The Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw fixation system, is indicated for use in patients: a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grade 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint; b) who are receiving fusion using autogenous graft only; c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar or sacral spine; and d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. When used for this indication, the fusion mass may not go above the L5-S1 joint, the levels of pedicle screw fixation may span from L3 to the sacrum. When used as a hook and sacral screw system, the Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System is intended for use in the treatment of degenerative disc disease (as defined by back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by a history and radiographic studies), idiopathic scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, kyphotic or lordotic deformity of the spine, loss of stability due to tumors, spinal stenosis, vertebral fracture or dislocation, pseudoarthrosis, and previous failed spinal fusion. When used for sacral/iliac attachment only. Hook and transverse connectors of the system are intended for posterior thoracic and lumbar use only. As a whole, the levels of use for hook and sacral screw fixation of this system are T1 to the sacrum.
Device Story
Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System is a temporary, posterior spinal instrumentation set consisting of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) rods, hooks, transverse connectors, and screws (fixed and polyaxial). Used by surgeons in clinical settings to correct spinal deformity and facilitate fusion. Implants are top-loading and top-tightening. System provides mechanical stabilization of the spine; intended for removal after solid fusion mass development. Benefits include stabilization of unstable spinal segments; reduction of deformity. Risks include component fracture, loss of fixation, non-union, neurological/vascular injury. Single-use only.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Biomechanical testing performed to demonstrate equivalent mechanical performance compared to commercially available spinal fixation systems. No clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) conforming to ASTM F-136. Components: Rods, hooks, transverse connectors, fixed and polyaxial screws. Design: Top-loading and top-tightening. Connectivity: None (mechanical implant). Sterilization: Not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with severe spondylolisthesis (Grade 3-4) at L5-S1 (pedicle screw use) or degenerative disc disease, idiopathic scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, kyphotic/lordotic deformity, tumor-related instability, spinal stenosis, vertebral fracture/dislocation, pseudoarthrosis, or failed fusion (hook/sacral screw use). Requires autogenous bone graft for pedicle screw fixation. Contraindicated for use above L5-S1 for pedicle screws. Intended for posterior use T1-sacrum.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of an alloy, such as stainless steel, that consists of various hooks and a posteriorly placed compression or distraction rod. The device is implanted, usually across three adjacent vertebrae, to straighten and immobilize the spine to allow bone grafts to unite and fuse the vertebrae together. The device is used primarily in the treatment of scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine), but it also may be used in the treatment of fracture or dislocation of the spine, grades 3 and 4 of spondylolisthesis (a dislocation of the spinal column), and lower back syndrome.
Predicate Devices
Depuy Motech MOSS Miami Spinal System
Sofamor Danek Multi Axial Screw
Sofamor Danek TSRH™ Spinal System
Wright Medical Technology Wrightlock™ Spinal System
Wright Medical Technology Versalok™ Low Back Fixation System
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# K980288
## 1017 2 9 1998
## 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Company Name: | Spine Tech, Inc.<br>7375 Bush Lake Road<br>Minneapolis, MN 55439-2027<br>(612) 832-5600 |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Contact: | David A. Cannistraci<br>Director of Regulatory Affairs<br>(612) 832-5600 |
| Trade Name: | Spine-Tech Silhouette™ Spinal Fixation System |
| Common Name: | Hook, rod and screw spinal instrumentation |
| Classification: | 888.3050 Spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis |
| Device Product Code: | 87 KWP and MNH |
| Substantially Equivalent<br>Devices: | Depuy Motech MOSS Miami Spinal System<br>Sofamor Danek Multi Axial Screw<br>Sofamor Danek TSRH™ Spinal System<br>Wright Medical Technology Wrightlock™<br>Spinal System<br>Wright Medical Technology Versalok™ Low<br>Back Fixation System |
## Device Description
The Spine-Tech Silhouette™ Spinal Fixation System is a temporary implant system used to The Spine-Tech Silhouette™ Spillal Fixation System is access of spinal fusion. This system is
correct spinal deformity and facilitates the biological process of the snine. correct spinal deformity and tacilitares turns and sacras of the spine. Implants of this intended for posterior use in the thoracic, in the sacer orended to be removed atter
system consist of hooks and/or screws c; a selection is serving diameters and system consist of hooks and/or screws comics polyaxia screws of varying diameters and solid fusion has occurred. This system moded porphs, rods in varying lengths, hooks in
lengths, fixed screws of varying diameters and lengt and in varying lengths, and lengths, fixed screws of varying maneters both fixed and in table. All implants on the varying designs, and transverse connectus oon fixed and copense manufactured from titanium
are top loading and top tightening. The implants in this system are manufactured fr alloy (Ti-6A1-4V), conforming to ASTM F-136.
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The implants of this system are for single use only. An implant should never be reused after this The implants of this system are for single use only. An implant into are and with body fluids or tissues.
being removed from the body or sterlized after coming into contact
#### Intended Use
The Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw fixation
Spine-Tech Silhouse in antimestimes of having severe spondylolisthesis (Grade 3 and 4 The Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System, when used as ipbexist of the Spine 3 and 4) at the
system, is indicated for use in patients: a) having severe spondy of who system, is indicated for use in patients: a) having sever spoliaf care having the
LS-S1 joint; b) who are receiving fusion using autogenous graft only: c) who are having the L S-S I joint; b) who are receiving fusion using audogenous glaving the device
device fixed or attached to the lumbar or sacral spine; and d) who are having the device E S Jean + )
removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. When is a fisse first fission in fusion
removed after the development of a solid fision mass. When is and removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. Wilch assuser and and the may span from L3
mass may not go above the L5-S1 joint, the levels of pedicle screw fixation to the sacrum.
When used as a hook and sacral screw system, the Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation
al consistence in the species the treatment of degenerative disc disease ( as defined b When used as a hook and screat system, the Spiners of assesses ( as defined by chromo
System is intended for use in the treatment of disc confimed by a history and System is intended for use in the treatment of the disc confimed by a history and back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the use committee of lordotic deformity of
radiographic studies), idiopations spondylolistesss, kyphotic or lordotion, radiographic studies), idiopathic scoliosis, spinal stenosis, systems from the or dislocation,
the spine, loss of stability due to tumors, spinal stenosis, vertebral fracture the spine, loss of stability due to lumors, spinal fields to this indication, screws of the
pseudoarthrous failed spinal fusion. When used for sacralities attachment only. pseudoarthrosis, and previous failed spiral installed for sacealitiac attachment only.
Spin-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System are intended for socrabiliae attachment onl point in Silhouette Spinel Fixtion System are intended for posterior horacie ander lumbar
Hook and transvers connectors of the system are intended for posterior of this syste . Hook and transverse connectors of the system are miended for posterior and the more of this system are T l
use only. As a whole, the levels of use for hook and sacral scre to the sacrum.
#### Testing
Biomechanical testing was performed and supplied in support of the Spine-Tech
of the Spines and supportuned and supportune schat notification. Components of the Spine-Tech Biomechanical testing was performed and supplied in supportents of the SpineSilhouette Spinal Fixation System prematicated equivalent mechanical Silhouette Spinal Fixation System demonstrated equivalent mechanical
Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System demonstrated equivalent mechanical Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System denonstrated equivaliation systems.
performance as compared to several commercially available spinal fixation systems.
## Basis for Substantial Equivalence
The Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System is substantially equiry1ent in
ternal System of Canada of the Depart Motech MOSS Miami Spinal System The Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixanon System I. MOSS Miami Spinal System,
Material, design, and function to the Depuy Motech MOSS Miami Systems, and the Material, design, and function to the Depty Motor ... Pirstion Systems, and the
Sofamor Danek Multi Axial Screw and TSRH™ Spinal Fixation Sofamor Danek Multi Axial Sciew and TOREA - Specialism Low Back Fixation
Wright Medical Technology Wrightlock™ and Versalok™ Low Back Fixation Systems
Due to the similarity of materials and design to both pre-enactment and post-Duc to the similarity of materials and cestar the Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal
cuactment devices, Spine-Tech believes that the Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal cnactment devices, Spine-Tech believes and new specifically of effectiveness issues.
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines representing the body and wings. The logo is surrounded by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" in a circular arrangement.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Jul 29 1998
Mr. David A. Cannistraci Director of Regulatory Affairs Sulzer Spine-Tech 7375 Bush Lake Road Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439-2027
Re: K980288 Silhouette™ Spinal Fixation System Regulatory Class: II Product Codes: KWP and MNH Dated: July 13, 1998 Received: July 14, 1998
Dear Mr. Cannistraci:
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 (Act). This decision is based on your device system being 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(t)(1) of the Act.
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 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:
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### Page 2 - Mr. David A. Cannistraci
- All labcling for this device, including the package label, must state that there are 1 . An labeling for this delece, insert must prominently state that the device fabeling inimations. The package intended only for patients: (a) having severe system using pediele serews is intended only 101 plan - first sacral (LS-S1) vertebral spondylonsmesis (Crades 5 and 1) of integenous bone graft only; (c) who are joint, (0) who are receiving assisted to the lumbar and sacral spinc; 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 for pedicular, screw 2. 1 ou may not laber of in ally hay prohovic 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 (I.5-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. . .
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 other than severe 3. spondylolisthesis, as described by item 1, 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
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than severe spondylolisthesis, as described above, must receive approval from their than severe spondylonsmools, as deels (URBs) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to conducting an investigation.
- Any previous warning statements identified as part of previous 510(k) clearances or 4. Ally provious walling statements would which stated that a component/system was required by OC/Laooming and Fromotion with 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 (Tremarket Approval), it may of subject to satis the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the r ars 600 to 699. Tractice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: Gencral 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 suein assumptions. FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does r cueral regions. Prease now right have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for not any obligation you might thatiation Control provisions, or other Federal Laws or Regulations.
FDA advises that the use of your device system with any other device components but those i Drises that this 510(k) would require submission of a new 510(k) providing documentation idontinou in this of of(it) 'nbeling 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: 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
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Page 4 - Mr. David A. Cannistraci
Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or at (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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510(k) #K980288
Device Name: · Spine Tech Silhouette™ Spinal Fixation System
Indications for Use:
The Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw fixation
Spand The Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation System, when shoodylolisthesis (Grade 3 and system, is indicated for use in patients. "a) fish asocenous graft only; c) who are having 4) at the LS-S1 joint; b) who are receiving lumbar or sacral spine; and d) who are having
having the device fixed or attached to the lumba asala firing used for this having the device tixed or allacined of a solid fision mass. When used for this the device removed after the development of a sono resion mass
indication, the fusion mass may not go above the L5-S1 joint, the levels of pedicle screw fixation may span from L3 to the sacrum.
When used as a hook and sacral screw system, the Spine-Tech Silhouette Spinal Fixation
All States of Sacract Career of Areasonal of Advense (as defined by When used as a nook and sacral screw system, are apartive disc dise disc disc disc confirmed by System is intended for use in the deather of the degeneration of the disc confimed by a history and radiographic studies), idiopatiic scodiosis, spondylolistics, kyphotic or
history and radiographic studies), idiopatiic scolosis, spondy stenosis, vertebral lordotic deformity of the spine, loss of stability due to tumors, spinal stenosis, vertebral fracture or dislocation, pseudoarthrosis, and previous fuiled spinal fusion. When used for fracture or dislocation, pseudoalunosis, and Silhovete Spinal Fixation System are intended for sacral/iliac attachment only. Hook and transverse comectors of the system are
for sacral/iliac attachment only. Hook and transverse comectors of use for for sacrabiliac attachment offic. Including issues as a whole, the levels of use for hook and sacral screw fixation of this system are T1 to the sacrum.
## (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) |
|--------------------------------------------------------|
|--------------------------------------------------------|
uation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Om)
Division of General Restorative De 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.