The sponsor utilized 38 years of post-market surveillance data to demonstrate a history of safe clinical use, specifically regarding low rates of device breakage, insertion issues, and pull-out complications.
Post-market surveillance; Long-term clinical performance; Safety history
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Post Market Surveillance Reports; Retrospective analysis of post-market surveillance data; Follow-up/Duration: 38 years; Study Period: Historical (38 years)
Patients treated with C-Wire devices over a 38-year period
Not applicable for this study
Device breakage, insertion performance, and pull-out rates
Indications for Use
C-Wires are single use devices. They are intended to be used by trained professionals for the purpose of bone fracture fixation. The C-Wires should only be used with wire drivers that are designed to drive wires having longitudinal flats.
Device Story
C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wires are single-use metallic rods used for bone fracture fixation. Operated by trained professionals in operating rooms or ambulatory surgical centers; wires are inserted into bone using powered handpieces (wire drivers) designed to engage longitudinal flats on the wire. Device provides mechanical stability during natural bone healing. Output is physical fixation of bone fragments. Benefits include stabilization of small bone trauma. Device is a passive mechanical implant; no software or algorithm involved.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Safety and effectiveness established via bench testing (transportation, biocompatibility, sterilization, shelf-life), 38-year history of use with low complaint rates, and comparison to predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Material: 316LVM stainless steel. Form factor: 5" (127mm) length; diameters 0.7mm, 0.89mm, 1.14mm, 1.57mm; spade or trocar tips. Energy source: Manual/powered handpiece insertion. Sterilization: Gamma radiation (SAL 10^-6). Connectivity: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for bone fracture fixation in patients requiring surgical repair of small bone trauma. Intended for use by trained professionals.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener is a device intended to be implanted that consists of a stiff wire segment or rod made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum and stainless steel, and that may be smooth on the outside, fully or partially threaded, straight or U-shaped; and may be either blunt pointed, sharp pointed, or have a formed, slotted head on the end. It may be used for fixation of bone fractures, for bone reconstructions, as a guide pin for insertion of other implants, or it may be implanted through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other. The profiles are simple and abstract, and they are connected by a flowing line.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 12, 2014
CONMED Corporation Ms. Joy Lovett Regulatory Affairs Specialist 11311 Concept Blvd Largo, Florida 33773
Re: K142134
Trade/Device Name: C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wires Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3040 Regulation Name: Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HTY Dated: July 31, 2014 Received: August 6, 2014
Dear Ms. Lovett:
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 (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. 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.
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 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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Page 2 - Ms. Joy Lovett
forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled. "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
# Lori A. Wiggins -S
for Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K142134
Device Name: C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wires
Intended Use / Indications for Use:
C-Wires are single use devices. They are intended to be used by trained professionals for the purpose of bone fracture fixation. The C-Wires should only be used with wire drivers that are designed to drive wires having longitudinal flats.
#### Prescription Use × (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)
# Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Page 1 of 1
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for CONMED Corporation. The logo consists of a stylized letter "C" on the left, followed by the word "CONMED" in bold, sans-serif font. Below the word "CONMED" is the word "CORPORATION" in a smaller, sans-serif font. The logo is simple and modern, and the use of bold font gives it a strong and professional look.
# 510(k) Summarv
In accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act of 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92, CONMED Corporation is hereby submitting the 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for 510(k) Number K142134
Date Prepared: 5 September 2014
#### A. Submitter
ConMed Corporation, Largo 11311 Concept Boulevard Largo, FL Establishment Registration Number:
- B. Company Contact
Joy Lovett Requlatory Affairs Specialist Phone: 727-399-5137 Fax: 727-399-5264
- C. Device Name
| Trade Name: | C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wires |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Fixation Wire |
| Classification Name: | Pin, Fixation, Smooth |
| Proposed Class:Device: | Class II |
| Product Codes: | HTY |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR Part 888.3040 |
- D. Predicate/Legally Marketed Devices
| Device Name: | SMT Schilling Kirschner/Guide Wires, K100736 |
|---------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Company Name: | SMT Schilling Metalltechnik GmbH |
| 510(k) #: | K100736 |
#### E. Device Description
The C-Wires are single use devices. They are intended to be used by trained professionals for the purpose of bone fracture fixation. The C-Wires should only be used with wire drivers that are designed to drive wires having longitudinal flats.
The intended use / indications statement for the C-Wires materially differs from that of the Schilling Kirschner/Guide Wires in that the C-Wire statement does not include a guidance function for insertion of implants into the skeletal system. CONMED manufactures a separate line of quidewires for this function. The
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Conmed Corporation. The logo features a stylized "C" shape on the left, followed by the word "CONMED" in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the word "CONMED" is the word "CORPORATION" in a smaller, sans-serif font.
separation of these functions does not have an impact on the safety and effectiveness of the device.
- Intended Use / Indications F.
The C-Wires are single use devices. They are intended to be used by trained professionals for the purpose of bone fracture fixation. The C-Wires should only be used with wire drivers that are designed to drive wires having longitudinal flats.
The intended use / indications statement for the C-Wires materially differs from that of the Schilling Kirschner/Guide Wires in that the C-Wire statement does not include a quidance function for insertion of implants into the skeletal system. CONMED manufactures a separate line of guide wires for this function. The separation of these functions does not have an impact on the safety and effectiveness of the device.
- G. Summary of Technological Characteristics
The following table represents a summary of the technological characteristics of the ConMed C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wires and the SMT Schilling Kirschner/GuideWires
| | Proposed Device<br>CONMED C-Wire Double<br>Ended Orthopedic Wires | Predicate Device<br>SMT Schilling<br>Kirschner/Guide Wires<br>(K100736) |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Brief Description | C-Wire Double Ended<br>Orthopedic Wires are single-<br>use devices that are indicated<br>for surgical repair of small<br>bone trauma. The C-Wires<br>provide mechanical stability<br>during the natural bone<br>healing process. Each wire is<br>5" (127mm) long, with each<br>end ground to either a spade<br>or trocar shaped tip. C-Wires<br>are available in four different<br>diameters (0.7mm, 0.89mm,<br>1.14mm and 1.57mm). The<br>wires are made of 316LVM<br>stainless steel. | Orthopaedic fixation pins and<br>wires are metal pins for use in<br>fixation of bone fractures, for<br>bone reconstructions, as guide<br>pins for insertion of other implants<br>or implantation through the skin<br>so that traction may be applied to<br>the skeleton system. To ensure<br>the multi-use of these devices,<br>many different models are<br>available. This differences can<br>be as follows:<br>Diameter: from 0.6 - 6.35mm<br>Length, from 60 up to 500mm<br>Tips: diamond or trocar point,<br>round, flat, with or without 3- or 4-<br>shank ends, with or without<br>spherical shape.<br>Surface: complete or partial<br>smooth and/or threaded, with or<br>without threading cutter. |
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for CONMED Corporation. The logo features a stylized, curved shape on the left, followed by the word "CONMED" in a bold, sans-serif font. Below "CONMED" is the word "CORPORATION" in a smaller, sans-serif font.
| | Proposed Device<br>CONMED C-Wire Double<br>Ended Orthopedic Wires | Predicate Device<br>SMT Schilling<br>Kirschner/Guide Wires<br>(K100736) |
|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended<br>Use/Indications for<br>Use | C-Wires are single use devices. They are intended to be used by trained professionals for the purpose of bone fracture fixation. The C-Wires should only be used with wire drivers that are designed to drive wires having longitudinal flats. | Orthopaedic fixation pins and wires are intended to perform as fixation and stabilization unit of bone fractures or as guidance at insertion of implants into the skeletal system. |
| Material | 316LVM | 316L |
| Conditions of Use | Operating Room in Hospital or<br>Ambulatory Surgical Center for<br>fracture fixation | Operating Room in Hospital or<br>Ambulatory Surgical Center for<br>fracture fixation or guide for<br>implant |
| Scientific<br>Technology | Metal rods inserted using powered handpieces | Metal rods inserted using powered hand pieces |
| Sterilization<br>Method and SAL | Gamma Sterilization at a SAL of 10-6 | Gamma Sterilization at a SAL of 10-6 |
Completed testing includes the following:
- Transportation 0
- Biocompatibility �
- ® Sterilization
- ø Shelf-life
Functional testing on the C-Wires is not required as safety and effectiveness has been established through the following:
- The device has been in continuous use for thirty-eight (38) years with few 1. complaints regarding breakage, insertion or pull-out as detailed in Post Market Surveillance Reports.
- 2. The C-Wire is very similar to other wires cleared by FDA based on a comparison of intended use, engineering drawings, material, method of operation and shape/size. This similarity is documented in the Comparison Chart of Section 13 and summarized below for the predicate device, SMT Schilling Kirschner/Guide Wires (K100736).
- 3. Conformance to FDA standards related to pins and wires as well as other FDA recognized Standards governing aspects of product development and total life cycle.
#### H, Substantial Equivalence
The C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wires have intended use, conditions of use, sterilization method, sterility assurance level and utilizes the same fundamental scientific technology as the predicate device, while raising no new issues of safety or effectiveness. Similarities of the two devices are demonstrated in
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for CONMED Corporation. The logo consists of a stylized letter C on the left, followed by the word "CONMED" in all caps. Below the word "CONMED" is the word "CORPORATION" in smaller, all-caps letters. A horizontal line separates the two words.
a comparison of the engineering drawings as well. Refer to Attachment 14-1. The C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wires are therefore substantially equivalent to the SMT Schilling Kirschner/GuideWires cleared under K100736.
# I. CONCLUSION
Based upon the testing and analysis performed, the C-Wire Double Ended Orthopedic Wire is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as the SMT Schilling Kirschner/Guide Wires (K100736)..
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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.