Cleared Traditional

K931131 - THE RICHARDS WRIST (FDA 510(k) Clearance)

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

K931131 · Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc. · Orthopedic device
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Aug 1994
Decision
532d
Days
Class 2
Risk

K931131 is an FDA 510(k) clearance for the THE RICHARDS WRIST. Classified as Prosthesis, Wrist, 3 Part Metal-plastic-metal Articulation, Semi-constrained (product code JWJ), Class II - Special Controls.

Submitted by Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc. (Memphis, US). The FDA issued a Cleared decision on August 19, 1994 after a review of 532 days - an unusually long review period, suggesting complex equivalence evaluation.

This device falls under the Orthopedic FDA review panel, regulated under 21 CFR 888.3800 - 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: High-complexity regulatory submission. Elevated predicate reliance profile. The extended review timeline suggests the FDA required additional documentation before confirming substantial equivalence - a pattern common in complex or first-of-kind Orthopedic submissions.

View all Smith & Nephew Richards, Inc. devices

Submission Details

510(k) Number K931131 FDA.gov
FDA Decision Cleared Substantially Equivalent - NSE Converted (SN)
Date Received March 05, 1993
Decision Date August 19, 1994
Days to Decision 532 days
Submission Type Traditional
Review Panel Orthopedic (OR)
Summary -
Third-party Review No - reviewed directly by FDA
Regulatory Context
Review time vs. panel average
410d slower than avg
Panel avg: 122d · This submission: 532d
Pathway characteristics
Predicate-based equivalence. No clinical trials required.

Device Classification

Product Code JWJ Prosthesis, Wrist, 3 Part Metal-plastic-metal Articulation, Semi-constrained
Device Class Class 2 - Special Controls
CFR Regulation 21 CFR 888.3800
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.