The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System is intended as an adjunct in fracture repair involving metaphyseal and periarticular small bone fragments where screws are not indicated, and as an adjunct in external and intramedullary fixation systems involving plates and rods, with fracture braces and casting. Specifically, the Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System is intended to provide fixation during the healing process following a syndesmotic trauma, such as fixation of syndesmosis disruptions) in connection with Weber B and C ankle fractures.
Device Story
System provides flexible fixation for syndesmotic trauma; consists of fibula button, tibia button, and high-strength UHMWPE suture pre-assembled on driver. Used in orthopedic surgery to stabilize distal tibia and fibula. Surgeon drills hole from lateral side; passes oblong tibial button through hole to outer tibial cortex; secures fibula button on lateral side. Construct provides flexible fixation during healing. System provided sterile; includes optional drill and washers. Benefits patient by maintaining syndesmotic reduction while allowing physiological motion during healing process.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing, including static and dynamic fatigue testing, insertion testing, and MRI compatibility testing (ASTM F2052, F2119, F2182, F2213). Endotoxin levels met < 20 EU/device. Shelf-life validated via accelerated aging (ASTM F1980).
Technological Characteristics
Implants (buttons/washers) manufactured from Titanium Alloy (Ti 6AL-4V ELI per ASTM F136); suture manufactured from UHMWPE. System is a mechanical fixation construct. Provided sterile. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring fixation of syndesmosis disruptions, including Weber B and C ankle fractures, and as an adjunct in fracture repair of metaphyseal/periarticular small bone fragments where screws are not indicated or as an adjunct to external/intramedullary fixation systems.
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
January 7, 2022
Image /page/0/Picture/1 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.
Acumed LLC Janki Bhatt Regulatory Affairs Lead 5885 NE Cornelius Pass Road Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
Re: K212990
Trade/Device Name: Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030 Regulation Name: Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HTN, HTW, LXH Dated: December 8, 2021 Received: December 9, 2021
Dear Janki Bhatt:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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,
Limin Sun, Ph.D. Acting 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
{2}------------------------------------------------
### Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2023 See PRA Statement below.
Submission Number (if known)
K212990
Device Name
Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System is intended as an adjunct in fracture repair involving metaphyseal and periarticular small bone fragments where screws are not indicated, and as an adjunct in external and intramedullary fixation systems involving plates and rods, with fracture braces and casting.
Specifically, the Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System is intended to provide fixation during the healing process following a syndesmotic trauma, such as fixation of syndesmosis disruptions) in connection with Weber B and C ankle fractures.
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)
#### 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}------------------------------------------------
| Date: January 7, 2022 | | 510(k) Summary | | K212990 (Page 1 of 2) |
|-----------------------|--|----------------|--|-----------------------|
|-----------------------|--|----------------|--|-----------------------|
| Contact Details | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(1) |
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicant Name | Acumed LLC |
| Applicant Address | 5885 NE Cornelius Pass Road Hillsboro OR 97124 United States |
| Applicant Contact Telephone | 503-718-8753 |
| Applicant Contact | Ms. Janki Bhatt |
| Applicant Contact Email | janki.bhatt@acumed.net |
| Device Name | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(2) |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Trade Name | Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System |
| Common Name | Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories |
| Classification Name | Washer, Bolt Nut |
| Regulation Number | 888.3030 |
| Product Code | HTN |
| Legally Marketed Predicate Devices | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(3) |
|------------------------------------|---------------------|
|------------------------------------|---------------------|
| Predicate # | Predicate Trade Name (Primary Predicate is listed first) | Product Code |
|-------------|----------------------------------------------------------|--------------|
| K043248 | Arthrex TightRope Syndesmosis Device | HTN |
| K112111 | 3.5mm Quick Release Drill | HTW |
| K133469 | 2.8mm Quick Release Drill | LXH |
| Device Description Summary | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(4) |
|----------------------------|---------------------|
|----------------------------|---------------------|
The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System is intended to provide fixation during the healing process following a syndesmotic trauma.
The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System contains a fibula button, a tibia button and a high strength fiber suture assembled onto a driver, and is provided in a sterile kit as two options, one with and one without a drill. The system also offers optional washers in a separate sterile kit. The driver and drill are part of the sterile kits and are not available individually.
The metal implants including the buttons and washers are manufactured from Titanium Alloy (Ti 6AL-4V ELI per ASTM F136) and the suture is manufactured from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
| Intended Use/Indications for Use | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(5) |
|----------------------------------|---------------------|
|----------------------------------|---------------------|
The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System is intended as an adjunct in fracture repair involving metaphyseal and periarticular small bone fragments where screws are not indicated, and as an adjunct in external and intramedullary fixation systems involving plates and rods, with fracture braces and casting.
Specifically, the Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System is intended to provide fixation during the healing process following a
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use Comparison
21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)
The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System has been compared to the Arthrex Tight Rope Syndesmosis Device within this 510(k) submission. The basis of substantial equivalence for the predicate device is their similarities in intended use, material, technology, operating principles, anatomical site for implantation, performance, and design. The analysis of differences between the subject device and predicate device supports substantial equivalence as the differences do not constitute a new intenced use, and the information included within the subject device is che subject device is comparable to the predicate device and does not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness.
The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System has the same indications for use as the Arthrex TightRope Syndesmosis System. Both have two buttons and a suture intended for a flexible fixation between the distal tibia and fibula across the ankle syndesmosis. Both the predicate and subject devices are intended for single use only.
### Technological Comparison
21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)
The subject device has the same technological characteristics as the predicate and subject devices make use of a suture to provide flexible flxation between the buttons located on the outer cortices of the distal tibia and fibula. Both the subject and predicate device deposit the tibial button on the outer through a bone hole that has been drilled from the lateral side. Although the mechanism of deposit varies between the predicate and subject devices, the final construct of the implant placement is the same between the predicate and subject devices
The Acumed Ankle Syndesmosis Repair System buttons are material as the buttons in the Arthrex TightRope Syndesmosis Device, titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4) per ASTM F136), Both predicate and subject devices make use of a UHMWE suture.
The subject device incorporates the same basic design as the predicate device, a tibial button is configured in an oblong shape to be passed through a 3.5 mm drill hole to be installed on the outer tibial cortex with two flat wings on elther side of a suture retaining feature. In each device, the fibula button is configured in a primarily round design to be installed on the outer and is sized to be compatible with various plates used in fibula fracture fixation. The dimensions of each button are comparable, resulting in no difference in performance between the predicate and subject devices .
Some minor differences exist in the basic shape, design, and technology; however, the performance evaluation demonstrates that the subject device is equivalent to the predicate device
# Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions 21 CFR 807.92(b)
Static and Dynamic fatigue testing was conducted to demonstrate that the Syndesmosis Repair System performs statistically equivalent to the predicate device, Arthrex TightRope Syndesmosis System cleared under K043248. Additionally, insertion testing was done to confirm that the subject device performed adequately per the indication.
MRI force, torque, and image artifact testing were conducted in accordance with ASTM F2052 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Magnetically Induced Displacement Force on Medical Devices in the Magnetic Resonance Environment, ASTM F21 19 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of MR Image Artifacts from Passive Implants, ASTM F2182 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Measurement of Radio Frequency Induced Heating Near Passive Implants During Magnetic Resonance Imaging and ASTM F2213 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Magnetically Induced Torque on Medical Devices in the Magnetic Resonance Environment.
Endotoxin testing (LAL and MMP) was conducted and met the requirement of < 20 EU/device.
Shelf-life was confirmed by performing accelerated aging per ASTM F1980, followed by performance evaluation of the aged device and packaging.
Clinical testing was not required to support substantial equivalence. (Not Applicable)
Based on the results of the nonclinical bench testing described above, it was concluded that the subject and predicate devices are equivalent in performance specifically for the intention in one the subject device was proven to be safe and effective for the indication.
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.