The Galaxy UNYCO System is intended to be used for temporary bone stabilization in trauma and orthopedic procedures of the lower limb prior to definitive treatment. Temporary stabilization of the femur, tibia and ankle in conditions and procedures, such as: - comminuted open or closed fractures - polytrauma patient - damage control orthopedics for fractures with severe soft tissue injuries - peri-prosthetic or peri-implant fractures - joint dislocations, intra- and extra-articular injuries where spanning fixation is needed - intra-operative fracture reduction - intermediate stabilization in staged surgery - infected non-union pending second stage treatment bone-loss or other reconstructive procedures.
Device Story
Modular external fixation system; consists of sterile kits containing clamps, rods, screws, and application tools. Used for temporary stabilization of femur, tibia, and ankle fractures. Operated by surgeons in clinical/OR settings. Device provides mechanical support for bone segments; not intended to replace healthy bone or withstand full weight-bearing stresses. Surgeon assembles frame configuration based on fracture type; provides stability during healing or prior to definitive treatment. Benefits include fracture reduction and stabilization in complex trauma cases.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Safety and effectiveness supported by mechanical bench testing and biocompatibility/pyrogenicity testing per USP and ANSI/AAMI standards.
Technological Characteristics
Modular external fixation system; components include clamps, rods, and screws. Materials include stainless steel (ASTM F899) and metallic bone screws (ASTM F543). Mechanical performance tested per ASTM F1541. Non-pyrogenic per USP <85>, <161> and ANSI/AAMI ST72.
Indications for Use
Indicated for temporary bone stabilization in lower limb trauma and orthopedic procedures, including comminuted fractures, polytrauma, severe soft tissue injuries, peri-prosthetic/peri-implant fractures, joint dislocations, intra-operative reduction, staged surgery, and infected non-union.
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.
Predicate Devices
Synthes Large External Fixation, MR Conditional (K082650)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
Orthofix Srl % Ms. Cheryl Wagoner Consultant Wagoner Consulting LLC P.O. Box 15729 Wilmington, North Carolina 28408
Re: K170146
Trade/Device Name: Galaxy UNYCO System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030 Regulation Name: Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KTT Dated: September 11, 2017 Received: September 12, 2017
Dear Ms. Wagoner:
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 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993 www.fda.qov
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 (DICE) 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 (DICE) 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,
Casey Hanley -S
For
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K170146
Device Name Galaxy UNYCO System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Galaxy UNYCO System is intended to be used for temporary bone stabilization in trauma and orthopedic procedures of the lower limb prior to definitive treatment.
Temporary stabilization of the femur, tibia and ankle in conditions and procedures, such as:
- · comminuted open or closed fractures
- · polytrauma patient
- · damage control orthopedics for fractures with severe soft tissue injuries
- · peri-prosthetic or peri-implant fractures
- · joint dislocations, intra- and extra-articular injuries where spanning fixation is needed
- · intra-operative fracture reduction
- · intermediate stabilization in staged surgery
- · infected non-union pending second stage treatment bone-loss or other reconstructive procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <table><tr><td><label> <input checked="checked" type="checkbox"/> Reproductive Use (Part 31 CFR 321 Subpart B) </label></td><td><label> <input type="checkbox"/> One-Time Consumptive Use (31 CFR 321 Subpart C) </label></td></tr></table> | <label> <input checked="checked" type="checkbox"/> Reproductive Use (Part 31 CFR 321 Subpart B) </label> | <label> <input type="checkbox"/> One-Time Consumptive Use (31 CFR 321 Subpart C) </label> |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <label> <input checked="checked" type="checkbox"/> Reproductive Use (Part 31 CFR 321 Subpart B) </label> | <label> <input type="checkbox"/> One-Time Consumptive Use (31 CFR 321 Subpart C) </label> | | |
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.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
## *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for Orthofix, a medical device company. Below the logo, the text "510(k) Summary" is written in a clear, bold font. The logo consists of the word "ORTHOFIX" in bold, black letters, with a blue, abstract shape above it.
(as required by 21 CFR 807.92)
| Submitter | Orthofix Srl |
|-----------|------------------------------------------------------|
| | Via delle Nazioni, 9 37012 Bussolengo (VR) - Italy |
| Telephone | + 39 045 6719.000 |
| Fax | + 39 045 6719.380 |
| Contact Person | Gianluca Ricadona<br>Quality & Regulatory Affairs Manager |
|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | Via delle Nazioni, 9<br>37012 Bussolengo (VR) - Italy |
| Telephone | + 39 045 6719.000 |
| Fax | + 39 045 6719.380 |
| email | GianlucaRicadona@orthofix.it |
| Date Prepared | January 13, 2017 |
| Trade Name | Galaxy UNYCO System |
|---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | External Fixation Device and Accessories |
| Panel Code | Orthopedic |
| Classification Name | Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories. |
| Class | Class II |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 888.3030 |
| Product Code | KTT |
| Predicate Device Name | 510(k) Number | Manufacturer |
|-------------------------------------------------|---------------|--------------|
| Synthes Large External Fixation, MR Conditional | K082650 | Synthes |
| Galaxy Unyco System | K153233 | Orthofix Srl |
| Description | The Galaxy UNYCO System consists of a series of sterile kits that<br>include clamps, rods, screws and specific application tools. An<br>external fixation system, as the subject device, is modular and so<br>different frame configurations are possible. The Orthofix components<br>in the Galaxy UNYCO System are not intended to replace normal<br>healthy bone or to withstand the stresses of weight bearing. The<br>Galaxy UNYCO System is compatible with Galaxy Fixation System<br>and bicortical screws. |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications and<br>Intended Use | The Galaxy UNYCO System is intended to be used for temporary<br>bone stabilization in trauma and orthopedic procedures of the lower<br>limb prior to definitive treatment.<br>Temporary stabilization of the femur, tibia and ankle in conditions and<br>procedures, such as:<br>• comminuted open or closed fractures<br>• polytrauma patient<br>• damage control orthopedics for fractures with severe soft tissue<br>injuries<br>• peri-prosthetic or peri-implant fractures |
| | joint dislocations, intra- and extra-articular injuries where spanning fixation is needed intra-operative fracture reduction intermediate stabilization in staged surgery infected non-union pending second stage treatment bone-loss or other reconstructive procedures. |
| Technological<br>Characteristics and<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence | Documentation was provided to demonstrate that the Galaxy Unyco System is substantially equivalent to the legally marketed predicates.<br>The devices and accessories included in the Galaxy Unyco System and the predicate devices are all external fracture fixation systems as defined in 21 CFR 888.3030. The Galaxy Unyco System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices in intended use, site of application, patient population, conditions-of-use, mechanical performances, basic design, operating principles and materials. |
| Performance Data | The potential hazards have been evaluated and controlled through a Risk Management Plan.<br>All testing met or exceeded the requirements as established by the test protocols and applicable standards. A review of the mechanical data indicates that the components of the Subject device are capable of withstanding expected loads without failure. The Subject device was therefore found to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Clinical data was not needed to support the safety and effectiveness of the Subject Device.<br>Mechanical testing were performed in accordance to the following international standards: ASTM F1541 - 02e1 2011 "Standard Specification and Test Methods for External Skeletal Fixation Devices" ASTM F899 – 12b 2012 "Standard Specification for Stainless Steel for Surgical Instruments" ASTM F543-13e1 2013 "Standard Specification and Test Methods for Metallic Medical Bone Screws" |
| Biocompatibility<br>Data | In order to address non-pyrogenicity of the Subject System, additional tests were performed according to the following standards and Guidance: USP 38: 2014 < 85 > "Bacterial endotoxin test (LAL)". USP 38: 2014 < 161 > "Medical devices – bacterial endotoxin and pyrogen tests". ANSI / AAMI ST72: 2011 "Bacterial endotoxins – Test methodologies, routine monitoring and alternative batch testing". "Guidance for Industry - Pyrogen and Endotoxins Testing: Question and Answers", issued by FDA on June 2012 |
| Conclusion | Based on design, materials, intended use, technological characteristics and comparison to the predicates, Galaxy UNYCO femur and knee bridging has been shown to be substantially equivalent to legally marketed predicate devices. |
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Traditional 510(k) Premarket Notification
Galaxy UNYCO System: femur and knee bridging
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.