The Biomet Headless Compression Screws and Twist-Off Screws are indicated for fixation of bone fractures, fusion of a joint (arthrodesis) or bone reconstruction (osteotomy) of the midfoot bones, metatarsal and phalanges of the foot or the phalanges, metacarpals of the hand. In the foot, these include procedures to correct Hallux Valgus (bunions), Hallux Varus and Hallux Rigidus, Hammer toe, Claw toe and Mallet toe.
Device Story
Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws are metallic bone fixation fasteners; used for arthrodesis or osteotomy in foot/hand surgery. Headless compression screws are cannulated, inserted below bone surface, feature dual-thread design for compression, and minimize soft tissue irritation. Twist-off screws are solid, one-piece, connect directly to drill/pin driver, and feature thread-free segment for compression at osteotomy site. Accompanied by dimensionally optimized instruments for alignment and stabilization. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings. Output is mechanical fixation of bone segments; benefits patient through stabilized healing of fractures or corrective procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence based on non-clinical performance testing including mechanical tests (torsional, axial pullout, driving torque) per ASTM F543.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Ti 6Al-4V. Design: Cannulated headless screws (dual-thread) and solid twist-off screws (thread-free segment). Sterilization: Non-sterile or gamma irradiation. Mechanical testing performed per ASTM F543.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring bone fixation, arthrodesis, or osteotomy of the mid-foot, metatarsals, phalanges of the foot, or phalanges, metacarpals, and carpals of the hand. Includes correction of Hallux Valgus, Hallux Varus, Hallux Rigidus, Hammer toe, Claw toe, and Mallet toe.
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 consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol resembling a stylized caduceus, with three human profiles facing right, representing health and human services.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Biomet Manufacturing Corporation Ms. Victoria Scheitlin Regulatory Affairs Specialist 56 East Bell Drive Warsaw, Indiana 46582
November 13, 2014
Re: K142658
Trade/Device Name: Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3040 Regulation Name: Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HWC Dated: September 9, 2014 Received: September 18, 2014
Dear Ms. Scheitlin:
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 (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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Page 2 - Ms. Victoria Scheitlin
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.
# Mark N. Melkerson -S
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) K142658
#### Device Name
Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Biomet Headless Compression Screws and Twist-Off Screws are indicated for fixation of a joint (arthrodesis) or bone reconstruction (osteotomy) of the mid-foot bones, metatarsal and phalanges of the foot or the phalanges, metacarpals and carpals of the hand. In the foot, these include procedures to correct Hallux Valgus (bunions), Hallux Varus and Hallux Rigidus, Hammer toe, Claw toe and Mallet toe.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div style="display:flex; align-items:center;"><span style="font-size:20px;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</div> | <div style="display:flex; align-items:center;"><span style="font-size:20px;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</div> |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "BIOMET" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are all capitalized and evenly spaced. A horizontal line underlines the entire word, adding a sense of stability and emphasis to the brand name. The overall design is simple, clean, and professional.
## 510(k) Summary
In accordance with 21 CFR §807.92 and the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, the following information is provided for the FRS and Twist-Off Screws 510(k) premarket notification. The submission was prepared in accordance with the FDA guidance document, 'Format for Traditional and Abbreviated 510(k)s', issued on August 12, 2005.
| Sponsor: | Biomet Inc.<br>56 East Bell Drive<br>PO Box 587<br>Warsaw, IN 46581<br>Establishment Registration Number: 1825034 |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact: | Victoria Scheitlin<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Date: | November 12, 2014 |
| Subject Device:<br>Screws | Trade Name: Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off<br>Common Name: Screw, Fixation, Bone<br>Classification Name:<br>• HWC– Smooth or Threaded Metallic Bone Fixation Fastener (2<br>CFR 888.3040) |
#### Legally marketed devices to which substantial equivalence is claimed:
The Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws are substantially equivalent to the currently marketed devices:
- DEPUY ORTHOPAEDICS, INC-K062352
- DEPUY ORTHOPAEDICS, INC-K971069
- LANDOS, INC-K962233
- WRIGHT MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY, INC- K082320
- MEMOMETAL TECHNOLOGIES- K070039
#### Device Description
The Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws consist of bone screws of various lengths and diameters. The Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws are also accompanied by dimensionally optimized corresponding instruments which are used to aid in the alignment and stabilization of fractures to the skeletal system. The Biomet Headless Compression Screws are a cannulated headless screw, which is inserted below the bone surface. The Biomet Headless Compression Screw is designed to minimize soft tissue irritation and provides compression due to a dual thread design. The Biomet Twist-Off Screw is a solid one piece screw that has a direct connection to a drill or large diameter pin driver, this allows the screw to break-off cleanly upon contact. The Biomet Twist-Off Screw also has compression capabilities with a thread-free segment that achieves compression at the osteotomy site.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "BIOMET" in a sans-serif font. The letters are all capitalized and appear to be in a dark gray color. A thin black line is present underneath the word, spanning its entire length.
#### Intended Use and Indications for Use
The Biomet Headless Compression Screws and Twist-Off Screws are indicated for fixation of bone fractures, fusion of a joint (arthrodesis) or bone reconstruction (osteotomy) of the midfoot bones, metatarsal and phalanges of the foot or the phalanges, metacarpals of the hand. In the foot, these include procedures to correct Hallux Valgus (bunions), Hallux Varus and Hallux Rigidus, Hammer toe, Claw toe and Mallet toe.
#### Summary of Technological Characteristics
The rationale for substantial equivalence is based on consideration of the following characteristics:
- Intended Use: The Intended Use for the Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws is the same as the Intended Use cleared via K062352, K962233, and K971069 and are similar to K082320 and K070039.
- Indications for Use: The Indications for Use for the Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws is similar and based on the Indications for Use cleared via K062352, K962233, and K971069 and are similar to K082320 and K070039.
- Materials: The Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws are fabricated from Ti 6Al-4V. Titanium alloys are commonly used materials in orthopedic implants, and is a material that was used in predicate devices cleared via K062352, K962233, K971069, K082320, and K070039.
- . Design Features: The design features of the Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws are similar to the currently marketed devices K062352, K962233, K971069 K082320, and K070039. No issues of design differences have identified issues of safety or effectiveness.
- Sterilization: The Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws will be offered in non-sterile and sterile by gamma irradiation. These sterilization configurations are similar to the predicate devices currently marketed via K062352, K962233, K971069, K082320, and K070039.
### Summary of Performance Data (Nonclinical and/or Clinical)
- Non-Clinical Tests .
- o Non-clinical performance testing and engineering justifications included mechanical tests per ASTM F543 that were performed to determine substantial equivalence of the Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws including torsional, axial pullout and driving torque. Results indicate that the subject screws are substantially equivalent to legally marketed devices offering a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.
- Clinical Tests
- None provided as a basis for substantial equivalence. o
### Substantial Equivalence Conclusion
The Biomet Headless Compression and Twist-Off Screws have been shown to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Results of preclinical tests/engineering justification and the similarities with legal marketed predicated devices indicate the device will perform within the intended use and no new issues of safety or effectiveness have been raised.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.