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Non-Clinical Testing and Labeling Requirements for Femoral Stem Prostheses in Hip Replacement Systems

This guidance addresses the development of non-clinical information, testing, and labeling of femoral stem prostheses for both class II and class III devices intended as components for cemented or uncemented hip replacement systems. It covers the femoral neck, shaft, and head but does not address the interaction between femoral heads and acetabular components.

  1. Determine if device requires clinical evaluation based on novelty of materials/design
  2. Plan and execute required non-clinical testing program:
    • Fatigue testing of stem and neck
    • Biocompatibility testing
    • Sterilization validation
    • Modular connections testing if applicable
  3. Prepare detailed device description documentation
  4. Develop comprehensive labeling meeting requirements
  5. Compile complete test reports with all required elements
  6. Consider worst-case scenarios for all testing
  7. Validate any FEA models with experimental data
  8. Ensure compliance with applicable standards
  9. Prepare IDE application if clinical study needed
  10. Contact FDA Orthopedic Joint Devices Branch for guidance if needed

Key Considerations

Clinical testing

  • Clinical evaluation may be necessary for new or significantly different femoral stem materials or designs
  • Clinical studies must be conducted under IDE regulations if performed in the US
  • Device is considered a significant risk device

Non-clinical testing

  • Fatigue testing required for femoral stem and neck
  • Test methods should follow ASTM F1612-95, ASTM F1440-92, or ISO 7206-4:2002 standards
  • Test worst-case designs
  • Minimum 6 samples tested for 5 million cycles for stem and 10 million cycles for neck
  • Additional testing may be needed for novel materials/designs

Labeling

  • Must include clear instructions for use
  • Should describe intended use, indications, and fixation method
  • Should identify factors influencing device performance
  • Should list known adverse events
  • Must comply with 21 CFR 801 requirements

Biocompatibility

  • Testing required per ISO 10993-1 for tissue/bone contacting permanent implants
  • Can reference predicate device if identical materials used
  • Follow ASTM F748 and/or ISO 10993-1 for new materials

Safety

  • Sterility assurance level (SAL) of at least 1 x 10-6 required
  • Sterilization cycle must be validated per 21 CFR Part 820

Other considerations

  • ASTM F1612-95: Standard Practice for Cyclic Fatigue Testing of Metallic Stemmed Hip Arthroplasty Femoral Components with Torsion
  • ASTM F1440-92: Standard Practice for Cyclic Fatigue Testing of Metallic Stemmed Hip Arthroplasty Femoral Components without Torsion
  • ISO 7206-4:2002: Implants for surgery - Determination of endurance properties of stemmed femoral components
  • ISO 10993-1: Biological evaluation of medical devices
  • ASTM F748: Standard Practice for Selecting Generic Biological Test Methods for Materials and Devices

Original guidance

  • Non-Clinical Testing and Labeling Requirements for Femoral Stem Prostheses in Hip Replacement Systems
  • HTML / PDF
  • Issue date: 2007-09-17
  • Last changed date: 2020-03-19
  • Status: FINAL
  • Official FDA topics: Medical Devices, Premarket
  • ReguVirta summary file ID: 7cc9ba482cefa4f0e77bf81db0ac628f
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