The DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System is indicated for use in skeletally mature patients with normal or osteoporotic bone for chest wall fixation, where: DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB pre-contoured plates are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of - Rib fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including spanning gaps and/or defects - Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB straight plates are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of: - Rib and sternum fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including spanning gaps and/or defects - Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB sternal plates, 2.8mm thickness, are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of: - Sternum fractures, fusions, and/or osteotomies - Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities The DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB intramedulary splints and the universal plate are indicated for the fixation and stabilization of ribs.
Device Story
MatrixRIB Fixation System comprises metallic plates (straight, I, T-plates), screws, and intramedullary splints for chest wall reconstruction and stabilization. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to fixate rib and sternal bone segments. Plates are secured to bone via locking screws. System provides mechanical stabilization for fractures, fusions, or deformities. Benefits include structural support for chest wall integrity and healing. Device is purely mechanical; no software or electronic components.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence determined via non-clinical bench testing, including intraoperative contouring dynamic tests and comparative four-point static tests, alongside bacterial endotoxin testing.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti Grade 4) and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb). Components: Locking plates (straight, I, T-shapes), locking screws, intramedullary splints. Dimensions: 2.8mm plate thickness. Principle: Metallic bone fixation via screw-plate construct. Sterilization: Not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with normal or osteoporotic bone requiring chest wall fixation, stabilization, or reconstruction due to rib/sternum fractures, fusions, osteotomies, resections, or chest wall deformities (Pectus Excavatum/Carinatum). Contraindicated for sternal fixation in acute cardiac patients, clavicle/spine attachment, or patients with active/latent infection, sepsis, or inability to follow postoperative care.
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.
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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" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of a caduceus, a symbol often associated with healthcare, featuring a staff entwined with a serpent.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 3, 2016
Synthes (USA) Products LLC Mr. Thomas Shea Manager, Regulatory Affairs 1301 Goshen Parkway West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380
Re: K161590
Trade/Device Name: MatrixRIB Fixation System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030 Regulation Name: Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HRS Dated: September 23, 2016 Received: September 26, 2016
Dear Mr. Shea:
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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the quality systems (OS) 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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known) K161590
Device Name MatrixRIB Fixation System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System is indicated for use in skeletally mature patients with normal or osteoporotic bone for chest wall fixation, where:
DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB pre-contoured plates are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of
- · Rib fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including spanning gaps and/or defects
- · Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities
DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB straight plates are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of:
- · Rib and sternum fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including spanning gaps and/or defects
- · Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities
DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB sternal plates, 2.8mm thickness, are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of:
- · Sternum fractures, fusions, and/or osteotomies
- · Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities
The DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB intramedulary splints and the universal plate are indicated for the fixation and stabilization of ribs.
### Contraindications
The MatrixRIB Fixation System is contraindicated for:
- · The fixation of the sternum in acute cardiac patients, due to the potential delay if emergent re-entry is required
- · Screw attachment or fixation to the clavicle or spine
- · Use in patients with latent or active infection, with sepsis, or who are unwilling or incapable of following postoperative care instructions.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for DePuy Synthes. The logo consists of a circular symbol on the left and the text "DePuy Synthes" on the right. The circular symbol is made up of several curved lines that form a spherical shape. The text "DePuy Synthes" is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
# 5. 510(k) Summary
Date Prepared: October 31, 2016
#### Submitter 5.1.
# Primary Contact: Thomas Shea Manager, Regulatory Affairs DePuy Synthes 1301 Goshen Parkway West Chester, PA 19380 Phone: (610) 719-5679 tshea@its.jnj.com
## Alternate Contact:
Damon Lees Director Regulatory Affairs DePuy Synthes 1301 Goshen Parkway West Chester, PA 19380 Phone: (610) 719-5608 dlees@its.jnj.com
### 5.2. Device
Name of Device: MatrixRIB Fixation System Common or Usual Name(s): Plate, Fixation, Bone Classification Name(s): Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II; 888.3030 Product Code: HRS
#### 5.3. Predicate Devices
Primary Predicate: Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System (K133616) Reference Devices: Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System (K081623) Synthes Sternal Fixation System (K112689, K093772, K081700, K050041, K010943)
### 5.4. Indications for Use
The DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System is indicated for use in skeletally mature patients with normal or osteoporotic bone for chest wall fixation, where:
DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB pre-contoured plates are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of:
- . Rib fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including spanning gaps and/or defects
- Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities
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DePuy Synthes MatrixRlB straight plates are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of:
- . Rib and sternum fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including spanning gaps and/or defects
- Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities ●
DePuy Synthes MatrixRlB sternal plates, 2.8mm thickness, are indicated for the fixation, stabilization and reconstruction of:
- Sternum fractures, fusions, and/or osteotomies
- Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities
The DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB intramedullary splints and the universal plate are indicated for the fixation and stabilization of ribs.
## Contraindications
The MatrixRIB Fixation System is contraindicated for:
- The fixation of the sternum in acute cardiac patients, due to the potential delay if emergent re-entry is required
- . Screw attachment or fixation to the clavicle or spine
- Use in patients with latent or active infection, with sepsis, or who are unwilling or incapable of following postoperative care instructions.
### Device Description 5.5.
The proposed additions to the MatrixRlB Fixation System include sternal plates (straight plates, I-plates and T-plates) for fixation and reconstruction of the chest wall manufactured from commercially pure titanium (CP Ti Grade 4).
The previously cleared devices in the MatrixRlB Fixation System (K133616 and K081623) include locking plates, locking screws, and intramedullary splints for the fixation and stabilization of the chest wall for use in patients with normal or osteoporotic bone quality. These implants are available in multiple sizes and are manufactured from titanium alloy (Ti-6A-7Nb).
#### 5.6. Comparison to Predicate Devices
## Indications
The predicate devices are indicated for use in chest wall of the skeleton (i.e. ribs and sternum) for a variety of surgical applications (rib fixation, chest wall reconstruction, and chest wall deformity repair). The Indications for Use statement of the MatrixRIB Fixation System presented in this submission clearly defines the clinical application for each group of implant
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devices within the system. The differences in the Indications statement for the proposed devices in comparison to the predicates do not constitute a new intended use not already addressed by the predicates.
# Technological Similarities of the MatrixRIB Plates
- Same principles of operation as the existing MatrixRIB plates and Synthes Sternal ● Fixation System predicates, i.e. metallic plates that can be fixated to bone using screws.
- The plates have similar shapes compared to the predicates: T, I and straight plates.
- . Similar sizes compared to the predicates; proposed plates are 2.8 mm thick and the Sternal Fixation System predicate plates are 3.0 mm thick.
- . Proposed plates have the same locking screw hole design as the existing predicate MatrixRIB plates, and therefore are compatible with the existing MatrixRIB screws.
- The proposed plates are manufactured from the same material as the Synthes Sternal Fixation System predicate (CP Ti Grade 4).
## Technological Differences of the MatrixRIB Plates
- The new sternal plates are 2.8 mm thick compared to the previously cleared MatrixRIB sternal plates (K133616) which are 2.0 mm thick.
- . Most plates in the predicate Synthes Sternal Fixation System have an emergency release pin; the proposed MatrixRIB plates do not have an emergency release pin.
- The predicate plates can be cut intra-operatively to achieve the desired length where the proposed plates are not intended to be cut.
### Non-clinical performance data 5.7.
Non-clinical testing and analyses comparing the proposed devices to the predicates within this submission include:
- Intraoperative Contouring Dynamic Test Method
- Comparative Four Point Static Test Method
The non-clinical performance data demonstrates that the mechanical performance of the proposed MatrixRIB Fixation System is comparable to that of the predicates.
Bacterial Endotoxin Testing was conducted and met the specified endotoxin limits.
### Clinical performance data 5.8.
Clinical testing was not necessary for the determination of substantial equivalence.
#### Substantial Equivalence 5.9.
The proposed devices have the same intended use as the predicate devices. The mechanical testing included in this submission demonstrates that:
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- . Any differences in technological characteristics of the predicates do not raise any new questions of safety and effectiveness.
- . The proposed devices are at least as safe and effective as the predicates.
It is concluded that the information provided in this submission supports substantial equivalence.
(end of summary)
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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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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.
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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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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.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.
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A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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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.