or distal end of long bones, such as intracapsular, intertrochanteric, intercervical, supracondylar, or condylar fractures of the femur; for fusion of a joint; or for surgical procedures that involve cutting a bone. The devices may be implanted or attached through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.
Biomet Trauma Modified Distal Radius Plating System (K133939)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 15, 2016
Smith & Nephew, Inc. Samantha Staubach Regulatory Affairs Specialist 1450 Brooks Road Memphis. Tennessee 38116
Re: K161665
Trade/Device Name: VLP Wrist Fracture System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030 Regulation Name: Single/Multiple Component Metallic Bone Fixation Appliances And Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HRS, HWC Dated: October 28, 2016 Received: October 31, 2016
Dear Samantha Staubach:
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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the quality systems (OS) 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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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 Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely,
Mark N. Melkerson -S
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
# K161665
Device Name VLP Wrist Fracture System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The VLP Wrist Fracture System Radial Plates are indicated for fixation of fractures, malunions, and osteotomies involving the radius.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
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| Submitted by: | Smith & Nephew, Inc.<br>Orthopaedic Division<br>1450 East Brooks Road<br>Memphis, Tennessee 38116 |
|----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date of Summary: | October 28, 2016 |
| Contact Person and Address: | Samantha Staubach<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>T 901-399-6132<br>F 901-566-7596 |
| Name of Device: | VLP Wrist Fracture System |
| Common Name: | Bones Plates and Screws |
| Device Classification Name and<br>Reference: | 21 CFR 888.3030 Single/multiple component metallic bone<br>fixation appliances and accessories |
| | 21 CFR 888.3040 Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation<br>fastener |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Panel Code: | Orthopaedics/87 |
| Product Code: | HRS/HWC |
#### Predicates
Table 1: Substantially Equivalent Predicates to the VLP Wrist Fracture System
| Manufacturer | Description | Submission<br>Number | Clearance Date |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|--------------------|
| Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Smith & Nephew, Inc. D-RAD<br>SMARTPACK (primary predicate) | K132296 | January 7, 2014 |
| Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Smith & Nephew Bone Plate System | K993106 | December 9, 1999 |
| Synthes (USA) | Synthes 3.5mm Cortex Screws | K043185 | February 3, 2005 |
| Smith & Nephew, Inc. | PERI-LOC Periarticular Locked<br>Plating System Hexalobular Bone<br>Screws | K082516 | September 17, 2008 |
| Smith & Nephew, Inc. | PERI-LOC Bone Plating and Screw System | K083032 | January 7, 2009 |
| Biomet Trauma | Modified Distal Radius Plating System | K133939 | April 1, 2014 |
## Device Description
The VLP Wrist Fracture System is a radial plating system comprised of plates, screws, and device specific instrumentation. Plates, screws, and locking pegs are provided in sterile packaging. Volar plate design options are offered in 3 hole, 5 hole, and 10 hole plate configurations, with both standard and wide sizes available for all sizes except the 10 hole plate. The 10 hole plate is available in standard size only. All plate designs are available in left and right configurations. 1.8mm Locking Pegs are available in lengths ranging from 10mm to
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30 mm and 3.5mm Cortex and Locking Screws are available in lengths ranging from 10mm to 30mm. The system uses existing Smith & Nephew 2.4mm locking and cortex screws.
### Indications for Use
The VLP Wrist Fracture System Radial Plates are indicated for fixation of fractures, malunions, and osteotomies involving the radius.
### Technological Characteristics
The proposed radial plates are similar to the predicates described in Table 1. Device comparisons described in this premarket notification demonstrated that the proposed bone plates and bone screws are substantially equivalent to the legally marketed predicate devices listed in Table 1 with regard to intended use, indications for use, materials, and performance characteristics. The subject plates feature similarities in design to the primary predicate, with the major difference being the increased product offering. To accommodate for the size differences in the screws compared to the primary predicate, mechanical testing was conducted on the subject screw and an engineering rationale was leveraged based on similar design features to existing Smith & Nephew screw designs.
#### Summary of Pre-Clinical Testing
- · Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted on the proposed line addition plate designs to evaluate the proposed designs against the existing worst case plate design from K132296. Results of the testing determined that the proposed line addition plates did not represent a new worst-case when compared against the existing designs.
- Existing mechanical testing for four-point bend fatigue was leveraged based on the . fact that the 4 Hole Wide Plate design previously cleared via K132296 is also being offered in the subject system with minor modifications. As described above, FEA did not result in a new worst-case plate design compared against the existing worstcase, the 4 Hole Wide Plate cleared via K132296.
- Torque-to-failure testing was conducted on the subject 3.5mm locking screws. The . screws met the acceptance criteria by achieving an ultimate torsional strength greater than the minimum value outlined in ASTM F543.
- . An engineering rationale was leveraged in lieu of pullout testing for the proposed 3.5mm screws. The dimensions critical to screw behavior during pullout testing were compared between the subject screws and an existing Smith & Nephew predicate screw and the dimensions were identical. As such, it was determined that completion of pullout testing was not necessary.
- Bacterial endotoxin testing was completed and met the acceptable endotoxin limits . as stated in the FDA Guidance , "Submission and Review of Sterility Information in Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Devices Labeled as Sterile," "Pyrogen and Endotoxins Testing: Questions and Answers," and ANSI/AAMI ST72.
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# Conclusion
As previously noted, this Traditional 510(k) Premarket Notification is being submitted to request clearance for the VLP Wrist Fracture System. Based on the similarities to the predicate devices and a review of the mechanical testing performed and leveraged, the devices are substantially equivalent to the plating systems described in Table 1
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.