K Number
K111358
Device Name
SYNTHES USS
Manufacturer
Date Cleared
2011-11-18

(186 days)

Product Code
Regulation Number
888.3070
Panel
OR
AI/MLSaMDIVD (In Vitro Diagnostic)TherapeuticDiagnosticis PCCP AuthorizedThirdpartyExpeditedreview
Intended Use

The Synthes USS are non-cervical spinal fixation devices intended for posterior pedicle screw fixation (T1-S2/ilium), posterior hook fixation (T1-L5), or anterolateral fixation (T8-L5). Pedicle screw fixation is limited to skeletally mature patients with the exception of the Small Stature USS, which includes small stature and pediatric patients. These devices are indicated as an adjunct to fusion for all of the following indications: degenerative disc disease (defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies), spondylolisthesis, trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation), deformities or curvatures (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis, Scheuermann's Disease), tumor, stenosis, and failed previous fusion (pseudoarthrosis).

When treating patients with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), transverse bars are not cleared for use as part of the posterior pedicle screw construct.

When used with the 3.5/6.0mm parallel connectors, the Synthes USS 6.0mm rod systems can be linked to the CerviFix 3.5mm Systems. In addition, when used with 3.5/5.0mm parallel connectors, the Synthes Small Stature USS can be linked to the CerviFix 3.5mm Systems. When used with the 5.0/6.0mm parallel connectors, the Synthes Small Stature USS can be linked to the Synthes USS 6.0mm rod systems. When used with the 5.5/6.0mm parallel connectors, Matrix can be linked to the Synthes USS 6.0mm rod systems. 6.0/6.0mm parallel connectors can be used to link all Synthes USS 6.0mm rod systems to one another.

When used with the 3.5/6.0mm and 4.0/6.0mm tapered rods, the Synthes USS 6.0mm rod systems can be linked to the CerviFix 3.5mm and 4.0mm Systems, respectively. When used with the 3.5/5.5mm and 4.0/5.5mm tapered rods, the Matrix System can be linked to the CerviFix 3.5mm and 4.0mm Systems, respectively. When used with the 5.5/6.0mm tapered rods, the Synthes USS 6.0mm rod systems can be linked to the Matrix System.

In addition, Synthes USS 6.0mm rod systems can be interchanged with all USS 6.0 mm rods and transconnectors except Synthes 6.0mm cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy and titanium grade 3 rods, which can only be used with Pangea.

Device Description

The Synthes USS is an addition to Synthes' existing non-cervical spinal fixation devices intended for posterior pedicle screw fixation (T1-S2/ilium), posterior hook fixation (T1-L5), or anterolateral fixation (T8-L5). These components are snap-on parallel connectors which can connect spinal rods of the same or different diameters. The snap-on parallel connectors are comprised of TAN (Titanium-6 Aluminum-7 Niobium, per ASTM F1295-05) and Nitinol (per ASTM F2063-05).

AI/ML Overview

This document is a 510(k) summary for the Synthes Universal Spine System (USS), a medical device. It does not contain information about the acceptance criteria and the study proving the device meets said criteria as typically found in submissions for AI/ML-powered devices.

Here's why and what's missing:

  • Device Type: The Synthes USS is described as non-cervical spinal fixation devices, including pedicle screws, hooks, and connectors. These are mechanical implants, not an AI/ML-powered or software-driven diagnostic or therapeutic device.
  • Regulatory Pathway: A 510(k) submission for this type of mechanical implant primarily focuses on demonstrating substantial equivalence to legally marketed predicate devices through material testing, mechanical testing, and an assessment of design and performance characteristics, rather than clinical efficacy studies often associated with AI/ML devices.
  • Missing Information: Consequently, the document does not include any of the requested information points because they are not applicable to this type of device submission:
    • No acceptance criteria table for AI performance metrics.
    • No information about sample sizes for test sets, data provenance, or ground truth establishment by experts for AI.
    • No adjudication methods, MRMC studies, or standalone algorithm performance data.
    • No training set information or ground truth establishment for training data.

§ 888.3070 Thoracolumbosacral pedicle screw system.

(a)
Identification. (1) Rigid pedicle screw systems are comprised of multiple components, made from a variety of materials that allow the surgeon to build an implant system to fit the patient's anatomical and physiological requirements. Such a spinal implant assembly consists of a combination of screws, longitudinal members (e.g., plates, rods including dual diameter rods, plate/rod combinations), transverse or cross connectors, and interconnection mechanisms (e.g., rod-to-rod connectors, offset connectors).(2) Semi-rigid systems are defined as systems that contain one or more of the following features (including but not limited to): Non-uniform longitudinal elements, or features that allow more motion or flexibility compared to rigid systems.
(b)
Classification. (1) Class II (special controls), when intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine: severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra; degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment; fracture; dislocation; scoliosis; kyphosis; spinal tumor; and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). These pedicle screw spinal systems must comply with the following special controls:(i) Compliance with material standards;
(ii) Compliance with mechanical testing standards;
(iii) Compliance with biocompatibility standards; and
(iv) Labeling that contains these two statements in addition to other appropriate labeling information:
“Warning: The safety and effectiveness of pedicle screw spinal systems have been established only for spinal conditions with significant mechanical instability or deformity requiring fusion with instrumentation. These conditions are significant mechanical instability or deformity of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine secondary to severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra, degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor, and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). The safety and effectiveness of these devices for any other conditions are unknown.”
“Precaution: The implantation of pedicle screw spinal systems should be performed only by experienced spinal surgeons with specific training in the use of this pedicle screw spinal system because this is a technically demanding procedure presenting a risk of serious injury to the patient.”
(2) Class II (special controls), when a rigid pedicle screw system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis other than either severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) at L5-S1 or degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment. These pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) The design characteristics of the device, including engineering schematics, must ensure that the geometry and material composition are consistent with the intended use.
(ii) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate the mechanical function and durability of the implant.
(iii) Device components must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(iv) Validation testing must demonstrate the cleanliness and sterility of, or the ability to clean and sterilize, the device components and device-specific instruments.
(v) Labeling must include the following:
(A) A clear description of the technological features of the device including identification of device materials and the principles of device operation;
(B) Intended use and indications for use, including levels of fixation;
(C) Identification of magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility status;
(D) Cleaning and sterilization instructions for devices and instruments that are provided non-sterile to the end user; and
(E) Detailed instructions of each surgical step, including device removal.
(3) Class II (special controls), when a semi-rigid system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion for any indication. In addition to complying with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section, these pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) Demonstration that clinical performance characteristics of the device support the intended use of the product, including assessment of fusion compared to a clinically acceptable fusion rate.
(ii) Semi-rigid systems marketed prior to the effective date of this reclassification must submit an amendment to their previously cleared premarket notification (510(k)) demonstrating compliance with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) and paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.