The non-absorbable suture anchors are intended to reattach soft tissue to bone in orthopedic surgical procedures. The CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor may be used in either arthroscopic or open surgical procedures. After the suture is anchored to the bone, it may be used to reattach soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules to the bone. The suture anchor system thereby stabilizes the damaged soft tissue, in conjunction with appropriate postoperative immobilization throughout the healing period.
Device Story
Implantable bone anchor system for soft tissue-to-bone fixation; used in arthroscopic or open orthopedic procedures. System comprises PEEK threaded anchor, suture eyelet, UHMWPE Hi-Fi retention suture, and single-use driver. Surgeon prepares bone hole using instrumentation; inserts anchor; threads repair sutures through eyelet; tensions and cleats sutures on driver. Stabilizes damaged tissue to facilitate healing. Supplied sterile (ETO).
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance data includes insertion, ultimate pull displacement resistance, and cyclic loading. Validation includes user validation, packaging/shelf-life, and sterilization. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993-1.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: PEEK (anchor/eyelet), UHMWPE (suture). Principle: Threaded bone anchor for soft tissue fixation. Form factor: Single-use anchor with delivery system. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (SAL 10^-6). MR Status: MR Safe. Instrumentation: Bone tap, punch, broach, reamer, drill guide.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reattachment of soft tissue (ligaments, tendons, joint capsules) to bone in arthroscopic or open orthopedic surgical procedures. Contraindicated in patients with pathological bone/soft tissue conditions affecting fixation, physical conditions preventing adequate support or healing, inability to restrict activities, foreign body sensitivity, or for use in posterior elements of the spine.
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.
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
June 18, 2025
Acumed LLC
Marina Bull
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
5885 NE Cornelius Pass Rd
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124
Re: K251296
Trade/Device Name: The Acumed Wrist Fixation System
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030
Regulation Name: Single/Multiple Component Metallic Bone Fixation Appliances And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: HRS, HWC, HTN,
Dated: April 25, 2025
Received: April 25, 2025
Dear Marina Bull:
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 (the 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 available 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K251296 - Marina Bull
Page 2
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-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/medical-devices/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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-
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K251296 - Marina Bull
Page 3
assistance/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,
CHRISTOPHER FERREIRA -S
Christopher Ferreira, MS
Assistant Director
DHT6C: Division of Restorative, Repair and Trauma Devices
OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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The Acumed Wrist Fixation System
Page 12 of 64
| Indications for Use | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Please type in the marketing application/submission number, if it is known. This textbox will be left blank for original applications/submissions. | K251296 | ? |
| Please provide the device trade name(s). | | ? |
| The Acumed Wrist Fixation System | | |
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. | | ? |
| The Indications for Use for The Acumed Wrist Fixation System is to provide fixation of fractures, fusions, osteotomies, and nonunions of the distal radius and ulna. | | |
| Please select the types of uses (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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K251530
Page 1/5
# K251530
510(k) SUMMARY
CONMED Corporation
CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor
In accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act of 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92, CONMED Corporation is hereby submitting the 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for 510(k) Number K251530.
## I. SUBMITTER
Manufacturer:
CONMED Corporation
525 French Road
Utica, NY 13502
Official Contact Person:
Mirela Gjini
525 French Road
Utica, NY 13502
(O) 727-509-6143
Date Prepared: May 16, 2025
## II. DEVICE NAME
Device Name: CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor
Common Name: Fastener, Fixation, Nondegradable, Soft tissue
Classification Name: Smooth Or Threaded Metallic Bone Fixation Fastener
Regulatory Class: Class II, per 21 CFR Part 888.3040
Product Codes: MBI
## III. PRIMARY PREDICATE/ LEGALLY MARKETED DEVICE
Device Name: Argo Knotless™ SP Anchor
Company Name: CONMED Corporation
510(k) #: K220757
## REFERENCE DEVICE/ LEGALLY MARKETED DEVICE
Device Name: Argo Knotless® GENESYS™ Anchor
Company Name: CONMED Corporation
510(k) #: K244025
## IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor is an implantable bone anchor, that is supplied single use, sterilized via ethylene oxide (ETO) to a SAL of $10^{-6}$. The threaded anchor and the suture eyelet are manufactured of PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) material. Each size features a single use driver, a threaded anchor, suture eyelet, a 1.0mm UHMWPE Hi-Fi™, non-absorbable retention suture, and loader tab. The retention suture holds the PEEK eyelet in place on the driver and can be incorporated into the repair if desired. A maximum of six (6) Hi-Fi #2 suture, or
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K251530
Page 2/5
1.3mm Hi-Fi ribbon suture, or (2) two limbs of Hi-Fi tape, or one (1) bioresorbable reinforced implant can be threaded through the eyelet. The repair sutures are then tensioned and cleated on the driver cleat, if deemed necessary by the surgeon. These anchor configurations require a pre-prepared bone hole which can be created with Class I, Exempt instrumentation.
V. INTENDED USE/INDICATIONS FOR USE
The non-absorbable suture anchors are intended to reattach soft tissue to bone in orthopedic surgical procedures.
The CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor may be used in either arthroscopic or open surgical procedures. After the suture is anchored to the bone, it may be used to reattach soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules to the bone. The suture anchor system thereby stabilizes the damaged tissue, in conjunction with appropriate postoperative immobilization throughout the healing period.
VI. COMPARISON OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The following table represents a summary of the technological characteristics between the proposed and the predicate device.
| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | CONMED | CONMED |
| Device Name | CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor | Argo Knotless™ SP Anchor |
| 510k Number | TBD | K220757 |
| Intended Use/Indications for Use | The non-absorbable suture anchors are intended to reattach soft tissue to bone in orthopedic surgical procedures.
The CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor may be used in either arthroscopic or open surgical procedures. After the suture is anchored to the bone, it may be used to reattach soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules to the bone. The suture anchor system thereby stabilizes the damaged soft tissue, in conjunction with appropriate postoperative immobilization throughout the healing period. | The non-absorbable suture anchor is intended to reattach soft tissue to bone in orthopedic surgical procedures.
The Argo Knotless™ SP Anchor may be used in either arthroscopic or open surgical procedures. After the suture is anchored to the bone, it may be used to reattach soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules to the bone. The suture anchor system thereby stabilizes the damaged tissue, in conjunction with appropriate postoperative immobilization throughout the healing period. |
| Contraindications | 1. Pathological conditions of bone which would adversely affect the Argo Knotless anchors.
2. Pathological conditions in the soft tissue to be repaired or reconstructed | 1. Pathological conditions of bone which would adversely affect the Argo Knotless™ SP anchors.
2. Pathological conditions in the soft tissue to be repaired or reconstructed |
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K251530
Page 3/5
| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | which would adversely affect suture fixation.
3. Physical conditions that would eliminate, or tend to eliminate, adequate implant support or retard healing.
4. Conditions which tend to limit the patient’s ability or willingness to restrict activities or follow directions during the healing period.
5. Direct attachment of artificial ligaments or other implants except for bioresorbable reinforced implants.
6. Foreign body sensitivity, known or suspected allergies to implant and/or instrument materials.
7. This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. | which would adversely affect suture fixation.
3. Physical conditions that would eliminate, or tend to eliminate, adequate implant support or retard healing.
4. Conditions which tend to limit the patient’s ability or willingness to restrict activities or follow directions during the healing period.
5. Direct Attachment of artificial ligaments or other implants.
6. Foreign body sensitivity, known or suspected allergies to implant and/or instrument materials.
7. This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. |
| How Supplied | Same | Sterile Anchor w/Delivery System (1ea) |
| Single Use /Reusable | Same | Single-Use Only |
| Sterilization | Same | Device sterilized via Ethylene Oxide Sterilization - SAL (10^{-6}) |
| Shelf-Life | Same | 18-months |
| Principle of Operation | Same | Non-absorbable suture anchors for soft tissue to bone fixation |
| Biocompatibility | Same | In accordance with ISO 10993-1 and FDA# G95-1 |
| Packaging | Same | Packaged as a single unit device |
| Instrumentation | Same with the addition of a bone Tap, Smooth Punch, Tapered Broaching Punch, Reamer and Drill Guide | Reusable Bone Punch
Sterile Disposable Bone Punch
Drill Bit |
| Suture | Same | White UHMWPE, with polyester dyed with D&C Blue #6 |
| Materials | Same with a Peek tip | Anchor: Titanium Tip; PEEK
Suture: White, UHMWPE with polyester dyed with D&C Blue #6
Driver: Stainless Steel |
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K251530
Page 4/5
| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | | Driver Handle: Polycarbonate, ABS, Radel
Threader: ABS, nitinol, stainless steel |
| Design | Non-self-punching anchor | Self-punching anchor |
| MR Compatibility | MR Safe | MR Conditional |
| Performance Testing | Same | Reliability
Cyclic Loading
Insertion
Fixation |
| Use with resorbable implant | Yes-Specific SKU | Not applicable |
VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
Testing has been completed to demonstrate that CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor performs as intended and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. Completed testing includes the following:
Performance Testing
Insertion
Ultimate Pull Displacement Resistance
Cyclic
Validation
User Validation
Packaging (Transportation and Shelf-life)
Packaging and Labeling User Validation
Sterilization
Transportation
Well-established Method Testing
Pyrogen (Bacterial Endotoxin)
Biocompatibility
Shelf-life
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K251530
Page 5/5
# VIII. CONCLUSION
The CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchor is either substantially equivalent or identical in intended use, principles of operation, performance testing results, materials, packaging, sterilization method, and biocompatibility as the predicate Argo Knotless™ SP Anchor. Based upon the findings of our performance testing, the differences present no new issues of safety and effectiveness, and the CONMED Argo Knotless® Anchors are substantially equivalent to the predicate device, Argo Knotless™ SP Anchors (K220757).
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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.