(91 days)
TriMed RipCord devices are intended for use to supplement repair or reconstruction during healing of ligament injuries or deficiencies of the extremities.
The TriMed RipCord device is indicated to be used as an adjunct in combination with compatible TriMed fixation implants to provide fixation during the healing process in syndesmotic trauma, such as fixation of syndesmosis disruptions in connection with Weber B and C ankle fractures.
The TriMed RipCord Screw is a single-use, sterile, non-absorbable implantable device designed to aid in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries of the lower extremities. The device consists of a far button, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture, and a cannulated screw.
The provided document K251134 is an FDA 510(k) Clearance Letter for a medical device called "RipCord." This document focuses on demonstrating substantial equivalence to existing legally marketed devices, primarily through non-clinical testing. It does not contain information related to software, imaging, or AI-assisted diagnostic tools. Therefore, many of the requested elements, such as those pertaining to AI model performance, human reader studies, and AI-specific ground truth establishment, are not applicable to this documentation.
However, I can extract the information relevant to the device's acceptance criteria and the study that proves it meets them, based on the provided text, while acknowledging the limitations for an AI-centric request.
Acceptance Criteria and Study Proving Device Meets Criteria
The device in question, the TriMed RipCord Screw, is a mechanical implant for bone fixation. The study proving its performance is based on non-clinical bench testing, demonstrating mechanical properties, rather than clinical efficacy or diagnostic accuracy.
1. Table of Acceptance Criteria and Reported Device Performance
The document states that the acceptance criteria were established to demonstrate performance equivalence to the predicate device cleared under K220650. However, the specific numerical acceptance criteria values are not detailed in this public FDA clearance letter. Similarly, the exact numerical reported performance values are not provided; only a qualitative statement that the device "successfully met the established acceptance criteria" is present.
Here's a generalized table based on the information provided:
| Acceptance Criterion Type | Description (as inferred from document) | Reported Device Performance (as stated in document) |
|---|---|---|
| Static Loading Strength | Device's ability to withstand a constant load without failure. | "Successfully met the established acceptance criteria, demonstrating performance equivalence to the predicate device cleared under K220650." |
| Cyclic Endurance | Device's ability to withstand repeated loads without failure (fatigue). | "Successfully met the established acceptance criteria, demonstrating performance equivalence to the predicate device cleared under K220650." |
| Torsional Strength (for TriMed Cannulated Hex 3.2mm screws) | Device's resistance to twisting forces. | "Test samples met the acceptance criteria." |
| Driving Torque (for TriMed Cannulated Hex 3.2mm screws) | The torque required to drive the screw into bone. | "Test samples met the acceptance criteria." |
| Axial Pullout Strength (for TriMed Cannulated Hex 3.2mm screws) | Device's resistance to being pulled out along its axis. | "Test samples met the acceptance criteria." |
Note: The document explicitly states: "Clinical studies were not conducted for the subject devices." This means the "acceptance criteria" and "device performance" relate solely to the mechanical properties as demonstrated through bench testing, not clinical outcomes or diagnostic accuracy.
2. Sample Size Used for the Test Set and Data Provenance
- Sample Size: The specific sample sizes for the non-clinical tests (static loading, cyclic endurance, torsional strength, driving torque, axial pullout) are not specified in the provided document. The document simply states "TriMed RipCord Screw devices were subjected to static loading and cyclic endurance testing" and "TriMed Cannulated Hex 3.2mm screws were subjected to torsional strength, driving torque and axial pullout tests."
- Data Provenance: The data provenance for this in-vitro, non-clinical bench testing does not involve patient data or geographical origin in the context of clinical studies. It is based on laboratory testing performed by the manufacturer (TriMed, Inc.). The testing is by its nature prospective in the sense that the tests were designed and executed to evaluate the new device.
3. Number of Experts Used to Establish the Ground Truth for the Test Set and Qualifications of Those Experts
This question is not applicable as the document describes a mechanical device cleared based on non-clinical bench testing. There is no "ground truth" derived from expert interpretation of medical images or patient data. The "ground truth" for these tests would be the measured physical properties of the materials and device, compared against pre-defined engineering and performance specifications.
4. Adjudication Method for the Test Set
This question is not applicable as the document describes non-clinical mechanical testing, not a study involving human interpretation or adjudication of medical data. The results of mechanical tests are objective measurements, not subjective interpretations requiring adjudication.
5. If a Multi-Reader Multi-Case (MRMC) Comparative Effectiveness Study was done, If so, what was the effect size of how much human readers improve with AI vs without AI assistance
This question is not applicable. The device is a bone fixation implant, not an AI-assisted diagnostic tool. No MRMC study was conducted, as confirmed by the statement "Clinical studies were not conducted for the subject devices."
6. If a Standalone (i.e., algorithm only without human-in-the-loop performance) was done
This question is not applicable. The device is a bone fixation implant, not an algorithm or software.
7. The Type of Ground Truth Used
The "ground truth" for this medical device's performance is based on engineering specifications and mechanical property measurements. The device's performance was compared to that of a predicate device (K220650) to demonstrate "performance equivalence." This is an in-vitro, physical/mechanical ground truth, not a clinical, pathological, or outcomes-based ground truth.
8. The Sample Size for the Training Set
This question is not applicable. There is no "training set" as the device is a mechanical implant, not an AI model or software algorithm that undergoes machine learning training.
9. How the Ground Truth for the Training Set was Established
This question is not applicable for the reasons stated in point 8.
FDA 510(k) Clearance Letter - K251134
Page 1
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
Doc ID # 04017.08.00
July 11, 2025
TriMed, Inc.
Divya Raghavi Nandakumar
Regulatory Affairs Supervisor
27533 Avenue Hopkins
Santa Clarita, California 91355
Re: K251134
Trade/Device Name: RipCord
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030
Regulation Name: Single/Multiple Component Metallic Bone Fixation Appliances And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: HTN, HWC
Dated: April 10, 2025
Received: April 11, 2025
Dear Divya Raghavi Nandakumar:
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.
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K251134 - Divya Raghavi Nandakumar
Page 2
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" (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 System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 systems (QS) regulation (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-
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K251134 - Divya Raghavi Nandakumar
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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).
Sincerely,
CHRISTOPHER FERREIRA -S
Christopher Ferreira, M.S.
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
Page 4
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. | K251134 |
|---|---|
| Please provide the device trade name(s). |
RipCord
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. |
|---|
TriMed RipCord devices are intended for use to supplement repair or reconstruction during healing of ligament injuries or deficiencies of the extremities.
The TriMed RipCord device is indicated to be used as an adjunct in combination with compatible TriMed fixation implants to provide fixation during the healing process in syndesmotic trauma, such as fixation of syndesmosis disruptions in connection with Weber B and C ankle fractures.
| Please select the types of uses (select one or both, as applicable). | ☒ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
|---|
RipCord
Page 10 of 37
Page 5
510(k) Summary
510(k)#: K251134
Prepared on: 2025-07-11
Contact Details
21 CFR 807.92(a)(1)
| Applicant Name | TriMed, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Applicant Address | 27533 Avenue Hopkins Santa Clarita CA 91355 United States |
| Applicant Contact Telephone | 6612557406 |
| Applicant Contact | Mrs. Divya Raghavi Nandakumar |
| Applicant Contact Email | ra@trimedortho.com |
Device Name
21 CFR 807.92(a)(2)
| Device Trade Name | RipCord |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories |
| Classification Name | Washer, Bolt Nut |
| Regulation Number | 888.3030 |
| Product Code(s) | HTN, HWC |
Legally Marketed Predicate Devices
21 CFR 807.92(a)(3)
| Predicate # | Predicate Trade Name (Primary Predicate is listed first) | Product Code |
|---|---|---|
| K220650 | TriMed RipCord Device | HTN |
| K130033 | ToggleLoc System (ToggleLoc with Ziptight) | MBI |
Device Description Summary
21 CFR 807.92(a)(4)
The TriMed RipCord Screw is a single-use, sterile, non-absorbable implantable device designed to aid in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries of the lower extremities. The device consists of a far button, an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) suture, and a cannulated screw.
Intended Use/Indications for Use
21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)
TriMed RipCord devices are intended for use to supplement repair or reconstruction during healing of ligament injuries or deficiencies of the extremities.
The TriMed RipCord device is indicated to be used as an adjunct in combination with compatible TriMed fixation implants to provide fixation during the healing process in syndesmotic trauma, such as fixation of syndesmosis disruptions in connection with Weber B and C ankle fractures.
Indications for Use Comparison
21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)
Both RipCord Screw and the primary predicate device cleared under K220650 are indicated for use to supplement repair or reconstruction during healing of ligament injuries or deficiencies of the extremities. The indications for use statements are the same.
The subject device is also substantially equivalent in indications for use to the secondary predicate/reference device cleared under
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K130033 (Zimmer Biomet ZipTight Fixation System). Both are indicated for syndesmosis fixation due to syndesmotic disruptions.
Technological Comparison
21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)
TriMed RipCord Screw is substantially equivalent to primary predicate cleared under K220650 in terms of material, design features, principles of operation, manufacturing, packaging, and labeling. The differences in technological characteristics do not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness and are consistent with established design principles for syndesmotic fixation systems.
Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions
21 CFR 807.92(b)
TriMed RipCord Screw devices were subjected to static loading and cyclic endurance testing. TriMed RipCord Screw devices successfully met the established acceptance criteria, demonstrating performance equivalence to the predicate device cleared under K220650.
TriMed Cannulated Hex 3.2mm screws were subjected to torsional strength, driving torque and axial pullout tests per the recommendations cited in the FDA Guidance Document, Orthopedic Non-Spinal Metallic Bone Screws and Washers – Performance Criteria for Safety and Performance Based Pathway. Test samples met the acceptance criteria.
Clinical studies were not conducted for the subject devices.
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, and the summary of data submitted, TriMed Inc. has determined that TriMed RipCord Screw is substantially equivalent to the predicate device (TriMed RipCord) cleared under K220650.
§ 888.3030 Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories.
(a)
Identification. Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories are devices intended to be implanted consisting of one or more metallic components and their metallic fasteners. The devices contain a plate, a nail/plate combination, or a blade/plate combination that are made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, stainless steel, and titanium, that are intended to be held in position with fasteners, such as screws and nails, or bolts, nuts, and washers. These devices are used for fixation of fractures of the proximal or distal end of long bones, such as intracapsular, intertrochanteric, intercervical, supracondylar, or condylar fractures of the femur; for fusion of a joint; or for surgical procedures that involve cutting a bone. The devices may be implanted or attached through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.(b)
Classification. Class II.