K980021 · Advanced Back Technologies · JFB · May 11, 1998 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K980021
Device Name
EXTENTRAC
Applicant
Advanced Back Technologies
Product Code
JFB · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
May 11, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5880
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
EXTENTRAC'S INTENDED USE IS TRACTION. Extentrac, has the same intended medical use, "traction", as its comparable predicate device (Auto-Trac) by Chattanooga Corp. where reference to its intended use was elucidated on page 122, and 123, of Dr. Natchev's book entitled "A Manual On Auto-Traction Treatment For Low Back Pain". This book was supplied to the FDA as part of its 510(K) submission. (Please refer to Chattanooga's letter dated October 9, 1984). A copy of both pages, containing it's intended use, is included with this submission. Please see Section 6, Page(s) 6-1, and 6-2. Extentrac's and Auto-Trac's principle intended use is traction, through active pulling by the patients own power called active traction, or total passive traction using "gravity". However, both devices by similar design characteristics, enable a patient to activate table control biofeedback, and/or patient relaxation without necessarily requiring traction. This was elucidated on page 122 , of Dr. Natchev's book entitled "A Manual On Auto-Traction Treatment For Low Back Pain", as referred to above.
Device Story
Extentrac is a multipurpose physical therapy table for traction therapy. Device consists of a base platform and a rotating/tilting patient platform with three support cushions. Inputs include practitioner-controlled keypad commands; patient-activated switches for table control/biofeedback. Operation involves hydraulic cylinders, pump, motor, and solenoid valves to adjust table height, rotation, and support cushion positions (lumbar, leg/calf, thoracic). Device provides active traction (patient-powered) or passive traction (gravity-assisted). Used in clinical settings by practitioners to treat lumbar spine conditions. Safety features include emergency stop switches, micro-switches, and mechanical stops. Patient is secured via underarm/shoulder supports, hand grips, and thoracic harness/strapping. Output is physical positioning of the patient to facilitate traction or relaxation. Benefits include relief of low back pain and associated radicular symptoms through controlled spinal decompression/traction.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on design, intended use, and functional characteristics compared to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Multipurpose physical therapy table constructed of welded/bolted steel and aluminum, vinyl, and hydraulic components. Features include hydraulic cylinders, pump, motor, solenoid valves, relays, and switches. Dimensions/form factor: rectangular base with rotating/tilting patient platform. Connectivity: standalone, practitioner-controlled via handheld keypad. Power: electric/hydraulic. Sterilization: N/A. Software: embedded control logic for hydraulic actuators and keypad inputs.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the relief of lumbar spine anatomical dysfunctions including localized low back pain, peripheral radiation (radicular pain), protruding or herniated intervertebral discs, acute facet problems, and degenerative disc disease.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A multi-function physical therapy table is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a motorized table equipped to provide patients with heat, traction, and muscle relaxation therapy.
{0}------------------------------------------------
1098 MAY I I
K980021
DR. DAVID F. CUCCIA, D.C. ADVANCED BACK TECHNOLOGIES 227 Jackson Ave. Syosset, NY 11791 Phone: 516-544-4511 Fax: 516-364-1998
# "510 (k) SUMMARY"
Applicant's Name: David F. Cuccia, D.C. 227 Jackson Ave. Syosset, NY 11791 Contact Person: David F. Cuccia, D.C. Phone: 516-364-1717 516-364-1998 Fax:
The legally marketed device or predicate, to which I am claiming substantial equivalence : AUTO-TRAC TABLE 510(k) NUMBER K844233 Device/Trade Name : EXTENTRAC Common Name : Physical Therapy Table, Multipurpose Classification Name : Multipurpose Physical Therapy Table Classification (C.F.R. Section): Class II Device (Section 890.5880) Product Code : 89JFB Panel : Orthopedic Panel Model Number : DC 3 Date Summary Prepared: December 30, 1997
### INTENDED USE
#### EXTENTRAC'S INTENDED USE IS TRACTION.
EXTENTRAC, has the same intended medical use, "traction", as its comparable predicate device (Auto-Trac) by Chattanooga Corp. where reference to its intended use was elucidated on page 122, and 123, of Dr. Natchev's book entitled "A Manual On Auto-Traction Treatment For Low Back Pain". This book was supplied to the FDA as part of its 510(K) submission. (Please refer to Chattanooga's letter dated October 9, 1984). A copy of both pages, containing it's intended use, is included with this submission. Please see Section 6, Page(s) 6-1, and 6-2.
*Extentrac's and Auto-Trac's principle intended use is traction, through active pulling by the patients own power called active traction, or total passive traction using "gravity". However, both devices by similar design characteristics, enable a patient to activate table control biofeedback, and/or patient relaxation without necessarily requiring traction. This was elucidated on page 122 , of Dr. Natchev's book entitled "A Manual On Auto-Traction Treatment For Low Back Pain", as referred to above.
{1}------------------------------------------------
## DESCRIPTION OF DEVICE
Extentrac falls under the classification of a multipurpose physical therapy table whose components are constructed of welded, bolted, tubular (solid and hollow), or flat plate heavy gauge steel and high strength aluminum), plywood, vinyl, hydraulic cylinders, pump, motor, wires, solenoid valves, relays, and switches.
EXTENTRAC has two major sections connected to each other through a pivot shaft arrangement:
1. A rectangular base platform (Bottom Section): - Its function is to support and provide the pivot means for the rotating top section. Extentrac's stationary patient foot platform, is integral with this base platform, and therefore does not rotate with the patient. It also provides the telescoping means enabling elevation of the top patient platform section (rotating/tilting assembly), to effect height accommodations and different treatment protocols. Please refer to Section 2, Page 2-16.
2. Rotating/tilting patient platform (Top Section): - It consists of three individual, separated patient support cushions, mounted to a metal support sub-frame, through a pivot connection with the top end of the weighted base platform. The patient support sub-frame (immediately below patient cushions) has the upper 2/3th. of its length angled in a backwards direction. and at 30 degrees in relation to its lower 1/3th. This arrangement allows the upper torso support cushion to move downward 30 degrees. Extentrac's patient platform is designed to rotate about this pivot point . Please refer to Section 2. Page 2-16.
{2}------------------------------------------------
# FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS
- Underarm/shoulder supports with integral hand grips. This is the . preferred arrangement for safe patient support. This comfortably supports the patient's upper torso while preventing outward and downward movement of the patient. The hand grips are an integral part of the upper arm supports, providing secure attachment of patient to the patient platform during treatment, and are the places of attachment of the emergency table stop switch. They are also the location of the auxiliary patient table rotation and lumbar support switches. These underarm and shoulder supports are to be used in combination with either the abdominal strapping (Extentrac's "seat belt"), or the universal thoracic harness. They provide increased safe patient positioning as compared to the Auto-Trac device method of patient securing. Please see Section 6, page 6-4, in which the patient must rely only on strapping methods. With the use of these new underarm/shoulder supports, a metal support "cage" has essentially been added, physically preventing patient outward and downward movement. Please refer to Section 2-page 2-16, Letter(s) A.
- Upper torso (thoracic) support cushion. Manually moved, i.e. by pivoting at . its bottom support, its top section locks into a desired position. Adjustable in a backwards direction up to 30 degrees. Upper torso support is capable of locking into any of these variable degrees. Please see Section 2- page 2-16, Letter B.
- Lumbar back support pad (convex shaped). Adjustable (extends or re-. tracts) by either keypad activation or auxiliary patient activated. Provides increased ergonomic support, and varying degrees of extension of the lower back. Please refer to the section entitled : Scientific Concepts of Device: Please see Section 2- page 2-16, Letter C.
- Separate calf/ankle support. Adjustable manually up or down vertically , to ● accommodate different anatomical relationships. Adjustable through keypad switch. outward, away from table's plane, or back in the same plane as vertical table frame. Provides ability to retain patient's upper torso in the same plane as lower limbs or torso. Please see Section 2- page 2-16, Letter D.
- Table Lift Functional Unit. Contained in the rectangular base platform. Allows . entire patient platform with all functional elements to be raised or lowered. Please refer to Section 2- page 2-16, Letter E., and Section 6- page 6-6, Letter E.
{3}------------------------------------------------
- Overhead transverse horizontal gripping bar. Please see Section 2, page . 2-16, Letter F.
- Protractor devices. (Digital or analogue, which measures patient support frame . degree of rotation.) Please refer to Section 2- Page 2-16, Letter G.
- Hydraulic cvlinder Table movement. All Electric and software, hydraulic . pump and motor, solenoid valves , are housed in protective sheet metal electrical box. (UL Listed) Please refer to Section 2- Page 2-16, Letter H.
- Side platform railings located on Horizontal weighted base. Please refer ● to Section 2- Page 2-16, Letter I.
- Head support cushions/rolls in various sizes. Please refer to Section 2- Page . 2-16, Letter J.
#### ANTICIPATED FUTURE DESIGN ADDITIONS/ CHANGES :
- 1- Ankle/foot strapping means. Provides increased traction effect in the "active patient " protocol procedure in which the patient uses their arms to "self" pull against additional resistance provided by ankle strapping. Selective attachments to either both the weighted foot bottom platform base and/or the ankle and calf support element.
- 2- Ankle/foot Weights. Provides increased traction effect.
- 3- Thomson AccuGlide T Series Linear Ball Guides to substitute for Arm and Shoulder support roller means used for Arm and Shoulder support Translational movement, i.e. arm height movement.
{4}------------------------------------------------
# TABLE ACTIVATION/CONTROL
### PRACTITIONER CONTROLLED , HAND HELD KEYPAD WITH FUNCTION CONTROL SWITCHES PROVIDE MOVEMENT OF TABLE ELEMENTS
(Main keypad location) Please refer to Section 6- Page 6-6, Letter K. .
### 1. INDIVIDUAL KEYPAD FUNCTION CONTROL SWITCHES. (Main keypad location)
#### DESCRIPTION OF SWITCHES
- 1- Lift table/patient platform raises vertically and descends downward.
- 2- Rotation button table/patient platform rotates backwards, and forwards.
- 3- Arm rotate up safety arm pieces rotate up or down.
- 4- Arm vertical translation safety arm supports move up or down along long axis of patient platform.
- 5- Lumbar support Lumbar support extends outward, or re-tracts.
- 6- Leg/calf support Leg /calf cushion moves outward or inward. Allows planar arrangement of entire patient platform.
#### 2.- COMBINED FUNCTION SWITCHES
(Main keypad location)
Extentrac also has two keypad control switches which simultaneously combine two individual table functions. (Main keypad location)
#### DESCRIPTION OF SWITCHES
- 1- LIFT AND ROTATE SWITCH A separate key pad combination function button. Patient platform raises in height, creating an increase in height of vertical platform. (a gain in vertical height) simultaneously in combination with patient platform backwards rotation. Calf/leg pad does not accompany rotation. Has reverse function.
- 2- ROTATION AND LEG/CALF SWITCH A separate keypad combination function button. Patient platform rotation in a backwards direction, simultaneously with leg/ calf support outward movement. (Maintains planar pad arrangement). Has reverse function.
{5}------------------------------------------------
# BASIC TABLE OPERATION (HOW IT WORKS)
Extentrac has three individual patient platform sections which are variably positioned by the activation of selected hydraulic cylinders, through continuos depression of two pole "toggle" type switches making up the hand held practitioner control keypad. This turns the hydraulic pump motor on, which forces hydraulic fluid into the selected cylinders, which in turn causes table rotation or movement of any other table functional units movement. Hydraulic activated movement stops immediately, by release of a keypad control switch. Micro-switches and mechanical stops provide protection at extremes of table movement. When the keypad button labeled "Table Rotation" is depressed and held, the patients are moved from the vertical to the horizontal.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle-like symbol with three lines forming its body and wings. The symbol is enclosed within a circular border, with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the circumference of the circle. The text is in all caps and is evenly spaced around the circle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAY 1 1 1998
Dr. David F. Cuccia Advanced Back Technologies, Inc. 227 Jackson Avenue Syosset, New York 11791
Re: K980021 EXTENTRAC Trade Name: Requlatory Class: II Product Code: JFB March 14, 1998 Dated: Received: March 19, 1998
Dear Dr. Cuccia:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions The general controls provisions of the Act of the Act. include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major requlations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Requlations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. ਰ substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical General requlation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, Devices: through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to complywith the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or requlations.
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2 - Dr. David F. Cuccia
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your markets product or mits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{8}------------------------------------------------
of
510 (k) NUMBER (IF KNOWN) : _
Extentrac DEVICE NAME :
INDICATIONS FOR USE:
-Replaces page 1-3 of 510(k) dated December 30, 1997
### INDICATIONS FOR USE
Extentrac provides traction, for the relief of a variety of conditions involving anatomical dysfunctions of the lumbar spine including :
- localized low back pain
-peripheral radiation (radicular pain)
-protruding or herniated intervertebral discs.
-acute facet problems
-degenerative disc disease
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED.)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
..............................................................................................................................................................................
OR
Over-The-Counter-Use (Optional Format 1-2-96)
teoell &
Division Sign-Off) Division of General Restorative D
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.