K960444 · Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc. · KWP · Jan 24, 1997 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K960444
Device Name
FINN ROD TO ROD CONNECTOR
Applicant
Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc.
Product Code
KWP · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Jan 24, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Finn Rod to Rod Connector is used as part of the Rogozinski Spinal Rod System. The Rod to Rod Connector is designed to attach two 1/4" Rogozinski Spinal Rods to provide temporary stability to the lumbosacral spine during the development of a solid spinal fusion. The Finn Rod to Rod Connectors are designed to be part of a construct that consists of Rogozinski rods attached to the spine with hooks, bolts and/or screws. The Finn Rod to Rod Connectors when used in constructs with spinal screws or bolts placed in the pedicles are intended only for patients: (a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) of the fifth lumbar - first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint; (b) who are receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only; (c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine; and (d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. Otherwise, the Finn Rod to Rod Connectors when used in constructs with spinal screws or bolts are intended for sacral iliac attachment only in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, pseudoarthrosis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, fracture, failed back syndrome/unsuccessful previous attempts at spinal fusion, or tumor resection. Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. The Rogozinski System is limited to noncervical spine use. The levels of pedicle screw / bolt use for this system are limited to L3-S1 or iliac screw fixation.
Device Story
Rod to Rod Connector component of Rogozinski Spinal Rod System; connects two 1/4" contralateral spinal rods to provide temporary lumbosacral stability during fusion. Device consists of set screw, hex nut, crossbar clamp, extended clamp, and eyebolt; eyebolt adjustable via hex nut for varying offsets. Used by surgeons in clinical/OR settings; provides mechanical construct stability to enhance fusion rates. Benefits include restoration of spinal alignment and stabilization of segments during bone graft healing; device intended for removal after solid fusion mass development.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided for the specific connector. Evidence summary relies on literature meta-analysis (Mardjetko et al., 25 papers, 889 patients), historical cohort study (Yuan et al., 2,684 patients), and prospective randomized study (Zdeblick et al., 124 patients) regarding pedicle screw-based spinal instrumentation. Studies demonstrate pedicle screw systems improve fusion rates (e.g., 89.1% vs 70.4% in Yuan study) and clinical outcomes compared to non-instrumented controls, supporting the safety and effectiveness of adjunctive spinal instrumentation.
Technological Characteristics
Material: ASTM F 138 stainless steel. Components: set screw, hex nut, crossbar clamp, extended clamp, eyebolt. Function: mechanical rod-to-rod connection for spinal stabilization. Non-powered, manual assembly.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3-4) at L5-S1 requiring fusion with autogenous bone graft, or patients requiring sacral iliac attachment for degenerative disc disease, pseudoarthrosis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, fracture, failed back syndrome, or tumor resection. Limited to noncervical spine, L3-S1 or iliac fixation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of an alloy, such as stainless steel, that consists of various hooks and a posteriorly placed compression or distraction rod. The device is implanted, usually across three adjacent vertebrae, to straighten and immobilize the spine to allow bone grafts to unite and fuse the vertebrae together. The device is used primarily in the treatment of scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine), but it also may be used in the treatment of fracture or dislocation of the spine, grades 3 and 4 of spondylolisthesis (a dislocation of the spinal column), and lower back syndrome.
Predicate Devices
AcroMed Modular Cross Connector Components
Dyna-Lok Spinal System Crosslink Plate
TSRH Spinal System Crosslink
Isola Spinal System transverse rod connectors
Rogozinski Spinal Rod System crossbar
Reference Devices
Luque II screw/plate fixation system (Sofamor/Danek)
TSRH screw/rod fixation system (Sofamor/Danek)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
JAN-22-97 16:34 FROM: S&N CLINICAL AFFAIR
PAGE 4/11
K960444
Exhibit 2
510(k) Summary
510(k) Summary
JAN 24 1997
Rod to Rod Connector
Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics
1450 Brooks Road
Memphis, TN 38116
1. Description
The Rod to Rod Connector is manufactured of ASTM F 138 stainless steel. The device consists of a set screw, a hex nut, a crossbar clamp, an extended clamp, and an eyebolt. The eyebolt is adjustable with the hex nut to provide varying offsets from rod to rod. The Rod to Rod Connector is intended to connect two contralateral 1/4" Rogozinski Spinal System rods.
2. Identification of the Predicate Device
The Rod to Rod Connector is substantially equivalent to the AcroMed Modular Cross Connector Components, Dyna-Lok Spinal System Crosslink Plate, TSRH Spinal System Crosslink, the Isola Spinal System transverse rod connectors, and the Rogozinski Spinal Rod System crossbar.
3. Intended Use
The Finn Rod to Rod Connector is used as part of the Rogozinski Spinal Rod System. The Rod to Rod Connector is designed to attach two 1/4" Rogozinski Spinal Rods to provide temporary stability to the lumbosacral spine during the development of a solid spinal fusion. The Finn Rod to Rod Connectors are designed to be part of a construct that consists of Rogozinski rods attached to the spine with hooks, bolts and/or screws. The Finn Rod to Rod Connectors when used in constructs with spinal screws or bolts placed in the pedicles are intended only for patients: (a) having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) of the fifth lumbar - first sacral (L5-S1) vertebral joint; (b) who are receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only; (c) who are having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine; and (d) who are having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. Otherwise, the Finn Rod to Rod Connectors when used in constructs with spinal screws or bolts are intended for sacral iliac attachment only in the treatment of degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, pseudoarthrosis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, fracture, failed back syndrome/unsuccessful previous attempts at spinal fusion, or tumor resection. Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies.
The Rogozinski System is limited to noncervical spine use. The levels of pedicle screw / bolt use for this system are limited to L3-S1 or iliac screw fixation.
4. Information Bearing on Safety and Effectiveness
Mardjetko et al.¹ presented the results of a meta-analysis of the literature relating to degenerative spondylolisthesis. Accepted for inclusion in this meta-analysis were 25 papers published between 1970 and 1973 representing 889 patients presenting with degenerative spondylolisthesis with radicular leg pain or neurogenic claudication involving the lumbar spine from L1-S1. Degenerative spondylolisthesis is characterized by degenerative arthritis of the facet joints in association with disc degeneration. Remodeling of the facet joint allows anterolisthesis of the cephalad on the cauda lumbar vertebra. This
{1}
JAN-22-97 16:35 FROM: S&N CLINICAL AFFAIR
PAGE 5/11
meta-analysis stratified papers unto the following groups: (i) Nonoperative/natural history - 3 papers with 278 patients total, (ii) Posterior decompression procedures without fusion - 11 papers with 216 patients total, (iii) Posterior decompression with fusion procedure without instrumentation - 6 papers with 84 patients total, (iv) Posterior decompression with fusion with "control" device, i.e., legally marketed Class II devices - 4 papers with 138 patients total, (v) Posterior decompression with fusion with pedicular instrumentation - 5 papers with 101 patients total, (vi) Anterior spinal fusion - 3 papers with 72 patients total. Mardjetko stated that the recognized advantages of pedicular instrumentation over control devices as an adjunct to posterolateral spinal fusion include (i) the ability to achieve three-column spinal control from a posterior approach, (ii) the restoration and maintenance of physiologic spinal alignments in all planes, (iii) no space-occupying metallic devices within the degenerative lumbar spinal canal, and (iv) the ability to achieve fixation across segments with deficient or absent posterior spinal elements, potentially minimizing the spinal segments requiring instrumentation and fusion. Mardjetko concluded that the results of this meta-analysis support the clinical impression that in the surgical management of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion significantly improves patient satisfaction, and adjunctive spinal instrumentation enhances spinal fusion rates. FDA Class 11 devices and pedicular instrumentation are comparable with regards to rates of fusion, patient satisfaction, and complications. The results of an open, nonblinded, historical cohort study presented by Yuan et. al. support Mardjetko findings. This historical cohort study collected data on patients who had undergone spinal fusions using pedicle screw devices as well as those who had received legally marketed spinal fusion devices or no instrumentation at all. A total of 2,684 patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis were included in this cohort study with 2,177 (81.1%) in the pedicle screw group, 456 (17.0%) in the noninstrumented group, and 51 (1.9%) in the non-pedicle screw instrumentation group. The safety of pedicle screw devices for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis was assessed by analyzing the nature and frequency of intraoperative and postoperative events. Intraoperative events related to pedicle screw devices occurred infrequently. The rate of implant breakage was extremely low (0.2%). The remaining intraoperative events were felt to be related to surgical technique rather than the implant. Pedicle screw device related postoperative events were comprised mainly of screw fracture and screw loosening. Since the dominant control group for degenerative spondylolisthesis was non-instrumented fixations, no such rate comparisons for these events could be made. However, many of these events were without clinical consequence. For postoperative events that could have occurred in both treatment groups, the nature and frequency of these events were comparable. Additionally, the time adjusted rates of events were not statistically different between the two treatment groups. The rate of reoperation was higher in the pedicle screw group than in the noninstrumented group (17.6% versus 15.0%) primarily due to device removals. The rates of refusion and other reoperations, which can occur in both treatment groups were similar. In terms of effectiveness, the pedicle screw treatment group had a statistically higher rate of fusion than the noninstrumented control group (simple: 89.1% versus 70.4%). Additionally, the time to fusion tended to be faster for the pedicle screw group patients. Maintenance of spinal alignment and degeneration at other levels, although not statistically different, favored the pedicle screw fixation group. Yuan concluded that the benefits of pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis were demonstrated in significantly higher fusion rates compared to conventional non-instrumented control surgical treatments with pedicle screw patients achieving better overall clinical outcomes. Garfin² in a summation of the works of Mardjetko et al. and Yuan et al. states that data derived from a scientifically valid study show that pedicle screws-based devices can offer help to a significant number of people. The literature review as well as the cohort study show that the fusion rate markedly improves when internal fixation is added and that pedicle screw systems are at least as effective as the currently marketed, commercially available Class II instrumentation in terms of increasing the fusion rate. Garfin further states that although the complication rates are higher in those that have instrumented fusions versus in situ fusion, pedicle screw devices have no higher complication rates and no more significant complications than the currently marketed, commercially available Class 11 instrumentation. Therefore, in properly chosen patients, matched to the appropriate device and procedure, the results in obtaining a fusion and successful outcome may be better using pedicle screw devices, than with other system that are currently available and approved for use in the United States. Zdeblick² reported the results of a randomized study of 124 patients undergoing lumbar or lumbosacral fusion for degenerative conditions of the spine. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatment groups: (I)
{2}
JAN-22-97 16:36 FROM: S&N CLINICAL AFFAIR PAGE 6/11
posterolateral fusion using autogenous bone graft, (II) autogenous posterolateral fusions supplemented with the Luque II screw/plate fixation system (Sofamor/Danek), and (III) autogenous posterolateral fusions supplemented with the TSRH screw/rod fixation system (Sofamor/Danek). Of the 124 patients entered into the study, 56 presented with degenerative or isthmic spondylolisthesis: 21 in Group I, 18 in Group II and 17 in Group III. The fusion rate for degenerative spondylolisthesis for Groups I, II, and III were 65%, 50%, and 86%, respectively.
The fusion rate for isthmic spondylolisthesis for Groups I, II, and III were 80%, 89%, and 100%, respectively. Overall fusion rates for Groups I, II and III were 65%, 77% and 95%, respectively. Zdeblick also assessed each patient clinically and assigned each a rating of either "excellent", "good", "Fair", or "poor". The overall good or excellent clinical results were 71% in Group I, 89% in Group II and 95% in Group III. Zdeblick concluded that pedicle screw fixation led to a significantly higher rate of fusion in degenerative lumbar disease than did fusion without instrumentation and that the clinical results mimic the radiographic results in all three Groups.
i. Mardjetko SM, Connolly PJ, Shott S: Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Meta-Analysis of Literature 1970-1993. Spine 19(20S):2256S-2265S, 1994.
ii. Yuan HA, Garfin SR, Dickman CA, Mardjetko SM: A Historical Cohort Study of Pedicle Screw Fixation in Thoracic, Lumbar, and Sacral Spinal Fusions. Spine 19(20S):2279S-2296S, 1994.
iii. Garfin SR: Summation. Spine 19(20S):2300S-2305S, 1994.
iv. Zdeblick TA: A Prospective, Randomized Study of Lumbar Fusion. Spine 18(8):983-991, 1993.
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.