The primary indications for use of the Subtalar MBA System™ is as a spacer for stabilization of the subtalar joint. It is designed to block the anterior and inferior displacement of the talus, thus allowing normal subtalar joint motion but blocking excessive pronation and the resulting sequela.
Device Story
The Subtalar MBA System is a titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) cannulated spacer designed for surgical implantation into the subtalar joint. It functions as a mechanical block to prevent anterior and inferior talar displacement, thereby limiting excessive pronation while preserving normal joint motion. The device is intended for use by orthopedic surgeons in a clinical/surgical setting. The surgeon selects the appropriate diameter (6, 8, 10, or 12mm) and inserts the implant using a standard cannulated hexhead screwdriver. The device acts as a load-sharing stabilizer to facilitate bone healing and alignment correction. It is not intended for spinal fixation. Patients must be monitored post-operatively via clinical and radiographic evaluation to ensure proper stabilization and to manage risks such as implant migration, fracture, or stress shielding.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on the well-documented clinical performance of subtalar joint implant systems over 20 years, standardized manufacturing methods, and established design practices.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) per ASTM F136-84. Instrumentation: Stainless steel per ASTM F899-84. Form factor: Cannulated spacer in 6, 8, 10, 12mm diameters, 15mm length. Energy source: None (mechanical). Sterilization: Non-sterile; requires hospital steam autoclaving (270°F/132°C for 30 minutes).
Indications for Use
Indicated for treatment of hyperpronated foot and subtalar joint stabilization in patients with severely pronated foot, walking intemperance, calcaneal stance position >5°, manually correctable deformity, mid-tarsal breech (arch pain), or forefoot varus >10°. Contraindicated in patients with active local infection, metal sensitivity, poor bone stock, or functional abnormalities precluding good results.
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.
{0}
K960692
JUL 23 1996
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
INCORPORATED
Confidential
FDA Notification of:
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
For Release Upon Request Only
## Regulatory Authority:
Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, 21 CFR 807.92
## Company Name / Contact:
Company: KMI (Kinetikos Medical Inc.)
3950 Sorrento Valley Blvd
San Diego, Ca 92110
Contact: Regulatory Affairs Department
KMI
3950 Sorrento Valley Blvd
San Diego, Ca 92110
(619) 558-2233
Establishment Registration Number: 2028840
Classification Name: Smooth or Threaded Bone Stabilization Device
Common Used Name: Subtalar Arthorisis Implant
Trade Proprietary Name: Subtalar MBA System™
The FDA has classified similar products as a Class II device by the Orthopedic Device Section of the Surgical and Rehabilitation Devices Panel at Section 888-304. The product code generally refereed to is HWC (Product Code: HWC), and KMI submits this application under this designation.
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: (619)558-2233 FACSIMILE: (619)558-0838
{1}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
INCORPORATED
Confidential
FDA Notification of:
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
## Performance Standards:
No performance standards applicable to the Subtalar MBA implant have been established by the FDA. However, the titanium alloy 6AL-4V ELI alloy used to manufacture the KMI implant meets the chemical and mechanical requirements in voluntary standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F136-84). Additionally, the titanium alloy used meets the chemical and mechanical requirements of the voluntary standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM 136-84, B 800-74).
## Package and Labeling:
Draft Package labeling has been developed and enclosed in Section 2 attachments. A draft package insert has also been developed and enclosed in Section 2 for your review and consideration.
## System Description:
The KMI Subtalar MBA System™ will be offered in Ti-6Al-4V ELI. It will be available in a range of diameters and will be cannulated for precise location of the implant. Initially, a range of four diameters will be made available in 15mm lengths. All four diameters (6,8,10, and 12mm) are implantable using a standard (e.g. American Orthopedic) hexhead screwdriver, which is cannulated at center.
## Indications for Use:
The KMI Subtalar MBA System™ will be used on indications that are common with presently marketed devices. The primary indications for use of the Subtalar MBA System™ is as a spacer for stabilization of the subtalar joint. It is designed to block the anterior and inferior displacement of the talus, thus allowing normal subtalar joint motion but blocking excessive pronation and the resulting sequela.
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: (619)558-2233 FACSIMILE: (619)558-0838
{2}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
INCORPORATED
Confidential
FDA Notification of:
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
## Substantial Equivalent Devices:
This product is substantially equivalent in design, composition and/or function to another orthopedic implant device manufactured and approved for market.
Wright Medical:
K792670
The KMI Subtalar MBA System™ meets the ASTM standards (ASTM B348-83, F136-84, F67-88) for material and design of implants for medical application. The implant serves to function as the device listed above, and will have a higher loading capacity because it is made from titanium rather than polyethylene like the devices from many other orthopaedic companies being offered in the market.
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: (619)558-2233 FACSIMILE: (619)558-0838
{3}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
INCORPORATED
Confidential
FDA Notification of:
## Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
**Product: Subtalar MBA System™**
### Instrumentation:
KMI Subtalar MBA System™ instrumentation used for the preparation and insertion of the Subtalar implant is considered to be general orthopaedic instrumentation. The system includes standard manual orthopaedic surgical instruments of the appropriate size and type. All Subtalar MBA System instruments are manufactured from stainless steel meeting ASTM F899-84 standards.
### Product Sterilization:
KMI will supply all instruments and implants **Non-Sterile**. Non-Sterile implants are packaged in “clean only” condition. The labeling of the implants and instruments clearly indicates their sterility status. The package insert contains a sterilization/re-sterilization guideline.
### Summary:
Substantial Equivalence for the KMI Subtalar MBA System™ may be found in comparison with devices from a number of manufactures. Subtalar joint implant systems in general have been used for many years, and the clinical performance is well known and documented in the body of this submission.
Another measure of the Safety and Effectiveness of a medical device is how it performs in long term use. The basic design concept of stabilizing the subtalar joint for correction of flatfeet and associated midfoot adjustments has over 20 years of clinical evaluation. Uses, Indications, limitations and surgical techniques are well understood. Standardized manufacturing methods, design practices, material selections and testing techniques are known and represented within the guidelines of this submittal.
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: (619)558-2233 FACSIMILE: (619)558-0838
{4}
KMI
169
{5}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
INCORPORATED
FDA Notification of:
510(k) Application
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
Draft Package Label:
## Draft Package Label
| KMI Subtalar MBA Implant
Catalog #05-0110 | | Non-sterile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Diameter: | 10 mm | Quantity: 1 |
| Length: | 15 mm | |
| Material: | Titanium Alloy (6AL-4V, ELI) | |
| Manufactured For: | KMI
3950 Sorrento Valley Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92121 | |
| Warning: Federal Law (USA) restricts this product to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Warning: This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
PN Xs Rev A KMI, 1996 Subtalar MBA System™ | | |
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: (619)558-2233 FACSIMILE: (619)558-0838
{6}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL KMI
FDA Notification of:
510(k) Application
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
Draft Package Insert:
**Package Insert for Subtalar MBA System™**
Caution:
**U.S. Federal Law restricts this product to sale on or by the order of a physician.**
1. The surgeon must be thoroughly knowledgeable of the mechanical and metallurgical limitations of metallic surgical implants.
2. The patient should be adequately instructed. Postoperative care and the patient’s ability and willingness to follow instructions are one of the most important aspects of successful bone healing. The patient must be made aware of the limitations of the subtalar implant, and that physical activity and full weight bearing have been implicated in premature failure of similar devices. The patient should be made aware that a metallic implant is not as strong as normal, healthy bone and will fracture if excessive demands are placed on it in the absence of complete bone healing.
3. Removal of the implant after position correction or healing: Metallic implants can loosen, fracture, corrode, migrate, possibly increase the risk of infection, cause pain, or stress shield bone even after healing, particularly in young active patients. The surgeon should carefully weigh the risks versus benefits when deciding whether to remove the implant. Implant removal should be followed by adequate postoperative management to avoid mis-alignment. If the patient is older and has a low activity level, the surgeon may choose not to remove the implant, thus eliminating the risks involved in a second surgery.
4. Until firm re-alignment (confirmed by clinical and radiographic examination) is established, the patient should employ adequate external support and restrict physical activities which would place excessive stresses upon the subtalar implant or allow movement and delay or prevent healing and re-alignment to occur.
5. Periodic follow-up with image evaluation is critical. Even when the re-alignment and stabilization is complete, forces continue to be placed on the implant, and failure may occur.
**Safety Precautions:**
1. Correct selection of the implant size is extremely important. The potential for satisfactory stabilization is increased by the selection of the proper size, shape and design of the implant. While proper selection can help minimize risks, the size and shape of human bones present limitations on the size, shape and strength of implants. Metallic internal stabilization devices cannot withstand activity levels equal to those placed on normal, healthy bone. No implant can be expected to withstand indefinitely the unsupported stress of full weight bearing.
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121. TELEPHONE (619)558-2233. FACSIMILE: (619)558-0838
{7}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
THE CHEMISTRY CENTER
FDA Notification of:
510(k) Application
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
## Draft Package Insert Cont'd:
2. Implants can break when subjected to the increased loading associated with delayed stabilization or re-alignment. Internal stabilization appliances are load sharing devices which are used until normal healing and alignment occurs. If healing is delayed, or does not occur, the implant may eventually break due to metal fatigue. The degree or success of stabilization, loads produced by weight bearing and activity levels will dictate the longevity of the implant. Notches, scratches or bending of the implant during the course of surgery may also contribute to early fatigue failure (Patients should be fully informed of risks of implant failure).
3. Correct handling of the implant is extremely important. Alterations will produce defects in surface finish and internal stresses which may become the focal point for eventual breakage of the implant.
4. Mixing metals can cause corrosion. Dissimilar metals in contact, such as titanium implants used with stainless steel bone plates, accelerate the corrosion process of stainless steel and rapid attack occurs. The presence of corrosion process of stainless steel and rapid attack occurs. The presence of corrosion accelerates fatigue fracture of the implant. Internal stabilization and/or fixation devices, such as implants, plates and screws which come in contact, must be made from like or compatible metals.
5. Surgical implants must never be reused. An ex-planted implant should never be re-implanted.
## SPECIFIC INDICATIONS FOR USE:
The Subtalar MBA System is indicated for use in the treatment of the hyperpronated foot and stabilization of the subtalar joint. It is designed to block the anterior and inferior displacement of the talus, thus allowing normal subtalar joint motion but blocking excessive pronation and the resulting sequela.
- Severely pronated foot
- Walking intemperance
- Calcaneal stance position greater than 5°
- Manually correctable deformity
- Mid-tarsal breech (arch pain)
- Forefoot varus greater than 10°
The Subtalar implant is contraindicated for use in patients with the following conditions:
- Active local infection (Any evidence of infection)
- Metal sensitivity or allergic reaction to foreign bodies
- Other conditions that may place the patient at risk (Physiologically)
- When quality of bone stock prevents secure seating of the implant
- The presence of any clinical or functional abnormalities that would preclude the potential of achieving a good result for the patient
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92101 • TELEPHONE (619)558-2233 • FACSIMILE (619)558-0838
{8}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
FDA Notification of:
510(k) Application
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
## Draft Package Insert Cont'd:
### Possible Adverse Effects
The following are specific adverse effects which should be understood by the surgeon and explained to the patient. These do not include all adverse effects which can occur with surgery in general, but are important considerations particular to metallic internal stabilization devices. General surgical risks should be explained to the patient prior to surgery.
1. Infection
2. Pain, discomfort, or abnormal sensations due to presence of the implant
3. Metal sensitivity, or allergic reaction to a foreign body
4. Migration of the implant, loosening of the implant
5. Delayed correction in alignment
6. Decrease in bone density due to stress shielding
7. Bursitis
### Possible Risks and Complications:
1. Implant improperly positioned.
2. Failure to fully set implant.
3. Failure to adequately stabilize or re-align the subtalar joint.
4. Failure to correct the deformity.
### Packaging:
Each of the KMI Subtalar Implants should be received in an intact package: Damaged packages or products should not be used and should be returned to KMI.
### Sterilization:
Unless supplied sterile and clearly labeled as such, all Subtalar implants must be steam autoclaved prior to use in surgery. KMI Subtalar implants and instruments may be steam sterilized by the hospital using the following process parameters:
Method: Steam
Cycle: Gravity
Temperature: 270 F (132 C)
Exposure Time: 30 minutes
Remove all packaging material prior to sterilization. Only sterile implants and instruments should be used in surgery. Immediately re-sterilize all implants and instruments removed from the surgical field before handling. Never re-use surgical implants.
PN XXXXXXXXX, Rev A Manufactured & Distributed by KMI, Inc.
KMI, 1996 3950 Sorrento Valley Blvd San Diego, CA 92121
1950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: 1619)558-2237 FACSIMILE: 1619)558-0838
{9}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL KMI
FDA Notification of:
510(k) Application
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
## Packaging:
All packaging will be of a sufficient design and material quality to provide protection from physical damage during transportation and storage. Typical packaging used for such applications are medical grade peel packs, blister packs, pouches, boxes with foam compartments, clear plastic tubes with end caps and fiberboard shippers and cartons.
The packaging offered is equivalent to that which is used with the predicate devices listed within this document, and in most cases is supplied by the same manufacturers that supply major orthopaedic companies.
Currently, KMI is considering medical grade peel packs and/or plastic tubes for the individual packaging of the Subtalar implants. The package or tube will be sealed which will provide for the integrity and security of the product. The implants will be provided non-sterile and labeled as such.
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: (619)558-2231 FAX: (619)558-0838
{10}
KINETIKOS MEDICAL
KMI
INCORPORATED
FDA Notification of:
510(k) Application
Product: Subtalar MBA System™
## Promotional Material:
This system’s promotional material has not been developed. However, all promotional material will be developed within the guidelines set fourth by the FDA as they pertain to these products.
KMI’s Subtalar MBA System™ promotional material will be similar and in most cases more informative than that material which is supplied with the predicate devices listed within this notification.
A draft protocol and catalog listing is provided on the next page for reference, however these items are currently under review and may change prior to distribution of product.
3950 SORRENTO VALLEY BLVD., SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92121 TELEPHONE: (619)558-2233
FACSIMILE: (619)558-0838
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.