The THK System components are sterile, single-use devices intended for cemented use in primary and revision total knee arthroplasty. The THK System is intended to be used for the treatment of a severely unstable knee, particularly with the loss of collateral support in both primary and revision cases. The THK System can also be incorporated into implants for distal femoral and total femoral replacements performed for the treatment of bone tumors. It is a partially constrained prosthesis with limited rotational capability, which allows more natural motion and reduces torque on the fixation.
Device Story
Triathlon Hinge Knee (THK) System is a tricompartmental knee prosthesis; line extension to Triathlon Total Knee System. Device components: hinge femoral component, tibial bearing component, hinge tibial insert, revision tibial baseplate, and optional distal femoral/tibial augments. Operates via hinge axle/bushing assembly for flexion/extension; bearing surface articulation provides internal/external rotation. Used in orthopedic surgery for primary/revision total knee arthroplasty or distal/total femoral replacement. Implanted by orthopedic surgeons using bone cement. Provides varus/valgus stability and rotational constraint; reduces torque on fixation; restores joint function in severely unstable knees.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical laboratory testing and engineering analysis, including UHMWPE material characterization, fatigue testing (ASTM F1800-19e1), wear analysis (ISO 14243-1/3), range of motion/rotational freedom analysis, and biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1:2020).
Technological Characteristics
Tricompartmental knee prosthesis; materials include UHMWPE. Features hinge femoral component, revision tibial baseplate, hinge inserts, and tibial bearing components. Mechanical constraint via hinge axle/bushing and bearing surface radius. Sterile, single-use, cemented fixation. Bench testing per ASTM F1800-19e1, ISO 14243, ISO 10993-1, ISO 11607, and ANSI/AAMI ST72.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with destruction of joint surfaces (with/without bone deformity), knee joint instability due to inadequate cruciate/collateral ligaments, weak musculature, revision of failed prosthesis with gross instability (with/without bone loss or inadequate soft tissue), or cases requiring segmental resection and replacement of the distal femur.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A knee joint femorotibial metal/polymer constrained cemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace part of a knee joint. The device limits translation or rotation in one or more planes and has components that are linked together or affined. This generic type of device includes prostheses composed of a ball-and-socket joint located between a stemmed femoral and a stemmed tibial component and a runner and track joint between each pair of femoral and tibial condyles. The ball-and-socket joint is composed of a ball at the head of a column rising from the stemmed tibial component. The ball, the column, the tibial plateau, and the stem for fixation of the tibial component are made of an alloy, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum. The ball of the tibial component is held within the socket of the femoral component by the femoral component's flat outer surface. The flat outer surface of the tibial component abuts both a reciprocal flat surface within the cavity of the femoral component and flanges on the femoral component designed to prevent distal displacement. The stem of the femoral component is made of an alloy, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, but the socket of the component is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The femoral component has metallic runners which align with the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tracks that press-fit into the metallic tibial component. The generic class also includes devices whose upper and lower components are linked with a solid bolt passing through a journal bearing of greater radius, permitting some rotation in the transverse plane, a minimal arc of abduction/adduction. This generic type of device is limited to those prostheses intended for use with bone cement (§ 888.3027).
Predicate Devices
Modular Rotating Hinge (MRH) Knee Femoral Components (K994207, K002552)
Osteonics Omnifit X Plus Cemented Hip Stem (K983226, K153345)
Global Modular Replacement System (GMRS) (K023087)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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January 20, 2023
Howmedica Osteonics Corp., dba Stryker Orthopaedics Allison Byrne Senior Specialist, Regulatory Affairs 325 Corporate Drive Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
Re: K223528
Trade/Device Name: Triathlon® Hinge Knee System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3510 Regulation Name: Knee Joint Femorotibial Metal/Polymer Constrained Cemented Prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KRO Dated: November 22, 2022 Received: November 23, 2022
Dear Allison Byrne:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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.
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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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
# Ting Song -S
Ting Song, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT6A: Division of Joint Arthroplasty Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
#### K223528
Device Name Triathlon® Hinge Knee System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
This Rotating Hinge Knee System is intended to be implanted with bone cement for the following condition(s):
- · There is destruction of the joint surfaces, with or without significant bone deformity.
- · The cruciate and/or collateral ligaments do not stabilize the knee joint.
- · The ligaments are inadequate and/or the musculature is weak. And/or
- · Revision is required of a failed prosthesis where there has been gross instability, with or without bone loss or madequate soft tissue.
- · And/or where segmental resection and replacement of the distal femur is required.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>X</b></span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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#### 510(k) Summary
| Sponsor | Stryker Orthopaedics<br>325 Corporate Drive<br>Mahwah, NJ 07430 |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person | Allison Byrne<br>Senior Specialist, Regulatory Affairs<br>Howmedica Osteonics Corp<br>325 Corporate Drive<br>Mahwah, NJ 07430<br>Phone: (201) 831-5732<br>Email: allison.byrne@stryker.com |
| Alternate Contact | Margaret Klippel<br>Chief Specialist, Regulatory Affairs<br>Howmedica Osteonics Corp<br>325 Corporate Drive<br>Mahwah, NJ 07430<br>Phone: (201) 831-5559<br>Email: magaret.klippel@stryker.com |
| Date Prepared: | November 22, 2022 |
| Proprietary Name: | Triathlon® Hinge Knee System |
| Common Name: | Rotating Hinge Knee System<br>Artificial Knee System<br>Total Knee Joint Prosthesis |
| Classification Name: | Knee joint femorotibial metal/polymer constrained cemented<br>prosthesis. (21 CFR Part 888.3510) |
| Product Codes: | KRO |
#### Legally Marketed Primary Predicate Devices to Which Substantial Equivalence is Claimed:
- o The components of the Modular Rotating Hinge Knee System:
- Modular Rotating Hinge (MRH) Knee Femoral Components – K994207, K002552
- MRH Hinge Tibial Inserts K994207, K002552 ■
- MRH Sleeve - K994207, K002552
- MRH Tibial Baseplate - K994207, K002552
- MRH Tibial Bearing Component K994207, K001548, K001957, K002552 ■
- MRH Bumper components K994207, K002552 ■
- MRH Knee Femoral Distal Block – K994207
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## Legally Marketed Additional Predicate Devices Used to Support Substantial Equivalence:
- o The components of the Triathlon® Total Knee System:
- Triathlon® Total Stabilized (TS) Femoral Components – K070095, K141056, K172326
- Triathlon® TS Plus Inserts K070095, K072221, K141056, K172326, K172634 ■
- Triathlon® Universal Baseplate K053514, K141056, K172326 ■
- Triathlon® Femoral Distal Augments - K070095, K141056, K172326
- 트 Triathlon® Tibial Augments - K053514, K141056, K172326
## Legally Marketed Reference Devices Used to Support Substantial Equivalence in terms of biocompatibility:
- Triathlon® Tritanium Metal Back Patella K132624, K141056, K172326 .
- Triathlon® Posterior Stabilized (PS) Tibial Insert K031729, K141056, K172326 .
- Osteonics® Omnifit® X Plus Cemented Hip Stem K983226. K153345 ■
## Reason for 510(k) Submission:
The purpose of this submission is to introduce a line extension to the Triathlon® Total Knee System, specifically a new Triathlon® Hinge Knee (THK) System.
## Device Description:
The subject THK System is a line extension to the existing Triathlon® Knee System and will be a modified version of the predicate Modular Rotating Hinge (MRH) Knee System and Triathlon® Total Knee System. The THK System is a tricompartmental knee system consisting of a new hinge femoral component and a new tibial bearing component connected by a set of previously cleared MRH bushings and an MRH axle (K994207, K002552). A new bumper locks this assembly. This assembly provides motion through the MRH axle/bushings combination in the flexion/extension plane. The articulation between the bearing surfaces on the underside of the new tibial bearing component and a new hinge tibial insert provides motion in the rotating plane. The hinge tibial insert is assembled to a new revision tibial baseplate which incorporates a longitudinal bore to accept a new tibial sleeve or previously cleared MRH tibial sleeve (K994207, K002552). Optional new distal femoral and tibial augments are available to fill bone defects.
The THK System is designed to provide varus/valgus stability throughout the range of motion, internal/external rotation about the tibial axis, constraint by the bearing surface radius on the tibial bearing component, and an extensive range of size, modularity, and resection options. The subject THK System consists of:
- Hinge Femoral Components in six sizes and in left and right configurations o
- Revision Tibial Baseplates in seven sizes O
- Hinge Inserts in seven sizes and five thicknesses each hinge insert is packaged with a O standard sleeve subcomponent
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- Tibial Bearing Components in three sizes O
- Bumper inserts in neutral and three degree flexion options O
- Revision Tibial Augments in eight sizes, two thicknesses and in right medial/left lateral and O right lateral/left medial options
- o Femoral Distal Augments in six sizes and two thicknesses.
The components of the subject THK System are sterile, single-use devices intended for cemented use only. They can be used with previously cleared Modular Rotating Hinge (MRH) Knee components (K994207, K002552), the Global Modular Replacement System (GMRS) (K023087), and Triathlon® Knee System components (K172634, K172326, K190991, K143396, K141056. K132624. K070095. K061521. K053514. K052917. K051948. K051146. K040267).
#### Intended Use:
The component of the subject THK System have the same intended use as those specified in the 510(k) submissions for the components of the predicate devices listed. The THK System components are sterile, single-use devices intended for cemented use in primary and revision total knee arthroplasty. The THK System is intended to be used for the treatment of a severely unstable knee, particularly with the loss of collateral support in both primary and revision cases. The THK System can also be incorporated into implants for distal femoral and total femoral replacements performed for the treatment of bone tumors. It is a partially constrained prosthesis with limited rotational capability, which allows more natural motion and reduces torque on the fixation.
#### Indications:
This Rotating Hinge Knee System is intended to be implanted with bone cement for the following condition(s):
- There is destruction of the joint surfaces, with or without significant bone deformity. ●
- The cruciate and/or collateral ligaments do not stabilize the knee joint. ●
- The ligaments are inadequate and/or the musculature is weak. And/or
- Revision is required of a failed prosthesis where there has been gross instability, with or ● without bone loss or inadequate soft tissue.
- And/or where segmental resection and replacement of the distal femur is required. ●
#### Summary of Technological Characteristics:
The device comparisons and performance testing show that the components of the subject THK System are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate MRH Knee and Triathlon® Total Knee System based on intended use, indications for use, design, materials and sterilization method, performance characteristics, and operational principles.
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## Non-Clinical Testing:
The following non-clinical laboratory testing and/or engineering analysis were performed to determine substantial equivalence:
- Materials Characterization - UHMWPE
- Triathlon® Hinge Femoral Component Fatigue Testing ●
- Fatigue testing of the Revision Tibial Baseplate Components per ASTM F1800-19e1 ●
- o Fatigue testing of the Tibial Bearing components
- o Tibial Bearing Component Chair Rise Testing
- Shear fatigue analysis of the baseplate/insert locking mechanism
- Full construct fatigue worst-case analysis
- Wear Analysis per ISO 14243-1 and ISO 14243-3 ●
- Analysis of contact area/contact stress - Tibial Bearing/Hinge Insert Components
- Patellofemoral Contact Area/Contact Stress and Constraint Analysis
- Range of motion and rotational freedom analysis
- Revision Tibial Augment and Locking Strength Analysis
- Femoral Distal Augment and Locking Strength Analysis
- Strength analysis for Hinge Femur Component's boss/stem and Revision Tibial ● Baseplate Component's boss/stem junctions
- Biocompatibility evaluated per ISO 10993-1:2020
- Shelf-life validated per the following standards: ●
- ISO 11607-1:2019 o
- o ISO 11607-2:2019
- o ASTM F1980-21
- Testing performed per the following methods: O
- 트 ASTM F1886/F1886M-16
- ASTM F88/88M-21
- . ASTM F2096-11(2019)
- o Bacterial endotoxin testing (BET) as specified in ANSI/AAMI ST72:2019 was used for pyrogenicity testing to achieve an endotoxin limit of < 20EU/Device.
# Clinical Testing:
Clinical testing was not required as a basis for substantial equivalence.
# Conclusion:
Based upon a comparison of the intended use, indications for use, design, materials and sterilization method, performance characteristics, and operational principles, the components of the subject THK System are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate devices identified in this premarket notification.
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.