Prosthetic replacement of the femoral head associated with a hip prosthesis having a taper compatible with the head taper, and with a prosthetic acetabulum having an inside diameter compatible with that of the head. The alumina head can only be used with polyethylene inserts. This prothesis may be used for degenerative ioint disease such as osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis, correction of functional deformity, rheumatoid arthritis, revision procedure where other devices or treatments have failed, congenital dislocation, femoral neck and trochanteric fractures, traumatic arthritis, fused diastrophic variant, slipped capital hip, epiphysis, non-union.
Device Story
Alumina heads serve as prosthetic femoral components in hip arthroplasty. Device consists of ceramic ball (Biolox forte or HIP Vitox alumina) with 10/12 or 12/14 taper interface. Available in 28mm and 32mm diameters with varying offsets. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings during total hip replacement or revision procedures. Device mates with compatible femoral stem taper and UHMWPE acetabular liner. Provides load-bearing surface for hip joint articulation; intended to restore joint function and mobility in patients with degenerative or traumatic hip conditions. Safety and effectiveness validated via fatigue testing, static compression to rupture, and head extraction force measurements.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included fatigue testing, static compression to rupture, and head extraction force measurement (2000 N pre-load). Results demonstrated compliance with FDA requirements and ISO 6474 standards.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Biolox forte or HIP Vitox alumina (ISO 6474). Geometry: 10/12 or 12/14 cone taper; 28mm/32mm diameters; -3.5, 0, +3.5 offsets. Mechanical interface: Ceramic-to-metal taper, ceramic-to-UHMWPE articulation. Non-active, non-software device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring femoral head replacement due to degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis), functional deformity, rheumatoid arthritis, revision surgery, congenital dislocation, femoral neck/trochanteric fractures, traumatic arthritis, fused diastrophic variant, slipped capital hip, epiphysis, or non-union. Contraindicated for use without compatible polyethylene inserts.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hip joint metal/ceramic/polymer semi-constrained cemented or nonporous uncemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a hip joint. This device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. The two-part femoral component consists of a femoral stem made of alloys to be fixed in the intramedullary canal of the femur by impaction with or without use of bone cement. The proximal end of the femoral stem is tapered with a surface that ensures positive locking with the spherical ceramic (aluminium oxide, A12 03 ) head of the femoral component. The acetabular component is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with nonporous metal alloys, and used with or without bone cement.
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MAY 1 2005
K050556 (pg 1 of 2)
### 510 (K) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS ALUMINA HEADS
Fournitures Hospitalières Industrie SPONSOR IDENTIFICATION: 6 Rue Nobel, Z.I. de Kernevez 29000 QUIMPER - FRANCE Tel: (33) 2.98.55.68.95 Fax: (33) 2.98.53.42.13
#### ESTABLISHMENT REGISTRATION NUMBER: 3003898228
| <b>OFFICIAL CONTACT PERSON:</b> Christine QUENDEZ |
|---------------------------------------------------|
| Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| E-mail: fhi.rd@wanadoo.fr |
DATE PREPARED:
February 4th, 2005
| DEVICE TRADE NAME: | ALUMINA HEADS |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| DEVICE COMMON NAME: | Ceramic Femoral Head |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME: | Hip joint metal/ceramic/polymer semi-constrained<br>cemented or nonporous uncemented prosthesis |
| REGULATORY CLASS: | Class II |
| DEVICE PRODUCT CODE: | 87 LZO |
| PANEL CODE: | 21 CFR 888.3353 |
## DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
Alumina heads are made of Biolox forte alumina (trademark of CERAMTEC) according to ISO 6474 standard.
Alumina heads have a 12/14 cone and are available in two diameters: 28mm and 32mm, with three offsets: -3.5; 0; +3.5.
This special 510 (k) is being submitted to propose an extension at the 10/12 cone in diameter : 32 mm with three offsets: -3.5; 0; +3.5. This heads are made in HIP Vitox® alumina (trademark of Morgan Advanced Ceramics Ltd according to ISO 6474 standard.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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\mathfrak{L}_{\mathfrak{L}}\mathfrak{L}_{\mathfrak{L}}\mathfrak{L}_{\mathfrak{L}}
\end{pmatrix}
$$
### INDICATIONS FOR USE:
Prosthetic replacement of the femoral head associated with a hip prosthesis having a taper compatible with the head taper, and with a prosthetic UHMWPE acetabulum having an inside diameter compatible with that of the head.
### PREDICATE DEVICES:
The proposed Alumina heads are now provided with a 10/12 cone. They have exactly the same intented use and same design as the predicate devices.
Regarding the material, numerous alumina heads are made in alumina in accordance ISO 6474 standard.
And regarding the design, numerous femoral heads made in 10/12 cone with a diameter 32.
So, we have selected two predicate devices based upon intended uses, material used in device manufacturing and design features.
These predicate devices are:
- Alumina Head (K042035), F.H. Industrie l
- ESOP® Co-Cr femoral head (K021109), F.H. Industrie -
## COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Our alumina heads have the same intended use and substantial similar indications for use as the predicate devices. They are all made of the same material (Alumina), are available in similar diameters and lengths, with similar designs (10/12 cone).
… そ
Performance tests were performed. Our proposed devices and the predicate devices were found to have results in compliance with the selected standard.
#### MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS:
We have followed the FDA's guideline: "Guidance document for the preparation of premarket notifications for ceramic ball hip systems" dated January 10, 1995 to compare if our material characteristics were in conformity with the FDA requirements. Our 10/12 cone alumina heads reach all the requirements set up in this guidance document.
#### PERFORMANCES:
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of our Alumina heads, we have made three series of tests:
- Fatigue test and static compression test to rupture in the first series -
- Test of static compression to rupture in the second series …
- Pre-loading of femoral head on its neck at 2000 N and measurement of the head extraction force in the thrid series.
All the results were in compliance with the requirements set forth by the FDA. Risk to health have been addressed through the specified materials, Processing controls, quality assurance and compliance to the Medical Device Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations.
#### CONCLUSION:
All these elements show the safety and effectiveness of our product. Our 10/12 cone Alumina heads are substantially equivalents to the selected predicate device in terms of intended use, material, safety and effectiveness.
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health and Human Services, USA. The seal is circular and contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is a stylized caduceus, a symbol often associated with medicine and healthcare. The caduceus consists of a staff with two snakes coiled around it and a pair of wings at the top.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAY 1 1 2005
Ms. Christine Quendez Regulatory Affairs Manager Fournitures Hospitalieres Industrie 6 rue Nobel Z.I. De Kernévez 29000 Quimper, France
Re: K050556
Trade/Device Name: Alumina Heads Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3353 Regulation Name: Hip joint metal/ceramic/polymer semi-constrained cemented or nonporous uncemented prosthesis Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LZO Dated: April 18, 2005 Received: April 21, 2005
Dear Ms. Quendez:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device we nave roviewed your becamed the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for referenced above and nove to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce ass suited in the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that provision in the recordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic nu ( 6 ct) 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. The general thereore, manisons 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 (PMA), it rr your device to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be may of subject to sam adam Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean r that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or that I Dri has mude a acterinations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all 1 cacraf statutes and 16 this and limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); an all 1 ce 1 c requirements as a manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality labeling (2) CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
{3}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 – Ms. Christine Quendez
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) I his letter will anow you to begin mailtoning of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally premarket notification. "The I Driving of oation 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), please If you desire specific advice for your ac (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, Comact the Office of Complanes as (210). The Part 807.97). You may obtain other Misoranding by reference to promisibilities under the Act from the Division of Small general information on your responsionner Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or Manufacturers, Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Sincerely yours,
Stupt Rurde
A. Miriam C. Provost, Ph.D.
Mirian C. Provost, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{4}------------------------------------------------
# K050556
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
Indications for Use:
Alumina Heads
Prosthetic replacement of the femoral head associated with a hip prosthesis having a taper compatible with the head taper, and with a prosthetic acetabulum having an inside diameter compatible with that of the head.
The alumina head can only be used with polyethylene inserts.
This prothesis may be used for degenerative ioint disease such as osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis, correction of functional deformity, rheumatoid arthritis, revision procedure where other devices or treatments have failed, congenital dislocation, femoral neck and trochanteric fractures, traumatic arthritis, fused diastrophic variant, slipped capital hip, epiphysis, non-union.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over the counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
| (Division Sign-Off) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|
| Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices | Page <u>1</u> of <u>1</u> |
| 510(k) Number | K050556 |
16
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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.