The EcoFit®, implaFit® and BethaLoc® hip stems are indicated for use in cases of: · Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis; · Rheumatoid arthritis; · Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture, and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement that are unmanageable by other techniques; and · Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty. The EcoFit®, implaFit® and BethaLoc® hip stems, when used in conjunction with the ic-Bipolar Heads, are intended for the following indications: · Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis - Rheumatoid arthritis - · Correction of functional deformity · Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques. The EcoFit® hip stems, the implaFit® hip stems cementless and the BethaLoc® hip stems are intended for uncemented, press-fit fixation. The implaFit® hip stems cemented are intended for cemented fixation. The ic-Bipolar Head System is intended for uncemented use in hemiarthroplasty, where the femoral head requires replacement but the acetabulum does not, in conjunction with the BethaLoc® hip stems and EcoFit® Hip System for the following indications: · Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis - Rheumatoid arthritis - · Correction of functional deformity · Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
Device Story
BethaLoc® hip stems are monoblock, tapered straight femoral stems for total or hemi-hip arthroplasty; used in clinical settings by orthopedic surgeons. Device implanted via press-fit fixation into proximal femur. Input is patient anatomy; device provides structural support for hip joint. Available in standard and lateralized offset configurations. Used with previously cleared EcoFit® Hip components and ic-Bipolar Heads. Output is mechanical stabilization of hip joint; assists in restoring joint function and mobility. Benefits include pain relief and improved joint function for patients with degenerative disease or fractures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evaluations included fatigue testing (ISO 7206-4/6), impingement testing (ASTM F2582-14), taper disassembly (ASTM F2009), range of motion (ISO 21535), coating characterization (ASTM F1980, F1609, F1185, F1044, F1147, F1926, F1160, F2024, ISO 13779), corrosion/fretting fatigue rationale, and comprehensive biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993 series). All testing met predetermined acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Monoblock, tapered straight femoral stem; titanium alloy; partial hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. Fixation: uncemented press-fit. Standards: ISO 7206-4/6 (fatigue), ASTM F2582-14 (impingement), ASTM F2009 (taper), ISO 21535 (ROM), ISO 10993 (biocompatibility), and various ASTM/ISO standards for HA coating characterization.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis), rheumatoid arthritis, functional deformity, or proximal femur fractures (non-union, femoral neck, trochanteric) unmanageable by other techniques, and for revision of failed total hip arthroplasty.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hip joint metal/ceramic/polymer semi-constrained cemented or nonporous uncemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a hip joint. This device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. The two-part femoral component consists of a femoral stem made of alloys to be fixed in the intramedullary canal of the femur by impaction with or without use of bone cement. The proximal end of the femoral stem is tapered with a surface that ensures positive locking with the spherical ceramic (aluminium oxide, A12 03 ) head of the femoral component. The acetabular component is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene reinforced with nonporous metal alloys, and used with or without bone cement.
Smith & Nephew, Inc. SL-PLUSTM MIA Femoral Stem with Ti/HA and SL-PLUSTM Femoral Stem with Ti/HA (K122296 and K143096)
Encore Medical TaperFill™ Femoral Hip Stem (K130099)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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June 20, 2023
implantcast Gmbh % Dave McGurl Vice President, Regulatory Affairs - Orthopedics MCRA, LLC. 803 7th Street NW Third Floor Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Re: K223103
Trade/Device Name: BethaLoc® stem cementless HA Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3353 Regulation Name: Hip Joint Metal/Ceramic/Polymer Semi-Constrained Cemented Or Nonporous Uncemented Prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LZO, KWY, OOI Dated: May 19, 2023 Received: May 19, 2023
Dear Dave McGurl:
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.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) 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 medical devices and radiation-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 -S
Limin Sun, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT6A: Division of Joint Arthroplasty Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name
BethaLoc® stem cementless HA
Indications for Use (Describe)
The EcoFit®, implaFit® and BethaLoc® hip stems are indicated for use in cases of:
· Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis;
- · Rheumatoid arthritis;
· Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture, and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement that are unmanageable by other techniques; and
· Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty.
The EcoFit®, implaFit® and BethaLoc® hip stems, when used in conjunction with the ic-Bipolar Heads, are intended for the following indications:
· Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- · Correction of functional deformity
· Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
The EcoFit® hip stems, the implaFit® hip stems cementless and the BethaLoc® hip stems are intended for uncemented, press-fit fixation.
The implaFit® hip stems cemented are intended for cemented fixation.
The ic-Bipolar Head System is intended for uncemented use in hemiarthroplasty, where the femoral head requires replacement but the acetabulum does not, in conjunction with the BethaLoc® hip stems and EcoFit® Hip System for the following indications:
· Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- · Correction of functional deformity
· Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
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
| Manufacturer: | implantcast GmbH<br>Lueneburger Schanze 26<br>21614 Buxtehude<br>Germany |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact: | Ms. Juliane Höppner<br>Phone: +49 4161 744-135<br>Fax: +49 4161 744-200<br>j.hoeppner@implantcast.de |
| Prepared By: | Mr. Dave McGurl<br>MCRA, LLC<br>803 7th St NW, Floor 3<br>Washington, DC 20001<br>dmcgurl@mcra.com |
| Date Prepared: | June 15, 2023 |
| Device Trade Name: | BethaLoc® stem cementless HA |
| Device Class and<br>Common Name: | Class II, Total Hip Replacement |
| Classification: | 21 CFR 888.3353: Hip Joint Metal/Ceramic/Polymer Semi-Constrained Cemented Or Nonporous Uncemented Prosthesis<br>21 CFR 888.3390: Hip joint femoral (hemi-hip) metal/polymer cemented or uncemented prosthesis |
| Product Codes: | LZO, KWY, OQI |
| Indications for Use: | The EcoFit®, implaFit® and BethaLoc® hip stems are indicated for use in cases of:<br>Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis;Rheumatoid arthritis; |
{5}------------------------------------------------
- Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture, and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement that are unmanageable by other techniques; and
- Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty. ●
The EcoFit®, implaFit® and BethaLoc® hip stems, when used in conjunction with the ic-Bipolar Heads, are intended for the following indications:
- Non-inflammatory degenerative joint ● disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis ●
- Correction of functional deformity
- Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture and ● trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
The EcoFit® hip stems, the implaFit® hip stems cementless and the BethaLoc® hip stems are intended for uncemented, press-fit fixation.
The implaFit® hip stems cemented are intended for cemented fixation.
The ic-Bipolar Head System is intended for uncemented use in hemiarthroplasty, where the femoral head requires replacement but the acetabulum does not, in conjunction with the BethaLoc® hip stems and EcoFit® Hip System for the following indications:
- Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis ●
- Correction of functional deformity
- Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture and ● trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
- Device Description: The purpose of this Traditional 510(k) is introduce into interstate commerce in the United States the BethaLoc® hip stems. The BethaLoc® hip stems are femoral stems for total or hemi hip arthroplasty. The BethaLoc® hip stems are available in standard and lateralized offset configurations.
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| | The BethaLoc® hip stems are monoblock, tapered straight stems made from titanium alloy with a partial coating of hydroxyapatite (HA). They are fixed by press-fitting. The BethaLoc® hip stems are intended to be used with previously cleared EcoFit® Hip components. |
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Predicate Devices: | Primary Predicate:<br>• EcoFit® Hip System (K203420 K163577, K180263, and K191569)<br>Reference Devices:<br>• Smith & Nephew, Inc. SL-PLUSTM MIA Femoral Stem with Ti/HA and SL-PLUSTM Femoral Stem with Ti/HA (K122296 and K143096)<br>• Encore Medical TaperFill™ Femoral Hip Stem (K130099) |
| Substantial<br>Equivalence: | The BethaLoc® hip stems are substantially equivalent to the hip stems of the legally marketed predicate device systems, the implantcast EcoFit® Hip System, the Smith & Nephew, Inc. SL-PLUSTM MIA Femoral Stem with Ti/HA and SL-PLUSTM Femoral Stem with Ti/HA, and the Encore Medical TaperFill™ Femoral Hip Stem with respect to intended use and design. There are some differences in stem geometry and dimensions of the BethaLoc® hip stems as compared to the EcoFit® Hip System predicate. These differences include cross-sectional geometry, head/neck angle, stem length, neck length, and offset length. These differences do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness. |
| Performance Testing: | All necessary testing has been performed for the "worst-case" components of the BethaLoc® hip stems to assure substantial equivalence to its predicates and to demonstrate the subject devices perform as intended. All testing was performed on test units representative of or worst-case compared to the finished device. The following evaluations were conducted to characterize the devices:<br>• Fatigue Testing (ISO 7206-4 and ISO 7206-6) |
- . Impingement Testing (ASTM F2582-14)
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- Taper Disassembly Testing (ASTM F2009) .
- Range of Motion (ROM) Evaluation (ISO 21535) ●
- Coating Characterization (ASTM F1980, ASTM ● F1609, ASTM F1185, ASTM F1044, ASTM F1147, ASTM F1926, ASTM F1160, ASTM F2024, ISO 13779)
- Corrosion and Fretting Fatigue Rationale
- Biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1) ●
- Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5) o
- Sensitization (ISO 10993-10) o
- O Irritation (ISO 10993-10)
- Material-Mediated Pyrogenicity (ISO 10993-11) O
- Genotoxicity (ISO 10993-3) O
- Chemical Characterization (ISO 10993-18) O
- Toxicological Risk Assessment (ISO 10993-17) O
- The BethaLoc® hip stems subject to this submission possess Conclusions: the same intended use as and similar technological characteristics to the predicate device system components. All performance testing conducted for the BethaLoc® hip systems met the predetermined acceptance criteria or were otherwise considered acceptable. As such, the BethaLoc® hip stems components are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices for the intended use.
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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.
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.
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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.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
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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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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.
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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
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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.
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.