AltiVate Reverse Humeral Stem, AltiVate Reverse Small Spacer, Altivate Reverse, Small Hemi-Adapter, AltiVate Reverse, Small Socket Insert
K172351 · Encore Medical L.P. · KWS · Oct 30, 2017 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K172351
Device Name
AltiVate Reverse Humeral Stem, AltiVate Reverse Small Spacer, Altivate Reverse, Small Hemi-Adapter, AltiVate Reverse, Small Socket Insert
Applicant
Encore Medical L.P.
Product Code
KWS · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Oct 30, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3660
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The AltiVate™ Shoulder Prosthesis Stem is indicated as an Anatomic shoulder joint replacement for patients suffering from pain and dysfunction due to: Noninflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis; Inflammatory arthritis of the glenohumeral join including rheumatoid arthritis; Post-traumatic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint; Avascular necrosis of the humeral head with and without involvement of the glenoid; Correction of functional deformity. The all-poly glenoid is intended for cemented use. The AltiVate™ Shoulder Prosthesis Stem is indicated as a hemi shoulder joint replacement for patients suffering from pain and dysfunction due to: Noninflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis; Inflammatory arthritis of the glenohumeral joint including rheumatoid arthritis; Post-traumatic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint; Avascular necrosis of the humeral head with and without involvement of the glenoid; Correction of functional deformity; Rotator cuff tear arthropathy; Humeral fracture. Failed previous shoulder surgery. The AltiVate™ Shoulder Prosthesis Stem is as a reverse shoulder replacement for patients with a functional deltoid muscle and a grossly deficient rotator cuff joint suffering from pain and dysfunction due to: Severe arthropathy with a grossly deficient rotator cuff; Previously failed joint replacement with a grossly deficient rotator cuff; Fracture of glenohumeral joint from trauma or pathologic conditions of the shoulder including humeral head fracture, displaced 3- or 4-part fractures of proximal humerus, or reconstruction after tumor resection; Bone defect in proximal humerus; Non-inflammatory degenerative disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis of the natural humeral head and/or glenoid; Inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis; Correction of functional deformity. The glenoid baseplate is intended for cementless application with addition of screws for fixation. This device may also be indicated in the salvage of previously failed surgical attempts for anatomic and hemi procedures. All humeral stems are intended for cemented or cementless use.
Device Story
AltiVate Reverse Small Shell Shoulder is a line extension of the AltiVate Reverse System; consists of humeral stem, socket insert, spacer, and hemi-adaptor components. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings for primary or revision shoulder arthroplasty. Device provides structural replacement for damaged shoulder joints; restores joint function and reduces pain. Implantation involves standard orthopedic surgical techniques; glenoid baseplate uses cementless fixation with screws; humeral stems allow for cemented or cementless use. Device geometry is diametrically reduced compared to predicates to accommodate specific anatomical needs. Clinical benefit is the restoration of shoulder mobility and reduction of pain in patients with severe arthropathy or trauma.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence is supported by non-clinical mechanical bench testing, including assessments of lever out, torsional strength, push-out strength, snap geometry, fatigue, tensile strength, and screw strength. Endotoxin testing was performed to ensure non-pyrogenicity.
Technological Characteristics
Shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained prosthesis. Components include humeral stem, socket insert, spacer, and hemi-adaptor. Features diametrically reduced shell geometry and P2 porous coating. Materials and surface finishes are consistent with predicate devices. Fixation methods include cemented or cementless options for stems and cementless with screw fixation for the glenoid baseplate.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with shoulder pain and dysfunction requiring anatomic, hemi, or reverse shoulder joint replacement. Specific conditions include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, rotator cuff tear arthropathy, humeral fractures, bone defects, and failed previous shoulder surgeries. Reverse configuration requires a functional deltoid muscle and grossly deficient rotator cuff.
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/0 description: The image contains the logos of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, featuring a stylized eagle. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" in blue, with "ADMINISTRATION" underneath.
October 30, 2017
Encore Medical, L.P. Teffany Hutto Manager, Regulatory Affairs 9800 Metric Blvd Austin, Texas 78758
### Re: K172351
Trade/Device Name: AltiVate Reverse Humeral Stem. AltiVate Reverse Small Spacer, Altivate Reverse, Small Hemi-Adapter, AltiVate Reverse, Small Socket Insert Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3660 Regulation Name: Shoulder Joint Metal/Polymer Semi-Constrained Cemented Prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KWS. HSD. PHX Dated: September 28, 2017 Received: October 2, 2017
Dear Teffany Hutto:
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 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993 www.fda.gov
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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 (DICE) 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 (DICE) 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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KT72351 510(k) Number (if known
Device Name
AltiiVate M Reverse Shoulder System
Indications for AltiVate™ Stern Indications for Use (Describe)
Anatomic Total Shoulder Indications
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## 510(k) Summary
Date: September 29, 2017
Manufacturer: DJO Surgical (Legal Name: Encore Medical, L.P.) 9800 Metric Blvd Austin, TX 78758
Contact Person: Teffany Hutto Manager, Regulatory Affairs Phone: (512) 834-6255 Fax: (760) 597-3466 Email: teffany.hutto@djoglobal.com
| Product | Common Name | Classification | Product Code |
|----------------------------------------|------------------------|----------------|------------------|
| AltiVate Reverse® Small Shell Shoulder | Total Shoulder Implant | Class II | KWS, HSD,<br>PHX |
| Product Code | Regulation and Classification Name |
|--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| KWS | Shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained prosthesis per 21 CFR 888.3660 |
| HSD | Shoulder joint humeral (hemi-shoulder) metallic uncemented prosthesis per CFR 888.3690 |
| PHX | Shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis per CFR 888.3660 |
### Description:
The AltiVate™ Reverse Small Shell Shoulder is a line extension to the AltiVate Reverse System. It consists of four primary components: humeral stem, socket insert, spacer and hemi-adaptor. Device specific instrumentation will also be used. Components are offered for either primary or revision surgery applications, in a hemi or total shoulder application.
### Indications for Use:
Indications for AltiVate™ Stem:
### Anatomic Total Shoulder Indications:
The AltiVate™ Shoulder Prosthesis Stem is indicated as an Anatomic shoulder joint replacement for patients suffering from pain and dysfunction due to:
- Noninflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis;
- Inflammatory arthritis of the glenohumeral join including rheumatoid arthritis;
- Post-traumatic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint;
- Avascular necrosis of the humeral head with and without involvement of the glenoid;
- Correction of functional deformity ●
The all-poly glenoid is intended for cemented use
### Hemi Shoulder Indications:
The AltiVate™ Shoulder Prosthesis Stem is indicated as a hemi shoulder joint replacement for patients suffering from pain and dysfunction due to:
- Noninflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis; ●
- Inflammatory arthritis of the glenohumeral joint including rheumatoid arthritis; ●
- Post-traumatic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint;
- Avascular necrosis of the humeral head with and without involvement of the glenoid;
- Correction of functional deformity;
- Rotator cuff tear arthropathy;
- Humeral fracture.
- Failed previous shoulder surgery
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### Reverse Total Shoulder Indications:
The AltiVate™ Shoulder Prosthesis Stem is as a reverse shoulder replacement for patients with a functional deltoid muscle and a grossly deficient rotator cuff joint suffering from pain and dysfunction due to:
- Severe arthropathy with a grossly deficient rotator cuff;
- . Previously failed joint replacement with a grossly deficient rotator cuff;
- . Fracture of glenohumeral joint from trauma or pathologic conditions of the shoulder including humeral head fracture, displaced 3- or 4-part fractures of proximal humerus, or reconstruction after tumor resection;
- . Bone defect in proximal humerus;
- . Non-inflammatory degenerative disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis of the natural humeral head and/or glenoid;
- Inflammatory arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis;
- Correction of functional deformity.
The glenoid baseplate is intended for cementless application with addition of screws for fixation. This device may also be indicated in the salvage of previously failed surgical attempts for anatomic and hemi procedures
All humeral stems are intended for cemented or cementless use.
### Predicate Devices:
- Encore Humeral Shoulder Stem (now called AltiVate Reverse) K141990 ●
- Reverse® Shoulder Prosthesis Monoblock K100741, K111061, K111735, K141006 ●
- . Zimmer Trabecular Metal Reverse - K052906
### Comparable Features to Predicate Device(s):
The AltiVate Reverse Small Shell Shoulder line extension includes a diametrically reduced shell geometry with features comparable to predicate devices including the same material substrate, same porous coating material, surface finishes, size offering, mating interface snap mechanism, sterilization and packaging, indications, intended use, and surgical implantation technique.
### Key Differences in Subject Device to Predicate:
Differences to the predicates include a diametrically reduced shell geometry, additional size offerings/thickness and P2 porous coating surface area.
### Non-Clinical Testing:
Mechanical testing has demonstrated the device's ability to perform under expected conditions. This testing included assessment of lever out, torsional strength, push-out strength, snap geometry, porous coating, fatigue, tensile strength, and screw strength, All testing has determined that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
### Endotoxin Assessment:
DJO Surgical conducts device testing to assure that pyrogen limit specifications are met via the Kinetic Chromogenic mentod for bacterial endotoxin testing. Testing has also been performed to establish product non-pyrogenicity.
Clinical Testing: Clinical testing was not required.
Conclusions: All testing and evaluations demonstrate that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicates identified.
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.
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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.
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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.