The Reprocessed External Fixation Device is intended for use in the construction of an external fixation frame for treatment of various fracture types that require external fixation.
Device Story
Reprocessed external fixation system consisting of bridge elements (rods, articulating/telescoping components) and connection elements (clamps). Device components are reprocessed from original manufacturer's systems; some components are MR safe and non-magnetic. Anchorage elements are excluded. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to construct frames for fracture stabilization, bone transport, or limb lengthening. Healthcare providers assemble the frame manually to stabilize bone segments; output is a rigid mechanical construct that maintains bone alignment during healing. Benefits include stabilization of fractures, soft tissue management, and support for complex orthopedic trauma.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Functional testing and process validation of cleaning procedures were conducted to demonstrate equivalence to original manufacturer devices.
Technological Characteristics
System includes carbon fiber rods and metallic clamps/articulating components. Some components are MR safe and non-magnetic. Modular design allows for construction of large, medium, small, and mini fixation frames. Sterilization is performed as part of the reprocessing cycle. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for construction of external fixation frames for pediatric and adult patients to treat long bone, pelvic, hand, wrist, and foot fractures, including comminuted, intra-articular, open, and fracture dislocations; non-unions; tumor resections; and as an adjunct for arthrodeses, osteotomies, and indirect reduction. Contraindications include cases where stable internal fixation is possible or where soft tissue/bone conditions preclude external fixation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories are devices intended to be implanted consisting of one or more metallic components and their metallic fasteners. The devices contain a plate, a nail/plate combination, or a blade/plate combination that are made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, stainless steel, and titanium, that are intended to be held in position with fasteners, such as screws and nails, or bolts, nuts, and washers. These devices are used for fixation of fractures of the proximal or distal end of long bones, such as intracapsular, intertrochanteric, intercervical, supracondylar, or condylar fractures of the femur; for fusion of a joint; or for surgical procedures that involve cutting a bone. The devices may be implanted or attached through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.
Synthes Large External Fixation Clamps MR Safe (K031428)
Synthes Medium External Fixation System MR Safe (K040258)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
K051957 (pg 1 of 2)
SEP 2 1 2005
# SECTION 2. SUMMARY AND CERTIFICATION
#### 2.A. 510(k) Summary
| Submitter: | SterilMed, Inc. |
|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Thomas A. Dold MBA, RAC<br>Director of Regulatory Affairs<br>SterilMed, Inc.<br>11400 73 <sup>rd</sup> Ave. N<br>Minneapolis, MN 55369<br>Ph: 763-488-3400<br>Fax: 763-488-3350 |
| Date Prepared: | July 18, 2005 |
| Trade Name: | Reprocessed External Fixation Device |
| Classification Name:<br>And Number: | External Fixation Device<br>Class II, 21 CFR 888.3030 |
| Product Code: | KTT |
| Predicate Device(s): | The Reprocessed External Fixation Device is substantially<br>equivalent to the Synthes Reprocessed External Fixation<br>Devices (K033158), Synthes Large External Fixation<br>Clamps MR Safe (K031428) and Synthes Medium External<br>Fixation System MR Safe (K040258). |
| Device Description: | The Reprocessed External Fixation Device consists of the<br>standard bridge elements (rods, articulating and telescoping<br>components), and connection elements (clamps) contained<br>in the original manufacturer's system. Some of the<br>components are MR safe and made of non-magnetic<br>materials. MR safe components are intended for use in the<br>MR environment. Anchorage elements are not included in<br>the Reprocessed External Fixation Device. |
| Intended Use: | The Reprocessed External Fixation Device is intended for<br>use in the construction of an external fixation frame for<br>treatment of various fracture types that require external<br>fixation. |
{1}------------------------------------------------
K051957 (pg 2 of 2)
Functional and Representative samples of Reprocessed External Fixation Safety Testing: Devices underwent bench testing to demonstrate appropriate functional characteristics. Process validation testing was done to validate the cleaning procedure. In addition, the manufacturing process includes visual and functional testing of all products prior to release. The External Fixation Device reprocessed by SterilMed is Conclusion: substantially equivalent to counterpart devices originally manufactured by Synthes. This conclusion is based upon the devices' similarities in functional design, materials and indications for use.
{2}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES . USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized representation of three human figures, depicted as flowing, interconnected lines.
Public Health Service
SEP 2 1 2005
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Thomas A. Dold, MBA, RAC Director of Regulatory Affairs SterilMed, Inc. 11400 73td Avenue North Minneapolis, Minnesota 55369
Re: K051957 Trade/Device Name: Reprocessed External Fixation Device (See enclosed list) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030 Regulation Name: Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KTT Dated: July 18, 2005 Received: July 19, 2005
Dear Mr. Dold:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device indication we nave reviewed your Section - 10(x) premained is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate for use stated in the encreate, to regars mannent date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to commerce prior to May 26, 1776, the enacified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, devices that have been reclassince in accessaries while in a premarket approval application (PMA).
and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval and Cosmelle Act (Act) that do not require approvisions of the general controls provisions of the Act. The You may, dicierore, market the act nelude requirements for annual registration, listing of general controls provisions of the fiel 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 If your device is classified (see abore) into Existing major regulations affecting your device can
may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major and device of D fifay be subject to such additional connounce and to 898. In addition, FDA may be found in the Overning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination docs not mean I lease oc advised that I Dri 3 issualled or with other requirements of the Act that TDA has made a dolorimiation administered by other Federal agencies. You must or any receral statutes and regulations administer on registration and listing (21 Comply with an the For s requirements, and manufacturing practice requirements as sch CFN Fatt 607), labeling (21 CFR Part 800), good if applicable, the electronic forth in the quality byetems (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2- Mr. Thomas A. Dold, MBA, RAC
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) This letter will anow you to oegin marketing your arrantial equivalence of your device to a legally premarket hourication. The PDA maing of backannal sor 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 now to the regulation entitled, and office of contact the Office of Comphanee at (210) 216 of 807.97). You may obtain ' Misolanding by reference to premation in the Act from the Division of Small other general information on your response Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or and index birds Manufacturers, internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Mark N. Melkerson, M.S.
Acting Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{4}------------------------------------------------
# Page 3– Mr. Thomas A. Dold, MBA, RAC
Reprocessed External Fixation Device Models found to be Substantially Equivalent:
| | Manufacturer # | Description |
|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| 1. | 390.002 | Large 6 Position Multi-Pin Clamp, MR Safe |
| 2. | 390.003 | Rod Attachment for Large Multi-Pin Clamp, MR Safe |
| 3. | 390.004 | Large 4 Position Multi-Pin Clamp, MR Safe |
| 4. | 390.005 | Large Combination Clamp, MR Safe |
| 5. | 390.006 | Dynamization Clip for Large Combination Clamp, MR Safe |
| 6. | 390.007 | Tube-to-Tube Clamp, MR Safe |
| 7. | 390.008 | Large Open Adjustable Clamp, MR Safe |
| 8. | 394.80 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 100mm length |
| 9. | 394.81 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 125mm length |
| 10. | 394.82 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 150mm length |
| 11. | 394.83 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 200mm length |
| 12. | 394.84 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 250mm length |
| 13. | 394.85 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 300mm length |
| 14. | 394.86 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 350mm length |
| 15. | 394.87 | 11.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 400mm length |
| Manufacturer # | Description | |
| 390.031 | Medium Combination Clamp, MR Safe | |
| 390.032 | Dynamization Clip for Medium Combination Clamp, MR Safe | |
| 390.033 | Medium 4 Position Multi-Pin Clamp, MR Safe | |
| 390.034 | Rod Attachment for Medium Multi-Pin Clamp, MR Safe | |
| 390.035 | Medium Open Adjustable Clamp, MR Safe | |
| 390.036 | Medium 6 Position Multi-Pin Clamp, MR Safe | |
| 390.037 | 8.0mm/11.0mm Combination Clamp, MR Safe | |
| 395.779 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 160mm length | |
| 395.780 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 180mm length | |
| 395.782 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 200mm length | |
| 395.784 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 220mm length | |
| 395.786 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 240mm length | |
| 395.788 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 280mm length | |
| 395.792 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 320mm length | |
| 394.796 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 360mm length | |
| 394.797 | 8.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 400mm length | |
I arge External Fixation Device Components
### Medium External Fixation Device Components
{5}------------------------------------------------
## Page 4– Mr. Thomas A. Dold, MBA, RAC
| | Manufacturer # | Description |
|-----|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| 32. | 390.041 | Small Combination Clamp, MR Safe |
| 33. | 390.051 | 4.0mm Adjustable Clamp for Distal Radius Fixator, MR Safe |
| 34. | 395.54 | 4.0mm/2.5mm Open Clamp |
| 35. | 395.55 | 4.0mm/4.0mm Open Clamp |
| 36. | 395.56 | 4.0mm/2.5mm Clamp |
| 37. | 395.57 | 4.0mm/4.0mm Clamp |
| 38. | 395.597 | 4.0mm Adjustable Clamp for Distal Radius Fixator |
| 39. | 395.60 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 60mm length |
| 40. | 395.61 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 80mm length |
| 41. | 395.62 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 100mm length |
| 42. | 395.63 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 120mm length |
| 43. | 395.64 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 140mm length |
| 44. | 395.65 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 160mm length |
| 45. | 395.66 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 180mm length |
| 46. | 395.67 | 4.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 200mm length |
:
Small External Fixation Device Components
#### Mini External Fixation Device Components
| | Manufacturer # | Description |
|-----|----------------|-------------------------------------|
| 47. | 395.105 | 3.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 25mm length |
| 48. | 395.107 | 3.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 45mm length |
| 49. | 395.109 | 3.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 60mm length |
| 50. | 395.111 | 3.0mm Carbon Fiber Rod, 75mm length |
| 51. | 395.125 | Mini Holding Clamp, 1.25mm |
| 52. | 395.126 | Mini Holding Clamp, 1.6mm |
| 53. | 395.133 | 3.0mm/3.0mm Connecting Clamp |
| 54. | 395.134 | 3.0mm/4.0mm Connecting Clamp |
.
{6}------------------------------------------------
### Indications for Use
(pg 1 of 2) 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Reprocessed External Fixation Device
Indications for Use:
The Reprocessed External Fixation Device is intended for use in the construction of an I he Reprocessed External I mation Dollar is a learnet types that require external fixation.
#### LARGE
LAKGE
Provide treatment for long bone and pelvic fractures that require external fixation Specifically, the components are used for:
- Stabilization of soft tissues and fractures .
- Polytrauma/multiple orthopedic trauma .
- r of traumannuluipte orthopours as treatment adjunct for vertically unstable . pelvic fractures
- pervic fractures
Arthrodeses and osteotomics with soft tissue problems; failures of total joints .
- Archited of tractures stabilized with limited internal fixation ●
- Non-unions/septic non-unions .
- Intra-operative reductions/stabilization tool to assist with indirect reduction .
- I Inilateral rectilinear bone segment transport or leg lengthening .
#### MEDIUM
MEDIUM
Indicated for construction of an external fixation frame for the treatment of pediatric and adult fractures.
#### SMALL
Stabilizes and provides treatment for fractures of the small bones, such as the hand, wrist, Stabilizes and provided aspecifically, the components can be used for:
- Preliminary fixation before ORIF .
- Unstable fractures of the distal radius (both intra and extra-articular) .
- Open and/or comminuted bilateral fractures .
- Open and or combination with extensive soft tissue injury, bone loss, and vascular ● and/or neural involvement
- Fracture dislocations .
- Failed closed reduction with casting resulting in secondary deformity (radial . shortening and angulations)
- shortening and angulations)
Pediatric open fractures with bone loss and osteotom Division Sign-Off) .
Division of General, Restorative. and Neurological Devices
510(k) Notification - Reprocessed External Fixation Device July 18, 2005 SterilMed, Inc. CONFIDENTIAL
510/k) Numher K05 957 r. /:
{7}------------------------------------------------
K051957 (pg 2 of 2)
#### MINI
MINI
Stabilizes and provides treatment for fractures of the hand and foot Specifically, the components can be used for:
- Comminuted fractures of phalanges and metacarpals .
- Displaced intra-articular fractures .
- Segmental bone loss .
- Segmental other of that do not allow stable internal fixation .
- Fractures with associated complex soft tissue injuries .
- Tumor resections .
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
(21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
2
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices
**510(k) Number** K051957 4.2/2
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.