Refobacin Bone Cement R is indicated to be used for stable anchoring of suitable joint prostheses to the bone, in hip and knee revision arthroplasty operations when reconstruction is necessary because of revision of previous arthroplasty procedures due to joint infection, also in case an infection with gentamicin-sensitive strains is a potential risk. Refobacin Bone Cement R is indicated to be used in the second stage of a two-stage revision for total joint arthroplasty after the initial infection has been cleared.
Device Story
Refobacin Bone Cement R is a fast-setting acrylic polymer (PMMA) bone cement containing gentamicin sulfate (GMS) and zirconium dioxide (radiopaque agent). Used in hip and knee revision arthroplasty to anchor prostheses to bone; transfers mechanical stresses from prosthesis to bone. Supplied as powder and liquid components; mixed intraoperatively to form a paste. Chlorophyll additive provides optical marking. GMS provides local antibiotic protection against gentamicin-sensitive strains. Subject device introduces a new source of GMS; requires additional precipitation processing to achieve necessary particle size for optimal antibiotic release. Used by surgeons in clinical settings. Benefits include stable prosthesis fixation and reduction of infection risk in revision procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by comprehensive non-clinical bench testing, including mechanical properties (fatigue, shear, tensile, fracture toughness), porosity, radiopacity, polymerization behavior, and antibiotic release/zone of inhibition studies comparing the new GMS source to the predicate.
Technological Characteristics
PMMA-based bone cement; powder/liquid components. Contains gentamicin sulfate (antibiotic), zirconium dioxide (radiopaque), and chlorophyll (dye). Mechanical properties include fatigue, creep, and shear strength. Sterilization method identical to predicate. Software: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing hip or knee revision arthroplasty requiring reconstruction due to joint infection or where infection with gentamicin-sensitive bacterial strains is a potential risk; indicated for second-stage total joint arthroplasty revision after initial infection clearance.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is a device intended to be implanted that is made from methylmethacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate, esters of methacrylic acid, or copolymers containing polymethylmethacrylate and polystyrene. The device is intended for use in arthroplastic procedures of the hip, knee, and other joints for the fixation of polymer or metallic prosthetic implants to living bone.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Bone Cement.”
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
April 15, 2026
Biomet France
Vanessa Gautier
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Plateau De Lautagne
Valence, 26000
France
Re: K254107
Trade/Device Name: Refobacin Bone Cement R (110034355)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3027
Regulation Name: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Bone Cement
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: LOD, MBB
Dated: December 15, 2025
Received: December 19, 2025
Dear Vanessa Gautier:
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.
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"
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K254107 - Vanessa Gautier
Page 2
(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 Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, ISO 13485 clause 7.3 (Design controls), ISO 13485 clause 8.3 (Nonconforming product), ISO 13485 clause 8.5.2 (Corrective action), and ISO 13485 clause 8.5.3 (Preventative action). Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QMSR requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (ISO 13485 clause 7.3 and ISO 13485 clause 7.5) and document changes and approvals in the Medical Device File (ISO 13485 clause 4.2.3).
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 Management System Regulation (QMSR) (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-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).
{2}
K254107 - Vanessa Gautier
Page 3
Sincerely,
JESSE MUIR-S
Digitally signed by JESSE MUIR-S
Date: 2024.04.15 14:23:40
-04'00"
Jesse Muir, Ph.D.
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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| 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. | K254107 | ? |
| Please provide the device trade name(s). | | ? |
| Refobacin Bone Cement R (110034355) | | |
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. | | ? |
| Refobacin Bone Cement R is indicated to be used for stable anchoring of suitable joint prostheses to the bone, in hip and knee revision arthroplasty operations when reconstruction is necessary because of revision of previous arthroplasty procedures due to joint infection, also in case an infection with gentamicin-sensitive strains is a potential risk.
Refobacin Bone Cement R is indicated to be used in the second stage of a two-stage revision for total joint arthroplasty after the initial infection has been cleared. | | |
| Please select the types of uses (select one or both, as applicable). | ☑ Prescription Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | ? |
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| 510(k) #: K254107 | 510(k) Summary | Prepared on: 2026-03-12 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Contact Details | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(1) |
| Applicant Name | Biomet France | |
| Applicant Address | Plateau de Lautagne Valence 26000 France | |
| Applicant Contact Telephone | +33658480323 | |
| Applicant Contact | Ms. Vanessa Gautier | |
| Applicant Contact Email | vanessa.gautier@zimmerbiomet.com | |
| Device Name | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(2) |
| Device Trade Name | Refobacin Bone Cement R (110034355) | |
| Common Name | Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement | |
| Classification Name | Bone Cement | |
| Regulation Number | 888.3027 | |
| Product Code(s) | LOD, MBB | |
| Legally Marketed Predicate Devices | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(3) |
| Predicate # | Predicate Trade Name (Primary Predicate is listed first) | Product Code |
| K171540 | Refobacin Bone Cement R | MBB |
| Device Description Summary | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(4) |
| Refobacin Bone Cement R (RBCR) is a fast-setting acrylic polymer, containing gentamicin sulfate (GMS), for use in hip and knee arthroplasty operations.
Bone cement consists of a powder and a liquid. The mixing of these two components initially produces a paste, which is used to anchor the prosthesis to the bone.
The hardened bone cement allows stable fixation of the prosthesis and transfers stresses associated with movement to the bone via the large interface.
Insoluble zirconium dioxide is included in the cement powder as an X-ray contrast medium. The chlorophyll additive serves as optical marking of the bone cement at the site of the operation.
The GMS content is designed to protect against infections caused by bacterial invasion of the prosthesis and the surrounding tissue by gentamicin-sensitive strains.
The purpose of the current 510(k) notification is to introduce a new source of GMS to secure the supply chain and ensure a double-sourcing for the manufacturing of Refobacin Bone Cement R.
Indeed, the GMS antibiotic particles used in the Refobacin Bone Cement R are larger than the particles of the raw material delivered by the by the vendor who performs the synthesis of gentamicin. As the use of larger particles enhances the gentamicin release from the bone cement, an additional processing step of precipitation is necessary.
Furthermore, the labeling of the subject device will be updated. These labeling changes are not related to the new vendor of GMS. | | |
{5}
Please note that this $10(k)$ notification will cover only one RBCR item (110034355) following the discontinuation of the other RBCR items since the last clearance (110034356, 110034357 and 110034358).
## Intended Use/Indications for Use
**21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)**
Refobacin Bone Cement R is indicated to be used for stable anchoring of suitable joint prostheses to the bone, in hip and knee revision arthroplasty operations when reconstruction is necessary because of revision of previous arthroplasty procedures due to joint infection, also in case an infection with gentamicin-sensitive strains is a potential risk.
Refobacin Bone Cement R is indicated to be used in the second stage of a two-stage revision for total joint arthroplasty after the initial infection has been cleared.
## Indications for Use Comparison
**21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)**
The subject device has similar Indications for Use as the predicate Refobacin® Bone Cement R device. The indications have been limited to hips and knees arthroplasty procedures which are within the currently cleared indications. Indeed, the device was cleared for use in hips, knees and other joints arthroplasty, while the subject device is intended to be marketed for only two of those indications.
## Technological Comparison
**21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)**
The rationale for substantial equivalence is based on consideration of the following characteristics:
- Indications for use: Similar to predicate device
- Other clinical characteristics: Similar to predicate device
- Labeling: Different from predicate device
- Technical/design characteristics: Similar to predicate device
- Biological characteristics/materials: Similar to predicate device
- Manufacturing process: Similar to predicate device
- Sterilization: Identical to predicate device
- Packaging: Similar to predicate device
## Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions
**21 CFR 807.92(b)**
Non-clinical testing on Refobacin Bone Cement R has been performed during the design and development of the subject device based on the user needs and risk analysis and the impacts that this new source of gentamicin sulfate may have on the final product specifications. A demonstration that the subject device meets the same product specifications as the predicate device has been conducted.
The complete list of non-clinical testing that has been performed (including the new studies performed for the proposed change) is provided below:
- Incipient Break & Assembly
- Creep properties
- Fatigue properties / Fatigue performance
- Fracture Toughness
- Porosity
- Radiopacity
- Shear strength
- Tensile Properties
- Volume variation of bone cement upon Polymerization
- Use of antibiotics in bone cement
- Literature Review of compatibility between bone cement and surgical devices
- Literature review on the effect of cement multilayer on the mantle's mechanical properties
- Shelf-life verification of bone cement R
- Study of temperature excursion on Cement Pack
- Shelf-life verification of bone cement R – Copo E
- Design verification of Monomer/Cement powder ratio by handling and setting assessment
- Performance testing between bone cement and disposable mixing Bowl with Spatula
- Mechanical and behavioral properties as a function of mixing options
- RBCR containing Gentamicin Sulfate from Corden Pharma at industrial scale
- Dough extrusion
- Design Verification of RBCR blended with Osartis Gentamicin Sulfate raw material
- Fatigue performance - RBCR powder containing Gentamicin from Merck Vs Osartis
- Molecular weight
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- Zone of inhibition of RBCR with Osartis gentamicin sulfate
- Antibiotic release
- Bibliographic evaluation of Swelling
- MR Safety
- Summative Evaluation - EU MDR Labeling
- Summative Evaluation - RBCR
The results obtained from the various studies demonstrate that both the subject device and the predicate device comply with all requirements, which confirms that this change does not impact the claimed product performances, ensuring product quality and patient safety.
Not applicable
The reports provided demonstrate the proposed subcontractor for gentamicin sulfate particle size enlargement for Refobacin Bone Cement R devices meets FDA requirements and the finished device will perform as intended. Therefore, Biomet France concludes that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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?
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Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
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Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
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Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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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.