K240268 · Accufix Surgical, Inc. · KWD · Feb 29, 2024 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K240268
Device Name
Accu-Joint Hemi Implant
Applicant
Accufix Surgical, Inc.
Product Code
KWD · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Feb 29, 2024
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3730
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant, a hemi-arthroplasty metatarsal head or phalangeal base implant for the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, is indicated for use in the treatment of patients with degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis in the MTP joint in the presence of good bone stock, along with the following clinical conditions: Hallux Valgus. Hallux Rigidus, and an unstable or painful MTP ioint. The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant is intended to be used with bone cement. The metatarsal head and phalangeal base may not be used together at the same joint.
Device Story
Hemi-arthroplasty implant for metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint; consists of metatarsal head or phalangeal base components. Designed for intramedullary insertion via threaded shaft; includes driver pocket on articular surface. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings to resurface MTP joint; requires bone cement for fixation. Provides mechanical resurfacing to address arthritis and joint instability; improves joint function and reduces pain. Offered in various sizes to accommodate patient anatomy. Subject of this submission is the provision of the device in sterile-packaged format (EO sterilized).
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Sterilization validated per ISO 11135; packaging validated per ISO 11607-2, ASTM D4169, ASTM F188, and ASTM F1929. Mechanical performance established via previous submission (K200951) using ASTM F543 and dynamic bending tests; no new mechanical testing required.
Technological Characteristics
Hemi-arthroplasty implant; threaded shaft for intramedullary insertion; driver pocket on articular surface. Materials identical to predicate. EO sterilization (ISO 11135). Sterile packaging (ISO 11607-2, ASTM D4169, ASTM F188, ASTM F1929).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis in the MTP joint with good bone stock, Hallux Limitus, Hallux Valgus, Hallux Rigidus, and unstable or painful MTP joint. Contraindicated for use of metatarsal head and phalangeal base together at the same joint.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A toe joint phalangeal (hemi-toe) polymer prosthesis is a device made of silicone elastomer intended to be implanted to replace the base of the proximal phalanx of the toe.
BioPoly Great Toe Hemiarthroplasty Implant (K203634)
BioPoly Lesser Toe Hemiarthroplasty Implant (K222964)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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June 28, 2024
Accufix Surgical Inc. % Nathan Wright Engineer & Regulatory Specialist Empirical Technologies 4628 Northpark Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918
Re: K240268
Trade/Device Name: Accu-Joint Hemi Implant Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3730 Regulation Name: Toe joint phalangeal (hemi-toe) polymer prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KWD
Dear Nathan Wright:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change for your device cleared on February 29, 2024. Specifically, FDA is updating this SE Letter because FDA inadvertently indicated that the SE determination also included review and clearance of a predetermined change control plan (PCCP). However, your 510(k) submission did not include a PCCP, so FDA is providing this administrative correction. Please see the attached revised clearance letter.
Please note that the 510(k) submission was not re-reviewed. For questions regarding this letter please contact Lixin Liu, OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices, 301-796-3480, Lixin.Liu(@fda.hhs.gov.
Sincerely.
Image /page/0/Picture/9 description: The image shows the name "Lixin Liu -S" in a large, bold, sans-serif font. The text is black against a white background. The name appears to be a person's name, with "Lixin" being the first name and "Liu" being the last name, followed by "-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
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June 28, 2024
Accufix Surgical Inc. % Nathan Wright Engineer & Regulatory Specialist Empirical Technologies 4628 Northpark Drive Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918
Re: K240268
Trade/Device Name: Accu-Joint Hemi Implant Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3730 Regulation Name: Toe joint phalangeal (hemi-toe) polymer prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KWD Dated: January 31, 2024 Received: January 31, 2024
Dear Nathan Wright:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change for your device cleared on February 29, 2024.
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/cdrb/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 Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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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 820.70) 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 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-reportingcombination-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.
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-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the 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-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/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).
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# 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
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# Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
K240268
Device Name
Accu-Joint Hemi Implant
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant, a hemi-arthroplasty metatarsal head or phalangeal base implant for the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, is indicated for use in the treatment of patients with degenerative and post-traumatic arthritis in the MTP joint in the presence of good bone stock, along with the following clinical conditions: Hallux Valgus. Hallux Rigidus, and an unstable or painful MTP ioint. The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant is intended to be used with bone cement.
The metatarsal head and phalangeal base may not be used together at the same joint.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(K) SUMMARY
| Submitter's Name: | Accufix Surgical Inc. |
|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter's Address: | Medical Center of West Haven<br>385 Main Street, Suite 10<br>West Haven, Connecticut 06516 |
| Submitter's Telephone: | 203-258-7082 |
| Contact Person: | Nathan Wright, MS, RAC<br>Empirical Technologies<br>719-351-0248<br>nwright@empiricaltech.com |
| Date Summary was Prepared: | January 31, 2024 |
| Trade or Proprietary Name: | Accu-Joint Hemi Implant |
| Classification & Regulation #: | Class II per 21 CFR §888.3730 |
| Regulation Name: | Toe Joint Phalangeal (Hemi-toe) Polymer Prosthesis |
| Product Code: | KWD |
| Classification Panel: | Orthopedic |
## DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE SUBJECT TO PREMARKET NOTIFICATION:
The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant consists of a hemi-arthroplasty metatarsal head or phalangeal base intended to resurface the metatarsophalangeal joint. These components are used for hemi-arthroplasty and are not used together to create a joint. The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant is designed with a threaded shaft for intramedullary insertion. The implant has a driver pocket on the articular surface axially aligned with the threaded shaft. To accommodate a wide range of patient anatomies, various sizes are offered.
The purpose of this submission is to offer a sterile packaged option of the Accu-Joint Hemi Implant.
## INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant, a hemi-arthroplasty metatarsal head or phalangeal base implant for the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, is indicated for use in the treatment of patients with degenerative and posttraumatic arthritis in the MTP joint in the presence of good bone stock, along with the following clinical conditions: Hallux Limitus, Hallux Valgus, Hallux Rigidus, and an unstable or painful MTP joint. The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant is intended to be used with bone cement.
The metatarsal head and phalangeal base may not be used together at the same joint.
# TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The subject and predicate devices have nearly identical technological characteristics and the minor differences in sterility status do not raise any different issues of safety and effectiveness. The subject is provided EO sterilized to the end-user while the primary predicate is provided non-sterile requiring sterilization by the end user. Specifically, the following characteristics are identical between the subject and predicates:
- Indications for Use
- Material of Manufacture ●
- Structural Support Mechanism ●
- Mechanical Performance ●
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#### Predicate Device
| 510k Number | Trade or Proprietary or Model Name | Manufacturer |
|-------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------|
| K200951 | Accu-Joint Hemi Implant | Accufix Surgical Inc. |
#### Reference Devices
| 510k Number | Trade or Proprietary or Model Name | Manufacturer |
|-------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------|
| K203634 | BioPoly Great Toe Hemiarthroplasty Implant | BioPoly, LLC |
| K222964 | BioPoly Lesser Toe Hemiarthroplasty Implant | BioPoly, LLC |
### Performance Data
The Accu-Joint Hemi Implant EO sterilization process was validated per ISO 11135, and the sterile packaging was validated per ISO 11607-2, ASTM D4169, ASTM F188, and ASTM F1929. The mechanical testing screw testing per ASTM F543 and the dynamic bending testing performed on the Accu-Joint Hemi Implant System under K200951 established the substantial equivalence in mechanical performance and was not required for this submission because the sterilization changes do not affect mechanical performance.
### CONCLUSION
The overall technology characteristics and the validation data lead to the conclusion that the Accu-Joint Hemi Implant is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.