K994217 · Blackstone Medical, Inc. · MNH · Feb 28, 2000 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K994217
Device Name
BLACKSTONE SPINAL FIXATION SYSTEM
Applicant
Blackstone Medical, Inc.
Product Code
MNH · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Feb 28, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3070
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Blackstone Spinal Fixation System is intended for non-cervical use in the spine. The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for pedicle screw fixation, is intended only for patients: a) Having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint; b) Who are receiving fusion using autogenous bone graft only; c) Who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine (L3 and below); and d) Who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in skeletally mature patients, is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments, as an adjunct to fusion, in treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine: a) Degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment; b) Fracture; c) Dislocation; d) Scoliosis; e) Kyphosis; f) Spinal tumor; and g) Failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for anterolateral non-pedicle fixation, is intended for the following indications: a) Degenerative disc disease (as defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degenerative disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies); b) Spinal stenosis; c) Spondylolisthesis; d) Spinal deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis); e) Pseudarthrosis; f) Tumor; g) Trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); h) Previous failed fusion.
Device Story
Titanium alloy spinal fixation system; comprised of non-sterile, single-use components including screws, rods, and cross-connectors. Surgeon assembles construct intraoperatively to provide spinal immobilization and stabilization. Used in non-cervical spine (thoracic, lumbar, sacral) for various deformities and instabilities. Implanted via pedicle or anterolateral approach. Provides mechanical support to facilitate fusion; intended for removal after solid fusion mass development. Clinical benefit includes stabilization of spinal segments in patients with acute/chronic instability.
Technological Characteristics
Titanium alloy; multiple component system; non-sterile; single-use; includes screws, rods, and cross-connectors; non-cervical spinal application.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients requiring spinal immobilization/stabilization as an adjunct to fusion for thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine conditions including degenerative spondylolisthesis, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor, pseudarthrosis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. Specific pedicle screw use restricted to severe L5-S1 spondylolisthesis (Grades 3-4) with autogenous bone graft and subsequent device removal.
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.
Predicate Devices
DePuy Moss Miami Spinal System
Moss Miami Spinal System - 6.0 System
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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FEB 2 8 2000
K994217
#### \$1000 SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENTSS
Blackstone™ Mcdical, Inc. 90 Brookdalc Drive Springfield, MA 01104
| Name of Firm: | Blackstone Medical, Inc.<br>90 Brookdale Drive<br>Springfield, MA 01104 |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Contact: | Alan Lombardo<br>Director of Engineering |
| Trade Name: | Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System |
| Common Name: | Rod and screw spinal instrumentation |
| Device Product Code<br>& Classification: | MNH 888.3070 - Spondylolisthesis Spinal<br>Fixation Device System<br>KWQ 888.3060 - Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation<br>Orthosis<br>MNI 888.3070 - Pedicle Screw Spinal System |
| Substantially<br>Equivalent Devices: | DePuy Moss Miami Spinal System<br>Moss Miami Spinal System - 6.0 System |
## Device Description:
The Bluckstone™ Spinal Fixation System is a titanium alloy; multiple component system comprised of a variety of non-sterile, single use components that allow the surgeon to build a spinal implant construct. The system is attached to the vertebral body by means of screws to the non-cervical spine.
The Blackstone™ Spinal Fixution System consists of an assortment of screws, rods, and cross-connectors with are all new implant offerings specific to this system.
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1199 4217
### Intended Usc / Indications for Use:
Blackstone Spinal Fixation System is intended for non-cervical use in the spine.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for pedicle screw fixation, is intended only for patients:
- a} Having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint;
- b) Who are receiving fusion using autogenous bone graft only;
- c) Who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine (1,3 and below); and
- d) Who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in skeletally mature patients, is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments, as an adjunct to fusion, in treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine:
- a) Degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment;
- b) Fracture;
- c) Dislocation;
- d) Scoliosis;
- c) Kyphosis:
- f) Spinal tumor; and
- g) Failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis).
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for anterolateral non-pedicle fixation, is intended for the following indications:
- a) Degenerative disc disease (as defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degenerative disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies);
- b) Spinal stemosis:
- c) Spondylolisthesis;
- d) Spinal deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis);
- e) Pseudarthrosis:
- f) Tumor;
- g) Trauma (i.c., fracture or dislocation);
- h) Previous failed fusion.
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16994217
## BASIS OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE:
The Blackstone™Spinal Fixation System by its very nature is substantially equivalent to the DePuy Motech Moss Miami Spinal Systems which have been cleared by FDA for certain anterior and pedicle fixation use indications.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of a human figure with three lines extending from the head, resembling a bird in flight.
FEB 2 8 2000
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Alan Lombardo Director, Engineering Blackstone Medical, Inc. 90 Brookdale Drive Springfield, Massachusetts 01104
Re: K994217
Trade Name: BlackstonerM Spinal Fixation System Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KWO, MNH and MNI Dated: December 10, 1999 Received: December 15, 1999
Dear Mr. Lombardo:
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 control provisions of the Act. The general control 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.
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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Alan Lombardo
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 at (301) 443-6597, or at its Internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Russell Vayen
James E. Dillard III Acting Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Pg 1 of 2
# 510(k) Number:
# Device Name: Blackstone™ Spinal Fixation System
#### Indications for Use:
Blackstone Spinal Fixation System is intended for non-cervical use in the spine.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for pedicle screw fixation, is intended only for patients:
- a) Having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint;
- b) Who are receiving fusion using autogenous bone graft only;
- o) Who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine (L3 and below); and
- d) Who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass.
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used as a pedicle screw system in skeletally mature patients, is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spiral segments, as an adjunct to fusion, in treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinc:
- a) Degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment;
- b) Fracture;
- c) Dislocation;
- d) Scoliosis;
- e) Kyphosis;
- Spinal tumor; and টি
- g) Failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis).
The Blackstone Spinal Fixation System, when used for anterolateral non-pedicle fixation, is intended for the following indications:
- h) Degenerative disc disease (as defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degenerative disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies);
- a) Spinal stenosis;
- b) Spondylolisthesis;
- c) Spinal deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis);
- d) Pseudarthrosis;
Prescription Use J (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
Page (Division Sign-Off)
REDivision of General Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K99417
V2
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- c) Tumor;
- Trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); f)
- g) Previous failed fusion.
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of device Evaluation
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR801.109
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
Russell Jayne
(Division Sign-Off)
Consion of General Restorative Devices
5 । O(k) 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.