The Tri-Polar System is indicated for use in patients requiring total reconstruction of the hip joint due to the following: a.) Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis b.) Rheumatoid arthritis. c.) Correction of functional deformity. d.) Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture, and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques. e.) Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty due to recurrent dislocations. The Tri-Polar System is intended for cemented or press-fit application for general use in skeletally mature individuals undergoing surgery for rehabilitating hip joints.
Device Story
Tri-Polar System is a hip arthroplasty implant; combines Bi-Polar femoral head with acetabular liner and shell. Input: surgical site anatomy; Output: artificial hip joint articulation. Operates by adding an acetabular bearing component to a Bi-Polar hip replacement; liner locks into acetabular shell via RingLoc mechanism; prevents rotation via scalloped semi-circles. Used in clinical orthopedic surgery by physicians. Benefits: provides stable hip joint reconstruction; utilizes polyethylene thickness of 4.8mm (exceeds 4.0mm standard).
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: polyethylene, metal-backed acetabular shells. Components: Bi-Polar femoral head, acetabular liner, femoral stem. Features: RingLoc locking mechanism, scalloped semi-circles for rotation prevention, embedded wire for x-ray visualization, concentric rings for cement interdigitation. Polyethylene thickness: 4.8mm. Sterilization: not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients requiring total hip reconstruction due to non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis), rheumatoid arthritis, functional deformity, or proximal femur fractures (non-union, femoral neck, trochanteric) unmanageable by other techniques, and for revision of failed total hip arthroplasty due to recurrent dislocations.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hip joint femoral (hemi-hip) metal/polymer cemented or uncemented prosthesis is a two-part device intended to be implanted to replace the head and neck of the femur. This generic type of device includes prostheses that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a snap-fit acetabular component made of an alloy, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. This generic type of device may be fixed to the bone with bone cement (§ 888.3027) or implanted by impaction.
Predicate Devices
THARIES Surface Replacement System
Indiana Conservative Hip
Mallory Head Total Hip
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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SEP 1 0 1999
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
| SPONSOR: | Biomet, Inc.<br>P.O. Box 587<br>Airport Industrial Park<br>Warsaw, Indiana 46581-0587 |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| CONTACT PERSON: | Michelle L. McKinley |
| DEVICE NAME: | Tri-Polar System |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME: | Prosthesis, hip, semi-constrained metal/polymer, cemented<br>Prosthesis, hip, semi-constrained metal/polymer, uncemented |
#### INTENDED USE:
The Tri-Polar System is indicated for use in patients requiring total reconstruction of the hip joint due to the following:
- a.) Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis
- b.) Rheumatoid arthritis.
- c.) Correction of functional deformity.
- d.) Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture, and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
- e.) Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty due to recurrent dislocations.
The Tri-Polar System is intended for cemented or press-fit application for general use in skeletally mature individuals undergoing surgery for rehabilitating hip joints.
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
The Tri-Polar prosthesis consists of a Bi-Polar femoral head, which articulates with a mating acetabular liner that fits into any standard line acetabular component. Once the Bi-Polar femoral head is used with an acetabular component the device becomes the Tri-Polar.
The Tri-Polar System consists of an all polyethylene or metal backed acetabular cup with a polyethylene liner designed to fit on a Bi-Polar head. The Bi-Polar femoral head component
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contains a modular head, which is attached to the femoral stem component. In other words, the Tri-Polar system adds an acetabular bearing component to a Bi-Polar hip replacement.
The Tri-Polar liners fit into any currently approved Biomet RingLoc® acetabular shells. The liner is retained in the shell by means of Biomet's standard RingLoc® mechanism. (A current listing of shells is found in Exhibit I). The liner and shell are properly aligned with one another and then locked into position with a metal ring (RingLoc®). The metallic shell has six to eight scalloped semi-circles, which mate with analogous semi-circular cutouts on the liner for prevention of rotation.
Biomet's all polyethylene acetabular cup has two outer concentric rings to facilitate cement interdigitation and an embedded wire for x-ray visualization. The all polyethylene has two outer concentric rings to facilitate cement interdigitation and an embedded wire for x-ray visualization. The all polyethylene acetabular component is intended to be cemented in the aceatabulum or used with a Biomet recovery cage.
The Bi-Polar femoral head consists of a larger outer shell with a polyethylene insert, which contains within it a modular head. The modular head is captured by the polyethylene insert, which is captured by means of a RingLoc® mechanism similar to that previously described above. The 22mm Bi-Polar component c. 1 be used with either size 24 or 25 Tri-Polar liners or the 54, or 57 all polyethylene cup. While the 28mm Bi-Polar component can be used with either size 26, 27, or 28 Tri-Polar liners or the 63, 66, or 69 all polyethylene cup. A polyethylene thickness of 4.0mm is the general standard for a hip prosthesis. The Tri-Polar system utilizes a minimum thickness of 4.8mm, which is greater than the general standard.
The Tri-Polar System does not incorporate any new technology that has not previously been available. The device simply combines this technology.
### POTENTIAL RISKS:
The potential risks associated with this device are the same as with any joint replacement device. These include, but are not limited to:
- Fracture of the component Cardiovascular disorders Implant loosening/migration Soft tissue imbalance Deformity of the joint Tissue growth failure Delayed wound healing Metal sensitivity
- Bone fracture Hematoma Blood vessel damage Nerve damage Excessive wear Infection Dislocation Breakdown of the porous surface
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## SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE:
The Tri-Polar Acetabular System is similar to previously marketed devices. The device is similar to a traditional hip device consisting of a femoral stem, modular head, and metal backed polyethylene component, with the addition of a Bi-Polar bearing surface between the modular head and acetabular bearing surface. Direct comparison was made with the following predicates:
THARIES Surface Replacement System Indiana Conservative Hip Mallory Head Total Hip
# 000137
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle or bird-like symbol with three curved lines representing its body and wings. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the symbol.
Public Health Service
SEP 1 0 1999
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Michelle L. McKinley Regulatory Specialist Biomet, Inc. P.O. Box 587 Warsaw, Indiana 46581-0587
Re: K991990 Trade Name: TriPolar System Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KWY and LPH Dated: June 4, 1999 Received: June 14, 1999
Dear Ms. McKinley:
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 of the Act. 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.
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 regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with 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 regulations.
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#### Page 2 - Ms. Michelle L. McKinley
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 device and thus, permits 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,
to colle
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
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Page | of |
510(k) Number if Known:_K991990 Device Name: Tri-Polar System
The indications for use are:
ﻟﻢ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺎﻫﻤﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻤﺮ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﻮﻯ ﺍ .
- a.) Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis.
- b.) Rheumatoid arthritis
- c.) Correction of functional deformity
- d.) Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture, and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
- e.) Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty due to recurrent dislocation.
The Tri-Polar System is intended for cemented or ress-fit application for general use in skeletally mature individuals undergoing surgery for rehabilitating hip joints.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use _ X (Per CFR 801.109)
or Over the Counter Use (Optional Format 1-2-96)
bcoolly
Division Sign-Off
(Division agn-om
Division of General Restorative Devices K991990
510(k) Number.
000004
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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
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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.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
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With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
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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.