Prosthetic replacement with this device may be indicated to relieve severe pain or significant disability in degenerative, rheumatoid, or traumatic disease of the glenohumeral joint; non-union humeral head fracture; displaced 4-part proximal humeral fractures; avascular necrosis of the humeral head; or other difficult management problems where arthrodesis or resectional arthroplasty are not acceptable.
Device Story
Aequalis Shoulder System is a semi-constrained, cemented metal/polymer prosthesis for shoulder joint replacement. Modification adds humeral heads manufactured from Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum alloy (ISO 5832-12) to existing product line. System components include humeral stem (Cobalt-Chromium alloy, ISO 5832-4), humeral head (Cobalt-Chromium alloy, ISO 5832-7/12), and glenoid component (UHMWPE, ISO 5834-2) with radiopaque cobalt-chrome pin. Device used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings to restore joint function and relieve pain in patients with severe degenerative, rheumatoid, or traumatic shoulder conditions. Surgical implantation replaces damaged humeral head and/or glenoid surface. Benefits include pain relief and improved joint mobility.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum alloy (ISO 5832-12), Cobalt-Chromium alloy (ISO 5832-4, ISO 5832-7), UHMWPE (ISO 5834-2). Components: Humeral stem, humeral head, glenoid component with radiopaque cobalt-chrome pin. Semi-constrained, cemented prosthesis. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with severe pain or disability due to degenerative, rheumatoid, or traumatic glenohumeral joint disease, non-union humeral head fractures, displaced 4-part proximal humeral fractures, or avascular necrosis of the humeral head, where arthrodesis or resectional arthroplasty are not acceptable.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a shoulder 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 humeral resurfacing component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a glenoid resurfacing component made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and is limited to those prostheses intended for use with bone cement (§ 888.3027).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II. The special controls for this device are:(1) FDA's:
(i) “Use of International Standard ISO 10993 ‘Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices—Part I: Evaluation and Testing,’ ”
(ii) “510(k) Sterility Review Guidance of 2/12/90 (K90-1),”
(iii) “Guidance Document for Testing Orthopedic Implants with Modified Metallic Surfaces Apposing Bone or Bone Cement,”
(iv) “Guidance Document for the Preparation of Premarket Notification (510(k)) Application for Orthopedic Devices,” and
(v) “Guidance Document for Testing Non-articulating, ‘Mechanically Locked’ Modular Implant Components,”
(2) International Organization for Standardization's (ISO):
(i) ISO 5832-3:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 3: Wrought Titanium 6-aluminum 4-vandium Alloy,”
(ii) ISO 5832-4:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 4: Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum casting alloy,”
(iii) ISO 5832-12:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 12: Wrought Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy,”
(iv) ISO 5833:1992 “Implants for Surgery—Acrylic Resin Cements,”
(v) ISO 5834-2:1998 “Implants for Surgery—Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene—Part 2: Moulded Forms,”
(vi) ISO 6018:1987 “Orthopaedic Implants—General Requirements for Marking, Packaging, and Labeling,” and
(vii) ISO 9001:1994 “Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in Design/Development, Production, Installation, and Servicing,” and
(3) American Society for Testing and Materials':
(i) F 75-92 “Specification for Cast Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy for Surgical Implant Material,”
(ii) F 648-98 “Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Powder and Fabricated Form for Surgical Implants,”
(iii) F 799-96 “Specification for Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy Forgings for Surgical Implants,”
(iv) F 1044-95 “Test Method for Shear Testing of Porous Metal Coatings,”
(v) F 1108-97 “Specification for Titanium-6 Aluminum-4 Vanadium Alloy Castings for Surgical Implants,”
(vi) F 1147-95 “Test Method for Tension Testing of Porous Metal,”
(vii) F 1378-97 “Standard Specification for Shoulder Prosthesis,” and
(viii) F 1537-94 “Specification for Wrought Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy for Surgical Implants.”
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
AUG 1 5 2001
K0122/2
Special 510(k): Device modification - Premarket Notification 510(k AEQUALIS Shoulder System
| Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information | Aequalis Shoulder System |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Special 510(k): Device modification | Tornier S.A.S. |
| Premarket Notification, Section 510(k) | |
Regulatory Authority: Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, 21 CFR 807.92
Device name 1)
AEQUALIS Shoulder System Trade name: Total-Shoulder System and Hemi-Shoulder System Common name: - Shoulder joint, metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis Classification name:
## 2) Manufacturer
Tornier S.A. B.P. 11 - Rue Doyen Gosse 38330 Saint Ismier - France
## 3) Classification
\$ 888.3660 Shoulder joint, metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis.
| Classification panel: | Orthopedic |
|-----------------------|------------|
| Product code: | 87 KWS |
| Device class: | Class II |
#### 4) Device description :
The present Device Modification submission corresponds to the addition of humeral heads made from Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy according to the standard ISO 5832-12 to the previous range with the same indications for use already covered by the previous 510(k) clearance. The hunteral stem and the glenoid component are unchanged.
The manufacturing methods, intended use, packaging and sterilization of the subjected device are identical to the predicate device.
## 5) Indications :
Prosthetic replacement with this device may be indicated to relieve severe pain or significant disability in degenerative, theumatoid, or traumatic disesse of the glenohumeral head fracture; displaced 4-part proximal humeral fractures; avascular necrosis of the humeral head; or other difficult management problems where arthrodesis or resectional arthroplasty are not acceptable.
# 6) Materials :
The stem is made from Cobalt Chromium alloy according to ISO 5832-4. The humeral head is available in both Cobalt-Chromium alloy according to ISO 5832-7 and ISO 5832-12. The glenoid components are produced from implant grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) according to ISO 5834-2, with a small cobalt-chrome pin included as an opaque radiographic marker.
{1}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white seal for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an abstract image of an eagle with three human profiles incorporated into the design.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
AUG 1 5 2001
Ms. Irene Gosset Regulatory Affairs Tornier S.A. 161. rue Lavoisier 38330 Montbonnot France
Re: K012212
Trade/Device Name: Aequalis Shoulder System Regulation Number: 888.3660, 888.3690 Regulatory Class: I Product Code: KWS, HSD Dated: July 10, 2001 Received: July 16, 2001
Dear Ms. Gosset:
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 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 (Act). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. 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.
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 requirements, 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.
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Page 2 - Ms. Irene Gosset
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket I nis lotter will and hy your ding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed nvellicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, 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, (Jease contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
hheeeerfor
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
Page 1 of of 1
510(k) Number (if known): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AEQUALIS Shoulder System Device name:
# Indication for use:
Prosthetic replacement with this device may be indicated to relieve severe pain or significant disability in degenerative, rheumatoid, or traumatic disease of the glenohumeral joint; non-union humeral head fracture; displaced 4-part proximal humeral fractures; avascular necrosis of the humeral head; or other difficult management problems where arthrodesis or resectional arthroplasty are not acceptable.
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
OR
B. Mitchell Womack
(Division Sign-Off Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number_(D
Prescription use
Over-The-Counter Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
(Optional format 1-2-96)
Tomier S.A.
S
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.
