The Aequalis PerFORM Reversed & Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid are intended for replacement of the shoulder joint to reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility in comparison with preoperative status.
Device Story
Modular reverse shoulder prosthesis replacing glenoid component of scapulohumeral joint; used in conjunction with Tornier humeral components. System includes baseplates (standard, lateralized, half-wedge, full-wedge) and glenospheres (standard, lateralized, eccentric). Baseplates and press-fit posts manufactured via additive manufacturing (Direct Metal Laser Sintering). Glenosphere anchored to bone via screws; non-cemented fixation. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings to restore shoulder function and reduce pain in patients with rotator cuff deficiency.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence demonstrated via non-clinical performance bench testing, including compressive strength, elastic modulus, fatigue testing, range of motion analysis, pull-out/pull-off tests, glenoid loosening tests (100,000 cycles), and DMLS process/material validation.
Technological Characteristics
Shoulder prosthesis; titanium porous metal structure; additive manufacturing (Direct Metal Laser Sintering). Modular components: baseplates (standard, lateralized, wedge augments) and glenospheres. Non-cemented fixation via screws or press-fit post. Single-use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for shoulder joint replacement in patients with functional deltoid muscle and massive, non-repairable rotator cuff-tear with pain disabled by rheumatoid arthritis, non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis), functional deformity, humeral head fractures, traumatic arthritis, or revision where sufficient bone stock remains.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a shoulder joint. The device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. This generic type of device includes prostheses that have a humeral resurfacing component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a glenoid resurfacing component made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and is limited to those prostheses intended for use with bone cement (§ 888.3027).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II. The special controls for this device are:(1) FDA's:
(i) “Use of International Standard ISO 10993 ‘Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices—Part I: Evaluation and Testing,’ ”
(ii) “510(k) Sterility Review Guidance of 2/12/90 (K90-1),”
(iii) “Guidance Document for Testing Orthopedic Implants with Modified Metallic Surfaces Apposing Bone or Bone Cement,”
(iv) “Guidance Document for the Preparation of Premarket Notification (510(k)) Application for Orthopedic Devices,” and
(v) “Guidance Document for Testing Non-articulating, ‘Mechanically Locked’ Modular Implant Components,”
(2) International Organization for Standardization's (ISO):
(i) ISO 5832-3:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 3: Wrought Titanium 6-aluminum 4-vandium Alloy,”
(ii) ISO 5832-4:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 4: Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum casting alloy,”
(iii) ISO 5832-12:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 12: Wrought Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy,”
(iv) ISO 5833:1992 “Implants for Surgery—Acrylic Resin Cements,”
(v) ISO 5834-2:1998 “Implants for Surgery—Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene—Part 2: Moulded Forms,”
(vi) ISO 6018:1987 “Orthopaedic Implants—General Requirements for Marking, Packaging, and Labeling,” and
(vii) ISO 9001:1994 “Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in Design/Development, Production, Installation, and Servicing,” and
(3) American Society for Testing and Materials':
(i) F 75-92 “Specification for Cast Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy for Surgical Implant Material,”
(ii) F 648-98 “Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Powder and Fabricated Form for Surgical Implants,”
(iii) F 799-96 “Specification for Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy Forgings for Surgical Implants,”
(iv) F 1044-95 “Test Method for Shear Testing of Porous Metal Coatings,”
(v) F 1108-97 “Specification for Titanium-6 Aluminum-4 Vanadium Alloy Castings for Surgical Implants,”
(vi) F 1147-95 “Test Method for Tension Testing of Porous Metal,”
(vii) F 1378-97 “Standard Specification for Shoulder Prosthesis,” and
(viii) F 1537-94 “Specification for Wrought Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy for Surgical Implants.”
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features the department's name in a circular arrangement around a symbol. The symbol consists of a stylized depiction of three human profiles facing to the right, layered on top of each other. The profiles are rendered in a simple, abstract manner.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 15, 2016
Tornier, Incorporated Ms. Laurie Lewandowski Regulatory Affairs Consultant 10801 Nesbitt Avenue South Bloomington, Minnesota 55340
Re: K161742
Trade/Device Name: Aequalis PerFORM Reversed, Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3660 Regulation Name: Shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PHX, KWS Dated: October 14, 2016 Received: October 17, 2016
Dear Ms. Lewandowski:
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 Parts 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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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 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" (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 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 Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
### 510(k) Number (if known) K161742
### Device Name
Aequalis Perform Reversed and Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Aequalis PerFORM Reversed & Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid are indicated for use as a replacement of shoulder joints for patients with a functional deltoid muscle and non-repairable rotator cuff-tear with pain disabled by:
- · Rheumatoid arthritis
- · Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease (i.e. osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis)
- · Correction of functional deformity
- · Fractures of the humeral head
- · Traumatic arthritis
- · Revision of the devices if sufficient bone stock remains.
Notes:
- · All components are single use.
- The glenoid sphere implant is anchored to the bone with screws and is for non-cemented fixation.
Type of Use (*Select one or both, as applicable*)X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "TORNIER" in a blue, sans-serif font. To the right of the word is a blue hexagon containing a stylized "T" logo. The logo consists of a "T" inside of an octagon. The overall design is clean and professional.
### 510(k) Summary
510(k) Number: K161742
Date Prepared: November 9, 2016
#### I. Administrative Information
| Name: | Tornier, Inc. |
|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 10801 Nesbitt Avenue South<br>Bloomington, MN 55437<br>United States of America |
| Contact Person: | Laurie Lewandowski<br>Regulatory Affairs Consultant |
| Phone: | 612-770-4038 |
| Fax: | 952-426-7601 |
#### II. Device Information
| Name of Device: | Aequalis Perform Reversed and Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Shoulder Prosthesis |
| Classification Name: | 21 CFR 888.3660, shoulder joint metal/polymer or semi-constrained<br>cemented prosthesis. |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Primary Product Code: | PHX |
| Secondary Product Code: | KWS |
#### III. Predicate Device Information
| Primary Predicate: | Aequalis Reversed Shoulder Prosthesis, K081059 |
|--------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Reference Device: | Zimmer Trabecular Metal Reverse, K052906 |
| Reference Device: | Exactech Equinoxe Reversed Augmented, K110708 |
#### IV. Device Description
The Aequalis™ PerFORM Reversed and Aequalis™ PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid are intended to replace the glenoid part of the scapulohumeral joint as part of a reverse shoulder prosthesis. Aequalis™ PerFORM Reversed and Aequalis™ PerFORM+ Reversed glenoid component assembly must be used in association with a Tornier humeral component:
- Humeral implants Aequalis Reversed, Aequalis Reversed Fracture or Aequalis Adjustable ● Reversed Shoulder
- . or Humeral implants Aequalis Ascend Flex Shoulder System in reverse configuration
- or humeral implants Aequalis Reversed FX2 ●
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The glenoid component assembly includes a modular system including a baseplate with central screw or press-fit post, peripheral anchoring screws and a glenosphere. The baseplates are available in various design configurations including: standard, lateralized, half-wedge augment and full-wedge augment. The glenospheres are available in various design configurations including: standard, lateralized and eccentric. The press-fit post may be used with the standard baseplate in lieu of the central anchoring screw. The baseplates and the press-fit posts are manufactured using additive manufacturing technology.
#### V. Intended Use
The Aequalis PerFORM Reversed & Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid are intended for replacement of the shoulder joint to reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility in comparison with preoperative status.
#### VI. Indications for Use
The Aequalis PerFORM Reversed & Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid are indicated for use as a replacement of shoulder joints for patients with a functional deltoid muscle and with massive and nonrepairable rotator cuff-tear with pain disabled by:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease (i.e. osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis)
- Correction of functional deformity
- Fractures of the humeral head
- Traumatic arthritis
- Revision of the devices if sufficient bone stock remains. ●
# Notes:
- All components are single use.
- The glenoid sphere implant is anchored to the bone with screws and is for non-cemented fixation.
#### VII. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The Aequalis PerFORM Reversed has the same intended use and the same fundamental scientific technology as the primary predicate and reference devices. The augment baseplates are similar to those of the reference device, Exactech Equinoxe (K110708), both of which accommodate varying glenoid bone geometry due to wear on the articular surface. The porous structure of the baseplate is similar to that of the reference device, Zimmer Trabecular Metal Reverse, K052906 Both are designed to minimize the bone reaming needed to preserved as much of the native bone as possible. The design differences have been demonstrated to not affect safety or effectiveness or raise new issues of safety or effectiveness.
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# VIII. Performance Data
Non-clinical performance bench testing (mechanical testing) was performed to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
- . Compressive Strength and Elastic Modulus Testing of Titanium Porous Metal Verification
- Titanium Porous Structure Stereological Evaluation ●
- Titanium Porous Structure Mechanical Verification
- PerFORM Reversed Fixation Pull-out Test
- Fatigue Test ●
- Range of Motion Analysis
- PerFORM Reversed Taper Pull-Off Test ●
- Glenoid Loosening Test (100,000 cycles)
- . PerFORM+ Reversed Augment Baseplate compared to the Exactech Equinoxe Reverse Augmented Baseplate Analysis
- . PerFORM Reversed Lateralization Comparison
- PerFORM Reversed and PerFORM+ Reversed Peripheral Screw Angulation ●
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) Process Validation
- Operational Qualification - Mechanical Validation & Microstructure Validation
- Performance Qualification - Mechanical Validation & Microstructure Validation
- . Powder Bed Position Validation
- . Powder Recycling Validation
- . Powder Removal Validation
- DMLS Device Powder Removal Cleaning ●
- DMLS Titanium Material Validation ●
- Endotoxin (<20 EU / device) ●
# IX. Clinical Study
Clinical studies were not required to demonstrate substantial equivalence between the subject device and the predicate device.
# X. Conclusions
The Aequalis PerFORM Reversed and Aequalis PerFORM+ Reversed Glenoid described in this section has the same intended use and the same fundamental scientific technology as the cleared Aequalis Shoulder Prosthesis, the porous structure is similar to the Trabecular Metal Reverse, and lateralization and augmentation are similar to Equinoxe Reversed Augmented Shoulder Prosthesis. Based on the testing presented for the design differences between the subject and predicate device, Tornier concludes that subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.