The ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System is intended for anterior interbody screw fixation of the cervical spine. The system is indicated for use in the temporary stabilization of the anterior spine during the development of cervical spinal fusions in patients with degenerative disc disease (as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies), trauma (including fractures), tumors, deformity (defined as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis), pseudarthrosis, and/or failed previous fusions. Warning: This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine.
Device Story
ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System consists of titanium alloy bone plates and screws; used for anterior cervical intervertebral body fusion. Surgeon implants plates onto anterior cervical spine; inserts bone screws through plate openings into vertebral bodies for fixation. Locking screws secure positioning of primary screws; central slots/holes accommodate additional screws for enhanced vertebral/bone graft purchase. Associated instruments facilitate implantation. Device provides temporary stabilization during fusion development. Used in clinical settings by surgeons. Benefits include spinal stabilization for patients with degenerative disc disease, trauma, tumors, or deformity. Not for posterior pedicular attachment.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Titanium alloy (ASTM F-136 or ISO 5832-3). System includes bone plates, bone screws, and locking screws. Mechanical fixation via anterior vertebral body screw placement. Sterile or non-sterile supply.
Indications for Use
Indicated for temporary stabilization of anterior cervical spine during fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease, trauma (fractures), tumors, deformity (kyphosis, lordosis, scoliosis), pseudarthrosis, or failed previous fusions. Contraindicated for posterior pedicular screw fixation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal intervertebral body fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of titanium. It consists of various vertebral plates that are punched into each of a series of vertebral bodies. An eye-type screw is inserted in a hole in the center of each of the plates. A braided cable is threaded through each eye-type screw. The cable is tightened with a tension device and it is fastened or crimped at each eye-type screw. The device is used to apply force to a series of vertebrae to correct “sway back,” scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine), or other conditions.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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## ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System 510(k) Summary K973854 January 1998
- l. Company: Sofamor Danek USA 1800 Pvramid Place Memphis, Tennessee 38132 (901) 396-3133
- ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System II. Product Name: Spinal intervertebral body fixation orthosis Classification Name:
- The ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System consists of a variety of bone plates lll. and screws. Fixation is provided by the insertion of bone screws through the openings at each end of the plate into the vertebral bodies of the cervical spine. The ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System features a locking screw which screws into each end of the plate to help secure the positioning of the ORION® screws. The use of the locking screw is not optional. In addition, the central portion of ORION® plates have slots and holes which accommodate 4.35mm diameter ORION® screws. The placement of these central screws is intended to augment fixation by providing additional vertebral body purchase and/or bone graft purchase. The use of the central screws is recommended. Associated instruments are also available to facilitate the implantation of the device. The implant components will be made from titanium alloy as described by ASTM F-136 or ISO 5832-3 and may be supplied either sterile or non-sterile.
- IV. The ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System is intended for anterior cervical intervertebral body fusions only. The system is indicated for use in the temporary stabilization of the anterior spine during the development of cervical spinal fusions in patients with degenerative disc disease (as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies), trauma (including fractures), tumors, deformity (defined as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis), pseudanthrosis, and/or failed previous fusions.
WARNING: This device is not approved for screw attachment to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
- V. The ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System was claimed to be substantially equivalent to commercially available cervical plating systems. Information concerning these devices was supplied in support of establishing equivalence.
Mechanical test data were provided in support of this notification.
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Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized design featuring a symbol that resembles an abstract caduceus or a representation of human figures.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAR 1 6 1998
Richard W. Treharne, Ph.D. Vice President Research and Regulatory Affairs Sofamor Danek 1800 Pyramid Place 38132 Memphis, Tennessee
Re: K973854 ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System Requlatory Class: II Product Code: KWQ Dated: January 8, 1998 Received: January 12, 1998
Dear Dr. Treharne:
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 You may, therefore, market your device system subject (Act) . . 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 would cause the device system to be adulterated under 501(f)(1) of the Act.
FDA identifies that any device system, if intended for use in pedicular screw fixation/attachment, except for some limited indications, would be found not substantially equivalent and would be a class III device under Section 513(f) of the Act. Class III devices are required to have an approved premarket approval (PMA) application prior to marketing. Accordingly:
- 1 . You may not label or in any way promote this device system for pedicular screw attachment to, or fixation of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar vertebral column. Therefore, in order to prevent off-label promotion, the
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package insert must include the following statement, This device system is not approved for screw "WARNING: attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.";
All labeling for this device system, including the 2. package label, must state that there are labeling limitations. The package insert must prominently state that the device system is intended for the specific use (s) described in the enclosure only; and
- Pedicular screw fixation/attachment to the cervical, 3. thoracic or lumbar vertebral column, except for limited indications, of any device system 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 system for pedicular screw fixation/attachment must receive approval from their respective institutional review boards (IRBs) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to conducting an investigation.
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 Requlations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. ਉੱ substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Requlation (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 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.
FDA advises that the use of the subject device system and/or device components 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 other manufacturers', may also be required.
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Page 3 - Richard W. Treharne, Ph.D.
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 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,
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.
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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October, 1997
Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number (if known): _ K973854
ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System Device Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Indications For Use:
The ORION® Anterior Cervical Plate System is intended for anterior interbody screw The system is indicated for use in the temporary fixation of the cervical spine. stabilization of the anterior spine during the development of cervical spinal fusions in patients with degenerative disc disease (as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies), trauma (including fractures), tumors, deformity (defined as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis), pseudarthrosis, and/or failed previous fusions.
Warning: This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (OD)
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General Restorative D 510(k) Number
| Prescription Use | X |
|----------------------|---|
| (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.