Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study: 6597 radiographs from 1149 individuals
3 (physicians)
Indications for Use
IB Lab KOALA is a radiological fully-automated image processing software device of either computed (CR) or directly digital (DX) images intended to aid medical professionals in the measurement of minimum joint space width; the assessment of the presence of sclerosis, joint space narrowing, and osteophytes based OARSI criteria for these parameters; and, the presence or absence of radiographic knee OA based on Kellgren & Lawrence Grading, fixed-flexion radiographs of the knee. It should not be used in-lieu of full patient evaluation or solely relied upon to make or confirm a diagnosis. The system is to be used by trained professionals including, but not limited to, radiologists, orthopedics, physicians and medical technicians.
Device Story
KOALA software processes DICOM-compliant CR or DX knee X-ray images; utilizes computer vision and machine learning algorithms to detect knee anatomy, landmarks, and joint space; performs automated measurements of joint space width and assesses radiographic features (sclerosis, joint space narrowing, osteophytes) per OARSI criteria; determines Kellgren & Lawrence grade. Operates in Linux/Docker-compatible server environments; output is a report viewable on standard DICOM workstations. Used by radiologists, orthopedics, and technicians in clinical settings to assist in knee OA analysis. Does not interact with patients or life-sustaining equipment. Healthcare providers use output as an aid to clinical evaluation; does not replace full patient assessment or confirm diagnosis.
Clinical Evidence
Standalone clinical validation using 6,597 radiographs from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study (1,149 individuals). Ground truth established by three physicians via adjudication. Performance metrics: KL grade ≥2 (Sens 0.87, Spec 0.83); JSN (Sens 0.83, Spec 0.8); Osteophytosis (Sens 0.86, Spec 0.79); Sclerosis (Sens 0.82, Spec 0.8). Joint space width measurements validated via orthogonal linear regression against reference measurements, showing high agreement (Slope 1.02 medial, 0.97 lateral).
Technological Characteristics
Server-based software; DICOM input; computer vision and machine learning algorithms; Linux/Docker-compatible deployment. Performs automated landmark/joint space detection and quantitative measurements. No direct patient contact. Requires human intervention for final interpretation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients suffering from or at risk of knee osteoarthritis. Used by trained professionals (radiologists, orthopedics, physicians, technicians) to aid in measuring minimum joint space width and assessing radiographic features (sclerosis, joint space narrowing, osteophytes) and Kellgren & Lawrence grading on fixed-flexion knee radiographs.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical image management and processing system is a device that provides one or more capabilities relating to the review and digital processing of medical images for the purposes of interpretation by a trained practitioner of disease detection, diagnosis, or patient management. The software components may provide advanced or complex image processing functions for image manipulation, enhancement, or quantification that are intended for use in the interpretation and analysis of medical images. Advanced image manipulation functions may include image segmentation, multimodality image registration, or 3D visualization. Complex quantitative functions may include semi-automated measurements or time-series measurements.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls; voluntary standards—Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Std., Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Std., Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Test Pattern).
Predicate Devices
Ortho Kinematics, Inc.'s VMA™ System version 3.0 (K172327)
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November 5, 2019
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters 'FDA' in a blue square, followed by the words 'U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION' in blue text.
IB Lab GmbH % John J. Smith, M.D., J.D. Regulatory Counsel Hogan Lovells US LLP Columbia Square 555 Thirteenth Street, NW WASHINGTON DC 20004
Re: K192109
Trade/Device Name: KOALA Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LLZ, JAK Dated: October 11, 2019 Received: October 11, 2019
Dear Dr. Smith:
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/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-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
Thalia T Mills, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health 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) K192109
Device Name KOALA
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
IB Lab KOALA is a radiological fully-automated image processing software computed (CR) or directly digital (DX) images intended to aid medical professionals in the measurement of minimum joint space width; the assessment of the presence or absence of sclerosis, joint space narrowing, and osteophytes based OARSI criteria for these parameters; and, the presence or absence of radiographic knee OA based on Kellgren & Lawrence Grading of standing, fixed-flexion radiographs of the knee. It should not be used in-lieu of full patient evaluation or solely relied upon to make or confirm a diagnosis. The system is to be used by trained professionals including, but not limited to, radiologists, orthopedics, physicians and medical technicians.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
× | Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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### Submitter
IB Lab GmbH Hietzinger Hauptstrasse 50/10 1130 Vienna, Austria Phone: +43 1 9051206 Contact Person: Dr. Richard Ljuhar Date Prepared: October 11, 2019
Name of Device: KOALA Classification Name: Picture archiving and communications system (21 C.F.R. 892.2050) Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LLZ/892.2050, JAK/892.1750
Predicate Device: Ortho Kinematics, Inc.'s VMA™ System version 3.0 (K172327)
Reference Device: Zebra Medical Vision Ltd.'s HealthCCS (K172983)
#### Device Description
The Knee OsteoArthritis Labeling Assistant (KOALA) software provides metric measurements of the ioint space width and indicators for presence of radiographic features of osteoarthritis (OA) on posterior-anterior-posterior (PA/AP) knee X-ray images. The outputs aid clinical professionals who are interested in the analysis of knee OA in adult patients, either suffering from knee OA or having an elevated risk of developing the disease.
Outputs are summarized in a KOALA report that can be viewed on any FDA approved DICOM viewer workstation. KOALA operates in a Linux environment and can be deployed to be compatible with any operating system supporting the third-party software Docker. The integration environment has to support KOALA data input and output requirements. The device does not interact with the patient directly, nor does it control any life-sustaining devices.
#### Intended Use / Indications for Use
IB Lab KOALA is a radiological fully-automated image processing software device of either computed (CR) or directly digital (DX) images intended to aid medical professionals in the measurement of minimum joint space width; the assessment of the presence of sclerosis, joint space narrowing, and osteophytes based OARSI criteria for these parameters; and, the presence or absence of radiographic knee OA based on Kellgren & Lawrence Grading, fixed-flexion radiographs of the knee. It should not be used in-lieu of full patient evaluation or solely relied upon to make or confirm a diagnosis. The system is to be used by trained professionals including, but not limited to, radiologists, orthopedics, physicians and medical technicians.
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# Summary of Technological Characteristics
The following technological similarities and differences exist between the subject and predicate devices. The predicate and subject software utilize computer vision and machine learning algorithms trained on medical images. The machine-learning algorithms allow for high accuracy in the detection and measurement of OA related symptoms visible on knee radiographs.
| Feature | IB Lab's KOALA Software<br>(Subject Device) | Ortho Kinematics,<br>Inc.'s VMA System<br>(K172327, Predicate<br>Device) | Zebra Medical Vision Ltd.'s<br>HealthCCS Software<br>(K172983, Reference Device) |
|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification<br>Name and<br>Product Code | System, Image Processing,<br>Radiological (LLZ) | System, Image<br>Processing, Radiological<br>(LLZ) | Computed Tomography X-Ray<br>System (JAK) |
| Runs on Server | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Image Input | DICOM compliant images<br>collected in other devices in<br>either digitally computed (CR) or<br>directly digital (DX) formats | DICOM compliant<br>images inputted from<br>cleared PACS | DICOM |
| Anatomical Area | Joint (knee) | Spine | Heart (coronary artery) |
| Image<br>Processing | Knee detection;<br>Landmark detection;<br>Joint space detection | Semi-automated<br>vertebral body<br>templating and tracking | Calcification location marking |
| Measurements | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grading based<br>on<br>measurements | Yes, cutoffs on grades | No | Yes |
| Human<br>Intervention for<br>interpretation | Required | Required | Required |
| Intended User | Trained professionals | Physicians and clinical<br>professionals | Health care professionals |
A table comparing the key features of the subject and predicate devices is provided below.
## Performance Data
Software verification and validation testing was completed for the subject device. The software functioned as intended and all results observed were as expected.
The company performed standalone clinical performance validation on a dataset of images from a large longitudinal US study, Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) study. This dataset contained a total of 6597 radiographs, representing 1149 individuals for which ground truth grading for Kellgren
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Lawrence grades, as well as osteophyte, sclerosis and joint space narrowing grades according to the OARSI (Osteoarthritis Research Society International) guidelines, was established by three physicians following adjudication procedures for discrepancies.
The quality of the joint space width (JSW) measurements was quantified by orthogonal linear regression against reference measurements. The performance of the indicators was assessed by calculating its accuracy matrix) aqainst the reference standard and calculating sensitivity and specificity.
The status indicator outputs of KOALA performed as follows
| Status Indicator | Sensitivity<br>(95% CI) | Specificity<br>(95% CI) |
|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------|
| Kellgren-Lawrence status<br>(KL ≥ 2) | 0.87<br>(0.84, 0.9) | 0.83<br>(0.8, 0.86) |
| Joint Space Narrowing Status<br>(JSN OARSI grade > 0) | 0.83<br>(0.8, 0.86) | 0.8<br>(0.76, 0.83) |
| Osteophytosis status<br>(Ost OARSI grade > 0 ) | 0.86<br>(0.81, 0.9) | 0.79<br>(0.76, 0.83) |
| Sclerosis status<br>(Scl OARSI grade > 0 ) | 0.82<br>(0.8, 0.87) | 0.8<br>(0.76, 0.83) |
In addition, the accuracy of the joint space width measurements was compared to equivalent measurements also provided as part of the outputs from the longitudinal study mentioned above, using orthogonal linear regressions.
| | Slope | Intercept<br>[mm] |
|---------|-----------------------|-------------------------|
| Medial | 1.02<br>(0.99 ; 1.05) | -0.08<br>(-0.22 ; 0.03) |
| Lateral | 0.97<br>(0.93 ; 1.00) | 0.08<br>(-0.15 ; 0.30) |
The analysis supports good agreement between the two sets of measurements.
In summary, performance validation data establish that KOALA is an effective image processing device that provides reliable measurements and accurate indicators for presence/absence of radiographic features relevant for the diagnosis and classification of osteoarthritis. Thus, the device performs as intended and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
## Conclusions
KOALA is as safe and effective as the predicate device. The subject device has the same intended uses and similar indications, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as its predicate device. The minor differences between subject and predicate device in indications do not alter the intended use of the device and do not raise new or different questions regarding its safety and effectiveness when used as labeled. Performance data demonstrate that the device performs as intended. Thus, KOALA is substantially equivalent.
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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.
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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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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.