The TrueLokTM EVO is intended to provide bone fixation. The TrueLok™ EVO is indicated for fractures, pseudarthrosis / non-unions, joint arthrodesis and correction of bony or soft tissue deformities and defects (e.g. bone transport) in long bones and in the foot.
Device Story
TrueLok™ EVO is a modular circular external fixation system based on Ilizarov principles; used for bone fixation, deformity correction, and bone transport. System comprises external supports (rings, footplates), variable length struts, and connection elements; secured to bone using pins and wires. Operated by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings. Device provides mechanical stabilization of bone segments; allows for gradual adjustment of frame geometry to facilitate bone healing or deformity correction. Benefits include stabilization of complex fractures and correction of skeletal deformities. Components are provided sterile for single-use.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data; bench testing only. Mechanical performance validated per ASTM F1541-17. MRI compatibility assessed per FDA guidance using ASTM F2052 (displacement force), ASTM F2213 (torque), ASTM F2182 (RF heating), and ASTM F2119 (image artifact). Clinical literature review of predicates and similar devices supported clinical indications.
Technological Characteristics
Modular circular external fixator. Materials: AISI 316LVM, AISI 630, Aluminum alloy (EN-AW 6082 T6), and Epoxy carbon fiber. Mechanical testing per ASTM F1541-17. MRI compatible. Sterilization: same method as predicates. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring bone fixation for fractures, pseudarthrosis/non-unions, joint arthrodesis, and correction of bony or soft tissue deformities/defects (e.g., bone transport) in long bones and the foot.
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.
DePuy Synthes MAXFRAME Multi-Axial Correction System (K161417)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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November 5, 2021
Image /page/0/Picture/1 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 consists of the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" in blue, with the word "ADMINISTRATION" underneath.
Orthofix SRL % Cheryl Wagoner Consultant Wagoner Consulting LLG PO Box 15729 Wilmington, North Carolina 28408
Re: K212044
Trade/Device Name: TrueLok™ Evo Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030 Regulation Name: Single/Multiple Component Metallic Bone Fixation Appliances And Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KTT, LXT Dated: September 24, 2021 Received: September 28, 2021
Dear Cheryl 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. 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
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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) 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 (OS) 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,
Ting Song, Ph.D., R.A.C. Assistant Director DHT6A: Division of Joint Arthroplasty Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2023 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
K212044
Device Name TrueLok™ EVO
Indications for Use (Describe)
The TrueLokTM EVO is intended to provide bone fixation.
The TrueLok™ EVO is indicated for fractures, pseudarthrosis / non-unions, joint arthrodesis and correction of bony or soft tissue deformities and defects (e.g. bone transport) in long bones and in the foot.
| 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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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Orthofix, a medical device company. Below the logo is the text "510(k) Summary" and the code "(21 CFR 807.92)". The logo consists of the word "ORTHOFIX" in bold, black letters, with a blue, curved shape above it.
#### Submitter information
| Submitter Name | Orthofix Srl |
|----------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | Via delle Nazioni, 9 37012 Bussolengo (VR) - Italy |
| Telephone | + 39 045 6719.000 |
| Fax | + 39 045 6719.380 |
| Contact Person | Gianluca Ricadona<br>Sr. 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 address | GianlucaRicadona@orthofix.it |
| Date of preparation | September 14, 2021 |
## Trade Name, Common Name, Classification
| Trade Name | TrueLok™ EVO |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device | Appliance, Fixation, Nail/Blade/Plate Combination, Multiple<br>Component |
| Primary Product code | KTT, LXT |
| Panel Code | Orthopedic |
| Class | Class II |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 888.3030 |
| Regulation description | Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances<br>and accessories |
## Predicate devices and reference devices
| Primary Predicate Devices | 510(k) Number | Manufacturer |
|------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|------------------|
| TRUE LOK MONOLATERAL/BILATERAL FIXATOR | K941048 | Orthofix S.r.l. |
| Reference Device | | |
| Orthofix TL-HEX True Lok Hexapod System (TL-HEX) | K152171 | Orthofix S.r.l. |
| ORTHOFIX MODULAR SYSTEM | K944092/<br>K955848/<br>K974186 | Orthofix S.r.l. |
| DePuy Synthes MAXFRAME Multi-Axial Correction System | K161417 | Synthes USA, LLC |
| Device description | The TrueLok™ EVO system is a modular circular external fixation |
|------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | system based on Ilizarov fixation apparatus principles. |
| | The TrueLok™ consists of external supports (rings and |
| | footplates), variable length struts and a variety of connection |
| | elements that build the external frame. |
| | The TrueLok™ external frame is secured by using the Orthofix |
| | predicates pin and wires. The Subject external support |
| | components (rings, footplates and struts), are made from AISI<br>316LVM, AISI 630, Aluminum alloy (EN-AW 6082 T6) and Epoxy<br>carbon fiber. |
| | Application and removal of the TL-EVO can be performed with<br>Orthofix general orthopedic instrumentation. |
| | TrueLokTM EVO fixator components are provided in single-use<br>sterile configuration and they are available as single component<br>packaged in double pouches or in multiple components<br>packaged in double rigid blister. |
| Indications for use | The TrueLok™ EVO is intended to provide bone fixation. |
| | The TrueLok ™ EVO is indicated for fractures, pseudarthrosis /<br>non-unions, lengthening, joint arthrodesis and correction of bony<br>or soft tissue deformities and defects (e.g. bone transport) in long<br>bones and in the foot. |
| Technological<br>Characteristics and<br>Intended Use | The Subject device fundamental scientific principles and<br>technological characteristic, including: the intended use, material<br>and general design, are the same as, or similar to, the chosen<br>predicate devices. |
| | Summary of the technological characteristics and Intended Use: |
| | ✓ Intended use: identical for bone fixation. |
| | ✓ Indications for Use, Anatomical sites, operating principles<br>and conditions of use: are substantially equivalent to the<br>more extensive application of indications of the predicates;<br>no new risks associated to the Subject device compared to<br>those of the Primary predicates and the additional predicate<br>device which have same indications for use, anatomical sites<br>and conditions of use. Verification activities on Subject<br>devices demonstrated the same safety and effectiveness<br>performs equivalent to the predicate devices. |
| | ✓ Geometry and size: similar sizes and geometry of the<br>predicates external components; similar sizes and geometry<br>of the predicate bone screws. |
| | ✓ Sterilization, same method as the predicates.<br>The technological characteristics of the TrueLok™ EVO are<br>substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. |
| Performance<br>Analysis | Subject device has similar configuration, sizes and design as the<br>predicate devices.<br>Performance data was provided in support of the substantial<br>equivalence determination for Magnetic Resonance Imaging<br>(MRI) with respect to the reference predicate device.<br>MRI compatibility testing/assessment was conducted as per the<br>FDA's guidance<br>"Establishing Safety and Compatibility of Passive Implants in<br>the Magnetic Resonance (MR) Environment", December 11,<br>2014 and the standards listed below:<br>1. Magnetically induced displacement force (ASTM F2052)<br>2 Magnetically induced torque (ASTM F2213) |
| | 3. Radiofrequency (RF) induced heating (ASTM F2182)<br>4. MR image artifact (ASTM F2119)<br>In summary, MR safety testing/assessment supports the<br>appropriate MR parameters and symbols found in the subject<br>device labeling. |
| | Performance mechanical testing on Subject components item<br>have been performed according to: ASTM F1541-17 Standard<br>Specification and Test Methods for External Skeletal Fixation<br>Devices. |
| | Results to support the determination of substantial equivalence<br>from testing and engineering assessments on worst cases of<br>Subject device and corresponding predicate devices and other<br>similar devices, confirm that Subject device, as safe, as<br>effective, and performs as well as or better than the predicate<br>devices.<br>Any potential hazards have been evaluated and controlled<br>through Risk Management activities, and any relevant<br>information, have been addressed in the labelling, after all<br>control measures have been implemented.<br>The review of the current clinical literature on the predicates and<br>on other similar devices have been conducted to support the<br>clinical indications of TrueLok™ EVO without requiring further<br>clinical data. |
| Conclusion | Based upon equivalences in: intended use, site of application,<br>conditions of use, operating principles, and the non-clinical<br>performance data, the TrueLok™ EVO has been shown to be<br>safe and effective, and to perform equivalently as compared to<br>the legally marketed predicate devices.<br>Therefore, the Subject device is substantially equivalent to the<br>legally marketed predicate devices. |
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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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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.