Cleared Traditional

K855231 - HOWMEDICA BIPOLAR PROSTHESIS (FDA 510(k) Clearance)

Class II Orthopedic device cleared through predicate-based substantial equivalence - typically does not require clinical trials.

K855231 · Howmedica Corp. · Orthopedic device
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Feb 1986
Decision
59d
Days
Class 2
Risk

K855231 is an FDA 510(k) clearance for the HOWMEDICA BIPOLAR PROSTHESIS. Classified as Prosthesis, Hip, Hemi-, Femoral, Metal/polymer, Cemented Or Uncemented (product code KWY), Class II - Special Controls.

Submitted by Howmedica Corp. (Rutherford, US). The FDA issued a Cleared decision on February 27, 1986 after a review of 59 days - a notably fast clearance cycle.

This device falls under the Orthopedic FDA review panel, regulated under 21 CFR 888.3390 - the FDA orthopedic device regulatory framework. The Traditional 510(k) pathway establishes clearance through substantial equivalence to a legally marketed predicate device, without requiring clinical trial data.

Device pattern: Fast-track predicate clearance. Standard predicate reliance. The short review cycle indicates strong predicate alignment - the FDA found sufficient equivalence without extended technical review.

View all Howmedica Corp. devices

Submission Details

510(k) Number K855231 FDA.gov
FDA Decision Cleared Substantially Equivalent - Traditional 510(k) (SESE)
Date Received December 30, 1985
Decision Date February 27, 1986
Days to Decision 59 days
Submission Type Traditional
Review Panel Orthopedic (OR)
Summary -
Third-party Review No - reviewed directly by FDA
Regulatory Context
Review time vs. panel average
63d faster than avg
Panel avg: 122d · This submission: 59d
Pathway characteristics
Predicate-based equivalence. No clinical trials required.

Device Classification

Product Code KWY Prosthesis, Hip, Hemi-, Femoral, Metal/polymer, Cemented Or Uncemented
Device Class Class 2 - Special Controls
CFR Regulation 21 CFR 888.3390
What this classification means

Class II devices require demonstration of substantial equivalence to a legally marketed predicate device. This pathway does not require clinical trials - it relies on engineering equivalence and performance data. Most Orthopedic devices follow this clearance model.

Regulatory Peers - KWY Prosthesis, Hip, Hemi-, Femoral, Metal/polymer, Cemented Or Uncemented

All 98
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