K180753 · Safetyfix Medical Technologies, Inc. · HWC · Apr 20, 2018 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K180753
Device Name
SafetyFix EasyOut System
Applicant
Safetyfix Medical Technologies, Inc.
Product Code
HWC · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Apr 20, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The SafetyFix Easy Out System is indicated for temporary internal fixation and stabilization of osteotomies and fractures during normal healing of ankle, elbow and small bones such as those in the foot and wrist.
Device Story
SafetyFix Easy Out System is a bone fixation implant system for temporary internal stabilization of osteotomies and fractures. Device consists of self-tapping, self-drilling cannulated and solid titanium alloy screws (ASTM F-136) with diameters 2.0-4.0 mm and lengths 8-60 mm. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings to create lag compression across bone fragments. Modifications include addition of cannulated screws and a modified compression wedge head design. System is provided non-sterile for single-use. Performance verified via static/dynamic 3-point bend, torsional, and axial pull-out testing per ASTM F1264 and ASTM F543. Output is mechanical fixation of bone; assists healing by maintaining alignment.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Performance verified via static and dynamic 3-point bend tests (ASTM F1264-03), static torsional tests, and axial pull-out tests (ASTM F543-07e1).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Medical grade titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) per ASTM F-136. Design: Self-tapping, self-drilling cannulated and solid bone screws. Dimensions: 2.0-4.0 mm diameter, 8-60 mm length. Mechanical fixation via lag compression. Standards: ASTM F1264-03 (07), ASTM F543-07e1. Sterilization: Provided non-sterile. Connectivity: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for temporary internal fixation and stabilization of osteotomies and fractures during normal healing of ankle, elbow, and small bones (foot/wrist) in patients requiring bone fixation.
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.
Vilex/Duval/Orthex Cannulated Bone Screw Double Thread (K014154)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# Special 510(k) Summary
# SafetyFix Easy Out System
# K 180753
#### 1. Submission Sponsor
SafetyFix Medical Technologies, Inc.
8637 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63124 USA
Phone: (314) 983-0303
Fax: (314) 983-2777
Contact: Dr. Michael Horwitz
Title: President/CEO
#### 2. Submission Correspondent
Emergo Global Consulting, LLC
2500 Bee Cave Road
Building 1, Suite 300
Austin, TX 78746 USA
Phone: (512) 327.9997
Contact: Ken Pilgrim
Title: Senior RA/QA Consultant
#### 3. Date Prepared
22 March 2018
#### 4. Purpose of the Submission
The purpose of this notification is to seek clearance for the modifications to the Easy Out system to: 1) Change the name to SafetyFix Easy Out System; 2) Incorporate the addition of cannulated screws; and 3) Incorporate the addition of a modified screw head for the cannulated screws.
#### 5. Device Identification
Trade/Proprietary Name: SafetyFix Easy Out System
Common/Usual Name: Screw, Fixation, Bone
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| Classification Name: | Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Regulation Number: | 888.3040 |
| Product Code: | HWC |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Classification Panel: | Orthopedic |
## 6. Legally Marketed Predicate Device
| Primary Predicate: | K141401, Easy Out system, SafetyFix Medical Technologies, Inc. (formally<br>known as Feet For Life Podiatry Centers) |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Secondary Predicates: | K071092, Asnis™ Micro Cannulated Screw, Howmedica Osteonics Corp. |
| | |
| | K014154, Vilex/Duval/Orthex Cannulated Bone Screw Double Thread, Vilex,<br>Inc. |
#### 7. Indications for Use Statement
The SafetyFix Easy Out System is indicated for temporary internal fixation and stabilization of osteotomies and fractures during normal healing of ankle, elbow and small bones such as those in the foot and wrist.
#### 8. Device Description
The SafetyFix Easy Out System is an implant device previously cleared by the FDA for temporary internal fixation and stabilization of osteotomies and fractures during normal healing (Easy Out K141401). The only changes from the previously cleared device are the name change, addition of cannulated screws and the addition of a cannulated screw head option. There are no other changes to the SafetyFix Easy Out System when compared to the device cleared under K141401.
The SafetyFix Easy Out System consists of various cannulated and partially threaded solid screws designed to create lag compression and used for temporary internal fixation small bones and fragments. The SafetyFix Easy Out bone screws are self-tapping, self-drilling screws with thread diameters of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 mm, and lengths that range from 8 to 60 mm. All compression screws are fabricated from medical grade titanium alloy (per ASTM F-136). Associated instrumentation is available. All compression screws are offered non-sterilization prior to use.
## 9. Description of Modification
This is a Special 510(k): Device Modification Submission. The basis for this submission is to: 1) Change the product name to SafetyFix Easy Out System; 2) Incorporate the addition of cannulated screws: and 3) Incorporate the addition of a modified screw head option for the cannulated screws. The verification activities have been summarized to demonstrate that the cannulated screws have equivalent dynamic and static testing results as the screws cleared in K141401.
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## 10. Substantial Equivalence Discussion
The SafetyFix Easy Out System intended use and indications for use (cleared under K141401) remain identical. There have been no changes made to the principles of operation, manufacturing processes, or materials from those that were previously cleared. Other than the incorporation of the design modifications described above, there have been no further modifications to the device.
| Manufacturer | SafetyFix Medical<br>Technologies, Inc. | Feet for Life Podiatry<br>Centers | Similarities and Differences |
|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name | SafetyFix Easy Out | Easy Out | |
| 510(k) Number | K180753 | K141401 | Not applicable |
| Common Name | Screw, Fixation, Bone | Screw, Fixation, Bone | Identical |
| Product Code | HWC | HWC | Identical |
| Regulation<br>Number | 21 CFR § 888.3040 | 21 CFR § 888.3040 | Identical |
| Regulation<br>Name | Smooth or threaded<br>metallic bone fixation<br>fastener | Smooth or threaded<br>metallic bone fixation<br>fastener | Identical |
| Intended Use | Intended to be used for<br>internal bone fixation | Intended to be used for<br>internal bone fixation | Identical |
| Indications for<br>Use | The SafetyFix Easy Out<br>System is indicated for<br>temporary internal<br>fixation and stabilization<br>of osteotomies and<br>fractures during normal<br>healing of ankle, elbow<br>and small bones such as<br>those in the foot and<br>wrist. | The Easy Out system is<br>indicated for temporary<br>internal fixation and<br>stabilization of<br>osteotomies and fractures<br>during normal healing of<br>ankle, elbow and small<br>bones such as those in the<br>foot and wrist | Identical, apart from the product name<br>change |
| Overall Design | Medical grade titanium<br>alloy, partially threaded<br>Solid and Cannulated<br>screws | Medical grade titanium<br>alloy solid, partially<br>threaded screws | The device modification is the addition of<br>the cannulated screws to K141401, which<br>only included solid screws. While minor<br>design differences exist, the intended use<br>and principle of operation is substantially<br>equivalent. Performance testing<br>demonstrates the safety and efficacy of<br>the cannulated screws. |
| Material | Medical grade titanium<br>alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) per<br>ASTM F-136 | Medical grade titanium<br>alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) per<br>ASTM F-136 | Identical |
| Complies with<br>ISO 10993-1 | Yes | Yes | Identical |
| Noncannulated | Ø2.0, Ø2.5, Ø3.0, Ø3.5, | Ø2.0, Ø2.5, Ø3.0, Ø3.5, | Identical screw options |
| | | Table 5A – Comparison of Characteristics | |
|----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | SafetyFix Medical<br>Technologies, Inc. | Feet for Life Podiatry<br>Centers | Similarities and Differences |
| Trade Name | SafetyFix Easy Out | Easy Out | |
| Screw<br>Diameters | and Ø4.0 mm | and Ø4.0 mm | |
| Noncannulated<br>Screw Lengths | 12 to 60 mm | 12 to 60 mm | Identical |
| Cannulated<br>Screw<br>Diameters | Ø2.0, Ø2.5, Ø3.0, and<br>Ø4.0 mm<br>Wedge head option<br>available in Ø2.0 mm<br>only | Not available; Removed<br>from K141401 | Different – This submission adds the<br>cannulated screws. Performance testing<br>confirms the equivalence to the data<br>provided in K141401.<br>Static and dynamic 3-point bend tests,<br>static torsional tests and axial pull-out<br>tests were conducted to support<br>substantial equivalence.<br>The addition of the cannulated screws<br>does not raise any new safety or efficacy<br>concerns |
| Cannulated<br>Screw Lengths | 8 to 60 mm<br>Wedge head option<br>available in 8 to 30 mm<br>only | Not available; Removed<br>from K141401 | Different – This submission adds the<br>cannulated screws. Performance testing<br>confirms equivalence to the data<br>provided in K141401.<br>The addition of the cannulated screws<br>does not raise any new safety or efficacy<br>concerns |
| Compression<br>mechanisms | Spherical Compression<br>Ball with Square Screw<br>Head | Spherical Compression Ball<br>with Square Screw Head | Identical |
| | Compression Wedge<br>Head design with a Hex<br>driver | Not applicable | Different - the subject system introduces<br>a more conservative compression wedge<br>head design. The addition of the modified<br>screw head does not raise any new safety<br>or efficacy concerns. |
| Sterile | Provided Non-sterile | Provided Non-sterile | Identical |
| Single-Use | Yes | Yes | Identical |
| Standards<br>complied with | ASTM F1264-03 (07),<br>ASTM F543-07e1 | ASTM F1264-03 (07),<br>ASTM F543-07e1 | Identical |
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## 11. Non-Clinical Performance Data
Performance testing was conducted to further characterize the performance of the SafetyFix Easy Out System's addition of the cannulated screws and modified screw head. The device functioned as intended and the test results demonstrate substantial equivalence to the previously cleared device (K141401). Static and dynamic 3-point bend tests, static torsional tests and axial pull-out tests were conducted to support substantial equivalence. Static and dynamic Three Point Bend testing was conducted in accordance with ASTM F1264-03 (07), Standard Specification and Test Method for Intramedullary
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Fixation Devices. Additionally, testing was conducted to characterize the torsional strength of the screw as well as axial pullout per ASTM F543-07(e1), Standard Specification and Test Methods for Metallic Medical Bone Screws.
Furthermore, an engineering analysis was performed against the predicates to evaluate torsional strength and pullout strength performance.
The results of this testing demonstrate that SafetyFix Easy Out System performs as intended and that the device is substantially equivalence to the previously cleared device (K141401).
# 12. Statement of Substantial Equivalence
The SafetyFix Easy Out System has the Identical intended use, principles of operation, and performance to the predicate device. The additional design characteristics of the modified device were tested in accordance with design controls, and verified to meet specifications. The SafetyFix Easy Out System, as modified, is determined to be substantially equivalent to the Easy Out system device cleared in K141401.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, with the letters "FDA" in a blue box. To the right of the blue box is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
SafetyFix Medical Technologies, Inc. % Ken Pilgrim Senior RA / QA Consultant Emergo Global Consulting, LLC 2500 Bee Cave Road, Building 1, Suite 300 Austin, Texas 78746
Re: K180753
Trade/Device Name: SafetyFix EasyOut System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3040 Regulation Name: Smooth Or Threaded Metallic Bone Fixation Fastener Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HWC Dated: March 22, 2018 Received: March 22, 2018
# Dear Ken Pilgrim:
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
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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.
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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K180753
Device Name SafetyFix Easy Out System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The SafetyFix Easy Out System is indicated for temporary internal fixation of osteotomies and fractures during normal healing of ankle, elbow and small bones such as those in the foot and wrist.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <div> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> </div> |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span style="font-size: 10pt;">Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> </div> |
===
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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
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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.
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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.