Retrospective clinical results (European cohort); Peer-reviewed clinical literature
A retrospective review of European clinical outcomes for the Phusis screw was conducted and compared against literature-reported performance data for predicate devices to support a claim of substantial equivalence.
Retrospective review and analysis of European ACL reconstruction clinical results; Retrospective comparative analysis; Follow-up/Duration: Average follow-up reported
Patients undergoing ACL reconstruction
Linvatec BioScrew and Acufex metallic interference screw (via peer-reviewed literature)
Symptoms, pivot shift, screw breakage on insertion, return to activity, intra-operative and post-operative complications, final outcome
Indications for Use
Interference fixation of patellar bone-tendon-bone grafts in ACL reconstruction.
Device Story
Bioresorbable interference screw for ACL reconstruction; provides fixation of patellar bone-tendon-bone grafts. Device features cylindrical, headless, cannulated design with tapered tip and progressive cancellous-type thread. Available in 7.0mm and 9.0mm diameters. Cannulation channel includes hex configuration for driver interface and guide wire orientation. Used in OR by surgeons during ACL repair. Implanted to provide initial/intermediate fixation; material undergoes autocatalytic hydrolysis for complete resorption, eliminating need for secondary removal surgery. Surgical technique mirrors metallic interference screws.
Clinical Evidence
Retrospective review of European clinical results comparing Phusis screw to Linvatec BioScrew and Acufex metallic screw. Analysis matched nine common ACL clinical variables, including symptoms, pivot shift, screw breakage, return to activity, and complication rates. Results support substantial equivalence to predicate devices.
Indicated for open surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.
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}
DEC 22 1998
K970829
| Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information | Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw |
| --- | --- |
| Premarket Notification, Section 510(k) | Tornier S.A. |
Regulatory Authority: Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, 21 CFR 807.92
1. Device Name:
Trade Name: Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw
Common Name: Interference Screw
Classification Name: Screw, Fixation, Bone
2. Establishment Name & Registration Number:
Name: Tornier S.A.
Number: 8020756
3. Classification:
Screw, Fixation, Bone, as categorized under 21 CFR, § 888.3040.
§ 888.3040 Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener. (a) 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 reconstruction, 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. (b) Classification. Class II.
Device Class: Class II
Classification Panel: Orthopaedic
Product Code: 87HWC
4. Company Contact:
Ms. Patricia Abraham, Marketing Manager
Tornier, S.A.
B.P. 11 - rue Doyen Gosse
38330 - Saint Ismier
France
011.334.7652.8000
011.334.7652.0673 - fax
5. Special Controls:
Special Controls do not apply to this device.
OctoberResponse.doc
{1}
# 6. Substantially Equivalent Device(s):
1. BioScrew Fixation System. Linvatec, Inc., K933719
2. Acufex Screw, Acufex Microsurgical, Inc., K895711
# 7. Indications for use:
1. Surgical repair of the anterior cruciate ligament.
2. ACL repair.
3. Arthroscopic ACL repair.
# 8. Description of the Device:
The device is a bioresorbable interference screw used for the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The *Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw* system is made up of two different diameter screws (7.0mm and 9.0mm) available in two lengths for each diameter. The 7.0mm diameter screws are 20 & 25 mm in length and the 9.0mm screws are 25 & 30 mm in length. The thread profile is that of a non aggressive single lead thread (cancellous-type) with a pitch of approximately 12 to the inch. The thread is progressive in nature. That is, the distal end or tip of the screw is tapered slightly to improve ease of insertion.
The cannulation channel serves two purposes, it allows for the insertion of a guide wire/pin and it provides the driver interface. The cannula channel is not round throughout its length, but rather, it is hex in configuration over most of its length. Only the last millimeter near the tip is round. This provides two specific benefits, maximum hex drive interface and excellent insertion orientation when inserted over the guide pine/wire.
## Materials:
The material used to construct the device is described as an α-hydroxy-acid. Specifically, the material used in the construction of the *Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw* is an exclusively lactic stereocopolymer containing PLA98 (98% L-lactic units and 2% D-lactic units. Resorption of PLA98 occurs exclusively by a chemical mechanism known as autocatalytic hydrolysis leading to progressive breaking of the macromolecular chains. The 2% of D-lactic units guarantee permanent hydrolysis of a PLA98 implant until its complete resorption.
## Instrumentation:
Specialized instruments are provided as a part of the *Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw* system. There is a cannulated hex screw driver, a non-cannulated hex screw driver, a conformator (thread tap) a clearance template and a gauge. Guide wires of the appropriate diameter are also available with the system.
# 9. Claims Regarding Device Features, Performance, or Safety:
1. Surgical technique essentially the same as for metallic interference screws.
2. Ease of use.
3. obviates the need for secondary surgery to remove the screw after healing.
4. Long history of safe use of Poly L-lactic acid material for same and similar uses.
5. strong initial and intermediate fixation followed by complete resorption.
OctoberResponse.doc
{2}
# 10. Cleaning/Sterilization/Re-sterilization:
The implantable product is supplied sterile from the manufacturer. The device may not be secondarily cleaned or resterilized. Once the product packaging is opened or damaged, the product is no longer considered sterile. Inspect all packaging on arrival for evidence of shipping damage. Damaged packaging renders the product unsafe and it should not be used. Return all shipping damaged product promptly. Subsequently damaged product packaging requires product replacement. Product used in the operating room must be opened and placed into use using accepted operating room sterile technique.
The surgical instruments required to properly use the device are supplied clean only and must be sterilized prior to each use. Remove all shipping and packaging materials before sterilization. Wash all instruments thoroughly prior to sterilization. For the instruments, the recommended method is steam autoclave sterilization. The recommended sterilization cycle is based on AAMI guidelines. The cycle is saturated steam at 270°F for 30 minutes.
# 11. Equivalence:
Based on the materials, intended uses, design and clinical technique, the Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw is substantially equivalent to the above referenced legally marketed BioScrew Fixation System available from Linvatec, Inc.
# 12. Feature Comparison Table:
| FEATURE | Phusis Screw | BioScrew | Acufex | SE? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Indications for Use(s): | ACL reconstruction | same | same | Yes |
| Design: | cylindrical headless cannulated tapered cancellous thread interference screw | same | same | Yes |
| Sterility Assurance Level | SAL 10® | same | same | |
| Sterilization Method: | Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma | Gamma | Unsterile | Yes |
| Sizes | 4 | same | same | Yes |
| Material: | PLA98 | PLA | Titanium | Yes/no |
| Accessory Items: | Specialized Surgical Instruments | same | same | No |
| Manufacturer: | Phusis | Linvatec, Inc. | Acufex Microsurgical | Yes |
| Product Code: | 87HWC | same | same | Yes |
| K - Number | Pending | K933719 | K895711 | Yes |
# 13. Clinical Summary:
A retrospective review and analysis of European ACL reconstruction clinical results using the Phusis screw was undertaken. The purpose of the review was to examine clinical performance of the Phusis screw and contrast it with the Linvatec BioScrew and the Acufex metallic interference screw as reported in the peer review literature. Nine common ACL clinical variables were identified and matched for comparison. Appropriate statistical methodologies were applied.
The comprehensive report detailed variables such as $n$, average follow-up, symptoms, pivot shift, breakage of the screw on insertion, return to activity, intra-operative and post-operative complications, and final outcome was completed. The analysis supports the our conclusion that the performance of the Phusis screw is substantially equivalent to the referenced comparison devices.
OctoberResponse.doc
{3}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
DEC 22 1998
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
Mr. David W. Schlerf
Buckman Company, Inc.
Representing Tornier S.A.
200 Gregory Lane, Suite C-100
Pleasant Hill, California 94523-3389
Re: K970829
Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw
Regulatory Class: II
Product Codes: MAI and HWC
Dated: November 3, 1998
Received: December 7, 1998
Dear Mr. Schlerf:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
{4}
Page 2 - Mr. David W. Schlerf
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,

Enclosure
{5}
Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number: K970829
Device Name: *Phusis® Absorbable Interference Screw*
Intended Use:
1. Interference fixation of patellar bone-tendon-bone grafts in ACL reconstruction.
Specific Indications For Use:
1. Open Surgical Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
2. Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)

Prescription Use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use ☐
(Optional format 1-2-96)
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.