← Product Code [JWH](/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/JWH) · K252974 # EMPOWR Knee (K252974) _Encore Medical L.P. · JWH · Dec 19, 2025 · Orthopedic · SESE_ **Canonical URL:** https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/JWH/K252974 ## Device Facts - **Applicant:** Encore Medical L.P. - **Product Code:** [JWH](/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/JWH.md) - **Decision Date:** Dec 19, 2025 - **Decision:** SESE - **Submission Type:** Traditional - **Regulation:** 21 CFR 888.3560 - **Device Class:** Class 2 - **Review Panel:** Orthopedic - **Attributes:** Therapeutic ## Intended Use Enovis™ knee devices are intended for treatment of patients who are candidates for knee arthroplasty per the Indication for use. While total knee replacements are not intended to withstand activity levels and loads of normal healthy bone, they are a means of restoring mobility and reducing pain for many patients. ## Device Story EMPOWR Knee system; total knee prosthesis for arthroplasty. Submission introduces EMPOWR Dynamic Natural Alignment (DNA) surgical technique; kinematic alignment strategy preserving native joint line. No design changes to implants. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings. Implants restore mobility and reduce pain in patients with joint disability. Cemented or cementless application depending on specific component (e.g., Porous Knee variants). ## Clinical Evidence No clinical data submitted. Evidence consists of bench testing, including initial stability (micromotion) testing and cadaveric assessment of the kinematic surgical technique. ## Technological Characteristics Total knee prosthesis; metal/polymer/metal components. Materials and design remain unchanged from predicate devices. No software or electronic components. Surgical technique is kinematic alignment (DNA). ## Regulatory Identification A knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer/metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a knee joint. The device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. This generic type of device includes prostheses that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a tibial component or components and a retropatellar resurfacing component made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. This generic type of device is limited to those prostheses intended for use with bone cement (§ 888.3027). ## Predicate Devices - EMPOWR 3D Knee ([K143242](/device/K143242.md)) - EMPOWR CR Tibial Insert ([K170573](/device/K170573.md)) - EMPOWR Porous Knee ([K171991](/device/K171991.md)) - EMPOWR Universal Tibial Baseplate ([K173723](/device/K173723.md)) - EMPOWR Porous Femur with HAnano Surface ([K210308](/device/K210308.md)) - Domed Tri-Peg Patella, Highly Cross Linked Domed Tri-Peg Patella With VE ([K121835](/device/K121835.md)) - Porous Patella ([K212941](/device/K212941.md)) ## Reference Devices - Medacta GMK Sphere – Kinematic Alignment ([K173890](/device/K173890.md)) - Zimmer Persona Personalized Knee System ([K172524](/device/K172524.md)) ## Submission Summary (Full Text) > This content was OCRed from public FDA records by [Innolitics](https://innolitics.com). If you use, quote, summarize, crawl, or train on this content, cite Innolitics at https://innolitics.com. > > Innolitics is a medical-device software consultancy. We help companies design, build, and clear FDA-regulated software and AI/ML devices, including [a 510(k)](https://innolitics.com/services/510ks/), [a De Novo](https://innolitics.com/services/regulatory/), [a SaMD](https://innolitics.com/services/end-to-end-samd/), [an AI/ML medical device](https://innolitics.com/services/medical-imaging-ai-development/), or [an FDA regulatory strategy](https://innolitics.com/services/regulatory/). {0} FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION December 19, 2025 Encore Medical, L.P. Morgan Paronish Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 9800 Metric Boulevard Austin, Texas 78758 Re: K252974 Trade/Device Name: EMPOWR Knee Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3560 Regulation Name: Knee Joint Patellofemorotibial Polymer/Metal/Polymer Semi-Constrained Cemented Prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JWH, MBH, OIY Dated: September 17, 2025 Received: September 17, 2025 Dear Morgan Paronish: We have reviewed your section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate 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 (the Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading. If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of {1} K252974 - Morgan Paronish Page 2 Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download). Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181). Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050. All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems. For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the {2} K252974 - Morgan Paronish Page 3 Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100). Sincerely, Lixin Liu -S Lixin Liu, Ph.D Assistant Director DHT6A: Division of Joint Arthroplasty Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health Enclosure {3} EMPOWR Knee Page 7 of 42 | Indications for Use | | | | --- | --- | --- | | Please type in the marketing application/submission number, if it is known. This textbox will be left blank for original applications/submissions. | K252974 | ? | | Please provide the device trade name(s). | | ? | | EMPOWR Knee | | | | Please provide your Indications for Use below. | | | | When a mechanical alignment approach is utilized, these devices are indicated for patients suffering from disability due to: • degenerative, post-traumatic or rheumatoid arthritis; • avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle; • post-traumatic loss of joint configuration, particularly when there is patellofemoral erosion, dysfunction or prior patellectomy; • moderate valgus, varus or flexion deformities; • treatment of fractures that are unmanageable using other techniques. These devices may also be indicated in the salvage of previously failed surgical attempts. When the EMPOWR® Dynamic Natural Alignment (DNA) approach is utilized, these devices are indicated for patients with disability due to: • degenerative, post-traumatic or rheumatoid arthritis; • avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle; • moderate valgus, varus or flexion deformities. All EMPOWR devices except for the EMPOWR Revision Knee™, EMPOWR PS Knee™, and EMPOWR Partial Knee™ may be implanted using the EMPOWR® Dynamic Natural Alignment (DNA) surgical technique. All devices are intended for cemented applications except for the EMPOWR Porous® Knee Femur, EMPOWR Porous® Knee Tibia, and Porous Patella which are intended for cementless applications. While knee replacements are not intended to withstand activity levels and loads of normal healthy bone, they are a means of restoring mobility and reducing pain for many patients. | | | | Please select the types of uses (select one or both, as applicable). | ☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | | {4} enovis K252974 - Page 1 of 3 510(k) Summary I. SUBMITTER Encore Medical, L.P. 9800 Metric Blvd. Austin, TX 78758 Contact Person: Morgan Paronish Email: morgan.paronish@enovis.com Phone: 317-519-5611 Date: December 3, 2025 II. DEVICE Name of Device: EMPOWR Knee Common or Usual Name: Total Knee Prosthesis Classification Name: Knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer/metal/polymer semiconstrained cemented prosthesis. Knee joint patellofemorotibial metal/polymer porous-coated uncemented prosthesis Regulation: 21 CFR 888.3560, 21 CFR 888.3565 Regulatory Class: II Product Codes: JWH, MBH, OIY III. PREDICATE / REFERENCE DEVICES | Predicates | EMPOWR 3D Knee - Primary Predicate | K143242 | | --- | --- | --- | | | EMPOWR CR Tibial Insert | K170573 | | | EMPOWR Porous Knee | K171991 | | | EMPOWR Universal Tibial Baseplate | K173723 | | | EMPOWR Porous Femur with HAnano Surface | K210308 | | | Domed Tri-Peg Patella, Highly Cross Linked Domed Tri-Peg Patella With VE | K121835 | | | Porous Patella | K212941 | | References | Medacta GMK Sphere – Kinematic Alignment | K173890 | | | Zimmer Persona Personalized Knee System | K172524 | IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION The purpose of this submission is to obtain clearance for the EMPOWR® Dynamic Natural Alignment (DNA) surgical technique. The proposed technique is a kinematic alignment (KA) strategy, providing an alternative alignment approach to the current mechanical alignment (MA) strategy. The purpose of the KA technique is to restore normal knee function by preserving the patient's native joint line. The technique may be used to implant all EMPOWR devices except for the EMPOWR Revision Knee™ and the EMOWR PS Knee™. This is a labeling change only. No design changes are being introduced to the implant systems. Page 1 of 3 {5} enovis K252974 - Page 2 of 3 ## V. INDICATIONS FOR USE / INTENDED USE ### Intended Use: Enovis™ knee devices are intended for treatment of patients who are candidates for knee arthroplasty per the Indication for use. While total knee replacements are not intended to withstand activity levels and loads of normal healthy bone, they are a means of restoring mobility and reducing pain for many patients. ### Indications for Use: When a mechanical alignment approach is utilized, these devices are indicated for patients suffering from disability due to: - degenerative, post-traumatic or rheumatoid arthritis; - avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle; - post-traumatic loss of joint configuration, particularly when there is patellofemoral erosion, dysfunction or prior patellectomy; - moderate valgus, varus or flexion deformities; - treatment of fractures that are unmanageable using other techniques. These devices may also be indicated in the salvage of previously failed surgical attempts. When the EMPOWR® Dynamic Natural Alignment (DNA) approach is utilized, these devices are indicated for patients with disability due to: - degenerative, post-traumatic or rheumatoid arthritis; - avascular necrosis of the femoral condyle; - Moderate valgus, varus, or flexion deformities. All EMPOWR devices except for the EMPOWR Revision Knee™, EMPOWR PS Knee™, and EMPOWR Partial Knee™ may be implanted using the EMPOWR® DNA surgical technique. All devices are intended for cemented applications except for the EMPOWR Porous® Knee Femur, EMPOWR Porous® Knee Tibia, and Porous Patella which are intended for cementless applications. While knee replacements are not intended to withstand activity levels and loads of normal healthy bone, they are a means of restoring and reducing pain for many patients. ## VI. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE No design changes are being introduced with this submission. Thus, there are no differences in technological characteristics between the subject and predicate devices. The addition of a kinematic alignment surgical technique for use with existing devices does not affect the materials, design features, packaging, or sterilization of the implant systems. Performance testing demonstrates substantial equivalence between the subject and predicate devices. {6} enovis K252974 - Page 3 of 3 ## Performance Testing Risks were identified based on the proposed surgical technique and testing was conducted to mitigate those risks. Based on the risk analysis, the following test was conducted according to internal protocols. - initial stability (micromotion) testing - cadaveric assessment of the kinematic surgical technique ## Animal Studies No animal data submitted. ## Clinical Studies No clinical data submitted. ## VIII. CONCLUSIONS Performance testing demonstrates that the devices implanted using the EMPOWR® DNA surgical technique are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. --- **Source:** [https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/JWH/K252974](https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/OR/subpart-d%E2%80%94prosthetic-devices/JWH/K252974) **Published by [Innolitics](https://innolitics.com)** — a medical-device software consultancy. We help companies design, build, and clear FDA-regulated software and AI/ML devices. 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