510(k) · Cleared
Recalled · Class II · 2014Polaris Spinal System - Ballista II Percutaneous Screw Placement System
Data to Oct 25, 2026 (FDA decisions) Oct 12, 2026 (recalls) Sep 30, 2026 (MAUDE) refreshed weekly
Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · NKB Thoracolumbosacral Pedicle Screw System
Cleared on Feb 25, 2013 as substantially equivalent to K061441 (Ebi, L.P., 2006) and 9 other predicates after a 98-day review. Its family tree reaches back 14 generations to 2001. 75 later devices descend from it. It has been recalled 2 times.
- Decided
- Feb 25, 2013
- Review
- 98 days
- Class
- Class II
- Product code
- NKB
- Recalls
- 2
- Predicates
- 10
Its longest line of descent runs back 14 generations to K003155 (2001). 267 ancestors in all, the oldest K841189 (1984). 75 later devices descend from it, 5 citing it directly.
- Root · 14 generations backK003155 Vertebral Body ReplacementOsteotech, Inc. · 2001
- 10 generations between
- 3 generations backK070742 Modification to Vertex Reconstruction SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2007
- 2 generations backK110522 Vertex Reconstruction System, Vertex Select Reconstruction SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. · 2011
- 1 generation backK113593 Nextgen Altius Oct SystemBiomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2012
- This deviceK123549 Polaris Spinal System - Ballista II Percutaneous Screw Placement…Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2013
- Descendant · cites it directly · 70 of its ownK131615 Polaris Spinal SystemBiomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2013
- Descendant · cites it directly · 67 of its ownK133746 Polaris Spinal SystemBiomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2014 · Recalled
- Descendant · 2 generations on · 30 of its ownK143248 Reform Pedicle Screw SystemPrecision Spine, Inc. · 2014
- Descendant · 3 generations on · 26 of its ownK150856 Reform Pedicle Screw SystemPrecision Spine, Inc. · 2015
- Descendant · cites it directly · 22 of its ownK140123 Polaris Spinal System -Translation ScrewEbi, LLC · 2014 · Recalled
Show all 14 generations
- Root · 14 generations backK003155 Vertebral Body ReplacementOsteotech, Inc. · 2001
- 13 generations backK012254 VBROsteotech, Inc. · 2001
- 12 generations backK021791 Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2002
- 11 generations backK023570 Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2002
- 10 generations backK030601 Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2003
- 9 generations backK040536 Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2004
- 8 generations backK041556 Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2004
- 7 generations backK043561 Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2004
- 6 generations backK060719 Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2006
- 5 generations backK061938 Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc. · 2006
- 4 generations backK062427 Verte-Stack Spinal SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2006
- 3 generations backK070742 Modification to Vertex Reconstruction SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek · 2007
- 2 generations backK110522 Vertex Reconstruction System, Vertex Select Reconstruction SystemMedtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. · 2011
- 1 generation backK113593 Nextgen Altius Oct SystemBiomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2012
- This deviceK123549 Polaris Spinal System - Ballista II Percutaneous Screw Placement…Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2013
Showing 5 of 75 descendants. See all descendants
Descendants cleared per year
Most influential descendants
Showing 5 of 75 · See all- K131615Polaris Spinal SystemBiomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2013 · cites it directly70descendants
- K133746Polaris Spinal SystemBiomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) · 2014 · cites it directly67descendants
- K143248Reform Pedicle Screw SystemPrecision Spine, Inc. · 2014 · 2 generations on30descendants
- K150856Reform Pedicle Screw SystemPrecision Spine, Inc. · 2015 · 3 generations on26descendants
- K140123Polaris Spinal System -Translation ScrewEbi, LLC · 2014 · cites it directly22descendants
View FIG. 1 as a table
Line of descent and top descendants
| Generation | Number | Device | Applicant | Decided | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| −14 | K003155 | Vertebral Body Replacement | Osteotech, Inc. | 2001 | — |
| −13 | K012254 | VBR | Osteotech, Inc. | 2001 | — |
| −12 | K021791 | Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2002 | — |
| −11 | K023570 | Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2002 | — |
| −10 | K030601 | Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2003 | — |
| −9 | K040536 | Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2004 | — |
| −8 | K041556 | Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2004 | — |
| −7 | K043561 | Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2004 | — |
| −6 | K060719 | Modification to Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2006 | — |
| −5 | K061938 | Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc. | 2006 | — |
| −4 | K062427 | Verte-Stack Spinal System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2006 | — |
| −3 | K070742 | Modification to Vertex Reconstruction System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek | 2007 | — |
| −2 | K110522 | Vertex Reconstruction System, Vertex Select Reconstruction System | Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. | 2011 | — |
| −1 | K113593 | Nextgen Altius Oct System | Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) | 2012 | — |
| 0 (this device) | K123549 | Polaris Spinal System - Ballista II Percutaneous Screw Placement System | Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) | 2013 | — |
| +1 | K131615 | Polaris Spinal System | Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) | 2013 | — |
| +1 | K133746 | Polaris Spinal System | Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC) | 2014 | 1 |
| +2 | K143248 | Reform Pedicle Screw System | Precision Spine, Inc. | 2014 | — |
| +3 | K150856 | Reform Pedicle Screw System | Precision Spine, Inc. | 2015 | — |
| +1 | K140123 | Polaris Spinal System -Translation Screw | Ebi, LLC | 2014 | 1 |
Other ancestors by year cleared
| Year cleared | Devices | With a Class I recall |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 | 0 |
| 1990 | 2 | 0 |
| 1992 | 5 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 | 0 |
| 1994 | 1 | 0 |
| 1995 | 4 | 0 |
| 1996 | 3 | 0 |
| 1997 | 5 | 0 |
| 1998 | 8 | 0 |
| 1999 | 9 | 0 |
| 2000 | 19 | 0 |
| 2001 | 20 | 0 |
| 2002 | 14 | 0 |
| 2003 | 16 | 0 |
| 2004 | 34 | 0 |
| 2005 | 29 | 0 |
| 2006 | 21 | 0 |
| 2007 | 9 | 0 |
| 2008 | 17 | 0 |
| 2009 | 16 | 0 |
| 2010 | 10 | 0 |
| 2011 | 6 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 |
Descendants by year cleared
| Year cleared | Devices | With a Class I recall |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 | 4 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 |
| 2020 | 7 | 0 |
| 2021 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | 6 | 0 |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 |
| 2024 | 10 | 0 |
| 2025 | 8 | 0 |
| 2026 | 8 | 0 |
Sources: FDA 510(k) database (decision fields), the FDA summary (predicates and indications), FDA recall and enforcement reports, and MAUDE; processed by 510(k) Report. Verify on FDA.gov · Methodology and accuracy.
Planning a device in NKB? A 510(k) Report weighs predicate choices, recall history and review times for a new device like this one.
Top candidate predicates for a new NKB device
- #1 K223494 CD Horizon Spinal Systemscore 40.4 · 30 generations · no Class I recall
- #2 Held for the reportin the report
- #3 Held for the reportin the report
What was it cleared against? (10)
Devices the submitter claimed this one is substantially equivalent to (*), and reference devices cited for a specific test or feature (†), as written in the FDA summary.
| Type | Number | Device | Decided |
|---|---|---|---|
| * | K061441 | Ebi 5.5 Helical Flange Spinal SystemSummary page 2…nstruct testing. Substantial Equivalence: The subject components in the Polaris Spinal System are substantially equivalent to the other screws in Polaris Spinal System (K061441, K090203 & 111957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD H… | 2006 |
| * | K090203 | 5.5 Helical Flange Spinal System, Polaris ComponentsSummary page 2…esting. Substantial Equivalence: The subject components in the Polaris Spinal System are substantially equivalent to the other screws in Polaris Spinal System (K061441, K090203 & 111957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD Horizon" S… | 2009 |
| * | K111957 | Polaris Spinal SystemSummary page 2…ubstantial Equivalence: The subject components in the Polaris Spinal System are substantially equivalent to the other screws in Polaris Spinal System (K061441, K090203 & 111957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD Horizon" SoleraTm S… | 2011 |
| * | K113593 | Nextgen Altius Oct System | 2012 |
| * | K120270 | Venus Spinal Fixation SystemSummary page 2…e substantially equivalent to the other screws in Polaris Spinal System (K061441, K090203 & 111957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD Horizon" SoleraTm Spinal System (K1 13174, KI 12473 & K102555.) The proposed screws are substantia… | 2012 |
| * | K100706 | Venus Basic Spinal Fixation SystemSummary page 2…tially equivalent to the other screws in Polaris Spinal System (K061441, K090203 & 111957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD Horizon" SoleraTm Spinal System (K1 13174, KI 12473 & K102555.) The proposed screws are substantially equiv… | 2010 |
| * | K103085 | Venus Basic Spinal Fixation SystemSummary page 2…ivalent to the other screws in Polaris Spinal System (K061441, K090203 & 111957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD Horizon" SoleraTm Spinal System (K1 13174, KI 12473 & K102555.) The proposed screws are substantially equivalent to t… | 2011 |
| * | K113174 | CD Horizon Spinal SystemSummary page 2…(K061441, K090203 & 111957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD Horizon" SoleraTm Spinal System (K1 13174, KI 12473 & K102555.) The proposed screws are substantially equivalent to the predicate systems with respect to intended use and… | 2011 |
| * | K112473 | CD Horizon Spinal System | 2011 |
| * | K102555 | CD Horizon Spinal SystemSummary page 2…11957), the Nextgen OCT System (KI 13593), the Venus Spinal Fixation System (K120270, K100706 & K103085) and the CD Horizon" SoleraTm Spinal System (K1 13174, KI 12473 & K102555.) The proposed screws are substantially equivalent to the predicate systems with respect to intended use and indications, materia… | 2010 |
What descends from it? (75)
See all 755 later devices cite it directly; ranked here by how many devices descend from each in turn.
Has anything in its family been recalled? (0 Class I)
Recalls of this device
| Date | Class | Recall | Root cause | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 8, 2014 | Class II | Z-0909-2015 | Device Design | Inoperative screw head seat splay and/or fracture as a result of positioning of the rod which is a part of the Cypher MIS Screw System. |
| Aug 22, 2013 | Class II | Z-0359-2014 | Device Design | Polaris Translation Screw Failures were recently reported to Biomet Spine. These failures are generally described as dissociation of the screw head from the shaft of the Polaris Translation Screw. |
No ancestor or descendant has a Class I recall.
What does this lineage say?
- The line of descent spans 12 years and passes through 5 companies; a new generation was cleared every 10 months on median.
- 24 of the 267 ancestors have a recall of any class.
- Of its descendants, K131615 (Biomet Spine (Aka Ebi, LLC), 2013) has gone furthest, with 70 descendants of its own.
- 8 other devices also cite its predicate K061441.
How does its category compare?
All NKB devicesNKB Thoracolumbosacral Pedicle Screw System: FDA decisions, review times, recalls and adverse event reports over 20 years. 2013, this device’s year, is highlighted.
FDA decisions per year · NKB
24in 2025
2026 to Oct 25, outlined.
Median 510(k) review, days · NKB
61in 2025
Receipt to decision; years with fewer than 3 clearances left blank.
Recalls per year · NKB
1in 2025
Class I (1 since 2007) Class II/III not classified
Adverse event reports per year · NKB
1,171in 2025
MAUDE reports naming product code NKB, not matched to any one device; reports are not rates.
View these four charts as a table
| Year | Decisions | Median 510(k) review, days | Recalls (Class I) | MAUDE reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 38 | 87 | 4 | 34 |
| 2008 | 36 | 59 | 5 | 82 |
| 2009 | 44 | 71 | 33 | 171 |
| 2010 | 37 | 111 | 4 | 462 |
| 2011 | 48 | 84 | 3 | 577 |
| 2012 | 60 | 79 | 13 | 1,747 |
| 2013 | 35 | 73 | 0 | 1,962 |
| 2014 | 46 | 90 | 3 (1) | 1,671 |
| 2015 | 55 | 90 | 3 | 1,446 |
| 2016 | 50 | 84 | 1 | 1,585 |
| 2017 | 63 | 69 | 1 | 1,618 |
| 2018 | 56 | 61 | 3 | 1,684 |
| 2019 | 39 | 84 | 1 | 1,915 |
| 2020 | 48 | 68 | 1 | 2,076 |
| 2021 | 32 | 61 | 0 | 1,745 |
| 2022 | 34 | 88 | 5 | 1,339 |
| 2023 | 44 | 72 | 2 | 919 |
| 2024 | 39 | 57 | 3 | 1,614 |
| 2025 | 24 | 61 | 1 | 1,171 |
| 2026 | 30 | 91 | 3 | — |
What is it indicated for?
The Polaris Spinal System is a non-cervical spinal fixation device intended for immobilization and stabilization as an adjunct to fusion as a pedicle screw fixation system, a posterior hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system, or as an anterior or anterolateral fixation system. Pedicle screw fixation is limited to skeletally mature patients and for use with autograft and/or ailograft. The device is indicated for all the following indications…
Read the full statement (322 words)
The Polaris Spinal System is a non-cervical spinal fixation device intended for immobilization and stabilization as an adjunct to fusion as a pedicle screw fixation system, a posterior hook and sacral/iliac screw fixation system, or as an anterior or anterolateral fixation system. Pedicle screw fixation is limited to skeletally mature patients and for use with autograft and/or ailograft. The device is indicated for all 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), deformity or curvature (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis), tumor, stenosis, pseudoarthrosis, or failed previous fusion.
The Ballista/Ballista 11 instruments are intended to be used with Ballista/Ballista Il/Polaris 5.5mmn implants. Cannulated screws and percutaneous rods may be used with the Ballista/Ballista 11 instruments to provide the surgeon with a percutaneous approach for posterior spinal surgery for 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), deformity or curvature (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis), tumor, stenosis, pseudoarthrosis, or failed previous fusion that warrant the use of a non-cervical spinal fixation device intended for use as a pedicle screw fixation system or sacral/iliac screw fixation system. Pedicle screw fixation is limited to skeletally mature patients and for use with autograft and/or allograft.
The Polaris Spinal System may be used with the instruments in the AccuVision Minimally Invasive Spinal Exposure System to provide the surgeon with a minimally invasive approach for posterior spinal surgery.
The dominos in the Polaris Spinal System can be used to connect the Polaris Spinal System to the Altius Spinal System, the Array Spinal System, the Biomet Omega2 1 Spinal System, or the Synergy Spinal System to achieve additional levels of fixation. Please refer to the individual system's Package Insert for a list of the indications for use for each system.
Indications for use as stated in the FDA summary.
https://510kreport.com/device/K123549 · printed Nov 4, 2026
Cite this page
510(k) Report. “K123549: Polaris Spinal System - Ballista II Percutaneous Screw Placement System.” Lineage record from FDA 510(k) data and the FDA summary. Updated Nov 3, 2026. Accessed Nov 4, 2026. https://510kreport.com/device/K123549
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Record history
- FDA decision record loaded May 2, 2026
- Summary read Oct 13, 2026 (extraction version 9eaa42aa01ed)
- Lineage and recalls computed Nov 3, 2026
- Page last updated Nov 3, 2026