K971970 · Electro-Biology, Inc. · MNH · Aug 20, 1997 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K971970
Device Name
EBI SPINELINK SYSTEM
Applicant
Electro-Biology, Inc.
Product Code
MNH · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Aug 20, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3070
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The EBI SpineLink™ System is a spinal fixation device for pedicle screw fixation and nonpedicle hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system of the noncervical spine. When used as a pedicle screw fixation system, it is intended for patients: (a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) of the fifth lumbar - first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint; (b) who are receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only; (c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine; and (d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. The screws of the system are limited to L3- S1 or iliac screw fixation with the fusion only at L5-S1. When used as an anterior fixation system or as a posterior hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system, the system is indicated for nonpedicle spinal applications for the reduction, alignment or stabilization of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments of the spine, in cases of: Degenerative disc disease which is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies, spondylolisthesis, trauma, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis), tumor, pseudoarthrosis, or revision of failed fusion attempts.
Device Story
Spinal fixation system for noncervical spine; components include pedicle screws, hooks, and sacral/iliac screws for interconnection of links. Used by surgeons in clinical settings for stabilization, reduction, or alignment of spinal segments. Pedicle screw use restricted to severe L5-S1 spondylolisthesis; non-pedicle use covers broader spinal pathologies. Device provides mechanical support to facilitate fusion; removed after solid fusion mass development. Benefits include spinal stabilization; risks include component fracture, loss of fixation, non-union, neurological/vascular injury.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only; no clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Components manufactured from Ti-6Al-4V ELI per ASTM F136; available with or without TiN coating. Mechanical spinal fixation system; non-powered. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3-4) at L5-S1 requiring pedicle screw fixation with autogenous bone graft; also indicated for non-pedicle spinal applications (thoracic, lumbar, sacral) for degenerative disc disease, trauma, spinal stenosis, deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis), tumor, pseudoarthrosis, or revision of failed fusion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) Rigid pedicle screw systems are comprised of multiple components, made from a variety of materials that allow the surgeon to build an implant system to fit the patient's anatomical and physiological requirements. Such a spinal implant assembly consists of a combination of screws, longitudinal members (e.g., plates, rods including dual diameter rods, plate/rod combinations), transverse or cross connectors, and interconnection mechanisms (e.g., rod-to-rod connectors, offset connectors).(2) Semi-rigid systems are defined as systems that contain one or more of the following features (including but not limited to): Non-uniform longitudinal elements, or features that allow more motion or flexibility compared to rigid systems.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls), when intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine: severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra; degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment; fracture; dislocation; scoliosis; kyphosis; spinal tumor; and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). These pedicle screw spinal systems must comply with the following special controls:(i) Compliance with material standards;
(ii) Compliance with mechanical testing standards;
(iii) Compliance with biocompatibility standards; and
(iv) Labeling that contains these two statements in addition to other appropriate labeling information:
“Warning: The safety and effectiveness of pedicle screw spinal systems have been established only for spinal conditions with significant mechanical instability or deformity requiring fusion with instrumentation. These conditions are significant mechanical instability or deformity of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine secondary to severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra, degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor, and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). The safety and effectiveness of these devices for any other conditions are unknown.”
“Precaution: The implantation of pedicle screw spinal systems should be performed only by experienced spinal surgeons with specific training in the use of this pedicle screw spinal system because this is a technically demanding procedure presenting a risk of serious injury to the patient.”
(2) Class II (special controls), when a rigid pedicle screw system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis other than either severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) at L5-S1 or degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment. These pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) The design characteristics of the device, including engineering schematics, must ensure that the geometry and material composition are consistent with the intended use.
(ii) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate the mechanical function and durability of the implant.
(iii) Device components must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(iv) Validation testing must demonstrate the cleanliness and sterility of, or the ability to clean and sterilize, the device components and device-specific instruments.
(v) Labeling must include the following:
(A) A clear description of the technological features of the device including identification of device materials and the principles of device operation;
(B) Intended use and indications for use, including levels of fixation;
(C) Identification of magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility status;
(D) Cleaning and sterilization instructions for devices and instruments that are provided non-sterile to the end user; and
(E) Detailed instructions of each surgical step, including device removal.
(3) Class II (special controls), when a semi-rigid system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion for any indication. In addition to complying with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section, these pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) Demonstration that clinical performance characteristics of the device support the intended use of the product, including assessment of fusion compared to a clinically acceptable fusion rate.
(ii) Semi-rigid systems marketed prior to the effective date of this reclassification must submit an amendment to their previously cleared premarket notification (510(k)) demonstrating compliance with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) and paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.
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AUG-13-1997 14:19
K971970 1 of 2
## 510(k) Summary of Safety & Effectiveness
This 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for the EBI SpineLink™ System with Link Tie is provided as required per Section 513(D)(3) of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
1. Submitter: Electro-Biology, Inc. 6 Upper Pond Road Parsippany, NJ 07054 Contact Person: Jon Caparotta Telephone: (201) 299-9022
AUG 20 1997
Date prepared: August 13, 1997
2. Proprietary Name: EBI SpineLink™ System Spinal Fixation Device Common Name: Classification Names:Spondylolisthesis Spinal Fixation Device System Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation Orthosis Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis
3. Predicate or legally marketed devices that are substantially equivalent:
· EBI SpineLink™ System
- · Webb-Morley Spine System Electro-Biology, Inc.
- · Isola® Spine System AcroMed Corporation
- · TSRH® Spinal System Sofamor Danek
- · KSF Spinal Fixator Tornier SA
- · Dyna-Lok® Spine System Sofamor Danek
- · VSP® Plating System AcroMed Corporation
- Description of the device: The EBI SpineLink™ System with Link Tie is a spinal 4. fixation device for the interconnection of two links.
- 5. Intended Use: The EBI SpineLink™ System with Link Tie has not changed the Indications for Use of the recently cleared EBI SpineLink™ System (K964797). The EBI SpineLink™ System with Link Tie is a spinal fixation device for pedicle screw fixation and nonpedicle
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R97197C
hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system of the noncervical spine.
When used as a pedicle screw fixation system, it is intended for patients: (a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) of the fifth lumbar - first sacral (LS-S1) vercebral joint; (b) who are receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only; (c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine; and (d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. The screws of the system are limited to LJ- S1 or iliac screw fixation with the fusion only at LS-S1.
When used as an anterior fixation system or as a posterior hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system, the system is indicated for nonpedicle spinal applications for the reduction, alignment or stabilization of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments of the spine, in cases of: Degenerative disc disease which is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies, spondylolisthesis, trauma, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis), tumor, pseudoarthrosis, or revision of failed fusion attempts.
- 6. Materials: The components of the system are manufactured from Ti-6Al-4V ELI per ASTM F136. The components will be available with and without TiN coating.
- 7. Comparison of the technological characteristics of the device to predicate devices: There are no significant differences between EBI SpineLink System Link Tie and other currently marketed spinal systems. It is substantially equivalent* to the predicate devices in regards to intended use, materials and function. Bench testing comparing the system to a predicate system demonstrated that the device complies with applicable standards and meets all of its functional requirements.
* Any statement made in conjunction with this submission regroling a decemination of substantial equivalence to any other intended only to relate to whether the product our be la provinces approval or reclassification and is not intended to be interpresed as an admission or any other in prent infringement litigation. (Establishment Registration and Premarket Notification Procedures, Final Regulation, Preunthle, August 23, 1977, FR 42520 (Docker No. 76N-0555)]
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/2/Picture/2 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three curved lines representing its body and wings. The eagle is positioned within a circular border that contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a sans-serif font. The text is arranged around the top and sides of the circle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. John Caparotta Manager, Requlatory Affairs Electro-Biology, Inc. 6 Upper Pond Road Parsippany, New Jersey 07054-1079
AUG 20 1997
K971970 Re: SpineLink™ System Requlatory Class: II Product Codes: MNH, KWP and KWQ Dated: May 28, 1997 Received: May 29, 1997
Dear Mr. Caparotta:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device system referenced above and we have determined the device system is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to device systems marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976 or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act This decision is based on your device system being (Act) . . found equivalent only to similar device systems labeled and intended for patients: (a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) of the fifth lumbar - first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint; (b) who are receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only; (c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine; and (d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. You may, therefore, market your device system subject to the general controls provisions of the Act and the limitations identified below.
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. Note that labeling or otherwise promoting this device system for pedicular screw fixation/attachment for indications other than severe spondylolisthesis, as described above, would cause the device system to be adulterated under 501(f)(1) of the Act.
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This device system, when intended for pedicular screw fixation/attachment to the spine for indications other than severe spondylolisthesis, as described above, is a class III Severe Sponajierson 513(f) of the Act. Class III devices are required to have an approved premarket approval (PMA) application prior to marketing: Accordingly: mainto
- All labeling for this device, including the package 1. label, must state that there are labeling limitations. The package insert must prominently state that the device system using pedicle screws is intended only for patients: (a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) of the fifth lumbar - first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint; (b) who are receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only; (c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine; and (d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass.
- You may not label or in anyway promote this device system 2. for pedicular, screw fixation/attachment to the cervical, thoracic or lumbar vertebral column for intended uses other than severe spondylolisthesis, as described above. The package insert must include the following statements:
#### WARNINGS :
- When used as a pedicle screw system, this device system is intended only for grade 3 or 4 spondylolisthesis at the fifth lumbar - first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint.
- The screws of this device system are not intended for insertion into the pedicles to facilitate spinal fusions above the L5-S1 vertebral joint.
- Benefit of spinal fusions utilizing any pedicle screw fixation system has not been adequately established in patients with stable spines.
- Potential risks identified with the use of this device system, which may require additional surgery, include:
device component fracture, loss of fixation, non-union, fracture of the vertebra, neurological injury, and vascular or visceral injury.
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#### Page 3 - Mr. John Caparotta
See Warnings, Precautions, and Potential Adverse Events sections of the package insert for a complete list of potential risks.
- Any pedicular screw fixation/attachment for intended uses 3. other than severe spondylolisthesis, as described by item l, for this device is considered investigational and may only be investigated as a significant risk device in accordance with the investigational device exemption (IDE) regulations under 21 CFR, Part 812. All users of the device for pedicular screw fixation/attachment for intended uses other than severe spondylolisthesis, as described above, must receive approval from their respective institutional review boards (IRBs) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to conducting an investigation.
- Any previous warning statements identified as part of 4 . previous 510(k) clearances or required by OC/Labeling and Promotion which stated that a component/system was not approved for screw fixation into the pedicles of the spine must be replaced by the warnings of items 1 and 2 above.
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 requlation (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 In addition, FDA may publish further announcements action. concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation vou might have under sections 531 ihrough 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal Laws or Requlations.
FDA advises that the use of your device system with any other device components but those identified in this 510(k) would require submission of a new 510(k) providing documentation of design, material, and labeling compatibility between the device components. Mechanical testing of a spinal system consisting of the subject device components and other device components, whether yours or those of other manufacturers, may also be required.
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### Page 4 - Mr. John Caparotta
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification immediately. An FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling requlation (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,
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Statement of Indications for Use:
The EBI SpineLink™ System is a spinal fixation device for pedicle screw fixation and nonpedicle hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system of the noncervical spine.
When used as a pedicle screw fixation system, it is intended for patients: (a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) of the fifth lumbar - first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint; (b) who are receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only; (c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine; and (d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. The screws of the system are limited to L3- S1 or iliac screw fixation with the fusion only at L5-S1.
When used as an anterior fixation system or as a posterior hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system, the system is indicated for nonpedicle spinal applications for the reduction, alignment or stabilization of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral segments of the spine, in cases of: Degenerative disc disease which is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies, spondylolisthesis, trauma, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis), tumor, pseudoarthrosis, or revision of failed fusion attempts.
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109) X
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Division Sign-Off) Division of General 510lk) Number
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.
