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 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.
Device Story
MatrixRIB Fixation System provides hardware for chest wall stabilization; includes self-drilling screws and screw guides for use with existing MatrixRIB plates and intramedullary splints. Screws available in locking (permanent) and non-locking (temporary) versions. Screw guides facilitate alignment during insertion. Used by surgeons in clinical settings for rib/sternum reconstruction. Mechanical fixation stabilizes bone segments to promote healing; benefits patients by restoring chest wall integrity. System components are metallic; screws are titanium alloy; guides are stainless steel.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing including screw pull-out, failure torque, cantilever load, and construct dynamic testing per ASTM F543-17.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb) for screws, Stainless Steel for screw guides. Principle: Mechanical bone fixation via self-drilling screws and plates/splints. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Not specified. Software: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with normal or osteoporotic bone requiring chest wall fixation, including rib/sternum fractures, fusions, osteotomies, resections, and chest wall deformities (Pectus Excavatum/Carinatum). Contraindicated in acute cardiac patients (sternal fixation), clavicle/spine fixation, active/latent infection, sepsis, or patients unable 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.
Predicate Devices
Biomet Microfixation RibFix Blu Thoracic Fixation System (K162974)
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows 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.
DePuy Synthes Francoise Cettour-Delbart Senior RA Program Lead 1301 Goshen Parkway West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380 May 3, 2019
## Re: K190409
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, HWC Dated: February 20, 2019 Received: February 21, 2019
Dear Francoise Cettour-Delbart:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
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801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.htm); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
For CAPT Raquel Peat, PhD, MPH, USPHS Director Office of Health Technology 6 Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K190409
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 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.
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)
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# 510(k) Summary
| Sponsor: | DePuy Synthes<br>1301 Goshen Parkway<br>West Chester, PA 19380<br>USA |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Primary Contact: Françoise Cettour-Delbart<br>Email: fcettour@its.jnj.com |
| | Phone: +41 61 965 6765 |
| | Alternate Contact: Thomas Shea |
| | Email: tshea@its.jnj.com<br>Phone: 610-719-5679 |
| Date Prepared: | April 25, 2019 |
| Subject Device Name: | MatrixRIB Fixation System |
| Common<br>or Usual Name: | Plate, Fixation, Bone;<br>Screw, Fixation, Bone |
| Classification Name: | Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories;<br>Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener |
| Classification: | Class II<br>Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030; 21 CFR 888.3040<br>Product Code: HRS, HWC |
| Predicate Device: | Biomet Microfixation RibFix Blu Thoracic Fixation System<br>(K162974) |
| Reference Device: | Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System<br>(K161590) |
| Subject Devices<br>Description: | The devices subject to this notification are proposed for addition to the MatrixRIB<br>Fixation System. |
| | The subject devices consist of self-drilling screws and screw guides designed to be<br>used with the previously cleared MatrixRIB 1.5mm plates and the splints. |
| | The MatrixRIB Self-Drilling Screws are available as<br>• locking screws, for permanent fixation,<br>• and non-locking screws, for temporary fixation only.<br>The subject screws are manufactured from Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-7Nb). They are<br>provided in a range of lengths<br>• locking: 13 lengths from 8mm to 20mm, with 1mm increments;<br>• non-locking: 2 lengths from 10mm to 12 mm, with 2 mm increments). |
| | The MatrixRIB Screw Guides are to be used with the subject self-drilling screws to<br>facilitate their fixation on patient's ribs and sternum. The subject screw guides<br>are manufactured from Stainless Steel and are provided in 2 designs,<br>• one for the 1.5mm MatrixRIB plates,<br>• and one for the MatrixRIB IM splints. |
| Subject Devices<br>Indications for use: | The DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB Fixation System is indicated for use in skeletally<br>mature patients with normal or osteoporotic bone for chest wall fixation, where: |
| | DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB pre-contoured plates are indicated for the fixation,<br>stabilization and reconstruction of:<br>• Rib fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including spanning |
| | gaps and/or defects<br>• Pectus Excavatum, Pectus Carinatum, and other chest wall deformities |
| | DePuy Synthes MatrixRIB straight plates are indicated for the fixation, stabilization<br>and reconstruction of: |
| | • Rib and sternum fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and/or resections, including<br>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<br>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<br>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<br>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<br>or incapable of following postoperative care instructions. |
| Comparison to<br>Predicate Device: | The predicate device is part of the Biomet Microfixation System. |
| | Indications: |
| | The Biomet Microfixation System is indicated for use in the stabilization and<br>fixation of fractures in the chest wall including sternal reconstructive surgical<br>procedures, trauma, or planned osteotomies. The system may be used in normal<br>and poor bone to promote union. |
| | Proposed MatrixRIB screws have a bone thread major diameter of 2.7 mm and the predicate RibFix Blu screws come in two bone thread major diameters, 2.4 mm and 2.7mm. Proposed MatrixRIB are offered in lengths from 8mm to 20mm, and the predicate RibFix Blu screws are offered in lengths from 7mm to 16mm. |
| | Technological Differences between the MatrixRIB Self-Drilling Screws and the<br>Biomet Microfixation Self-Drilling Screws:<br>The proposed MatrixRIB self-drilling screws are designed to be inserted with the<br>aid of a Screw Guide to ensure proper alignment, while the predicate RibFix Blu<br>self-drilling screws are inserted without the aid of a Screw Guide.<br>The proposed MatrixRIB Fixation System offers a non-locking version of the self-<br>drilling screw for temporary fixation of the rib plate to the bone; while the<br>predicate RibFix Blu system offers a temporary fixation screw to secure the rib<br>plate to the bone<br>The proposed MatrixRIB self-drilling screws are manufactured from Ti-6Al-7Nb<br>while the predicate RibFix Blu self-drilling screws are manufactured from Ti-6Al-<br>4V. |
| Non-clinical<br>Performance Data: | Non-clinical testing and analyses conducted as part of this submission include: Screw Pull-Out Testing per ASTM F543-17 Screw Failure Torque Testing per ASTM F543-17 Screw Cantilever Load Testing Construct Dynamic Testing. The non-clinical performance data demonstrates that the mechanical performance of the proposed MatrixRIB Self-Drilling Screws met all acceptance criteria and is comparable to that of the predicates. |
| Clinical | Clinical testing was not necessary for the determination of substantial |
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Contraindications:
- 1. Spanning a midline sternotomy
- 2. Active infection
- 3. Foreign body sensitivity
- 4. Patients with mental or neurologic conditions who are unwilling or incapable of following postoperative care instructions.
Technological similarities between the MatrixRIB Self-Drilling Screws and the Biomet Microfixation Self-Drilling Screws:
Same principles of operation between the proposed and predicate screws, i.e. metallic screws with a self-drilling tip designed to be inserted into a rib without pre-drilling a hole, and a thread profile on the head of the screw designed to lock to a fixation plate.
Similar sizes compared to the predicates:
Performance Data:
equivalence.
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#### The subject device has similar intended use compared to the predicate device. Substantial Equivalence: The non-clinical performance data included in this submission supports that any differences in technological characteristics from the predicate device do notraise any new questions of safety and effectiveness.
lt is concluded that the information provided in this submission supports substantial equivalence.
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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 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?
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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.
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.