510(k) · Cleared
ClearedVariAx 2 System
Data to Oct 25, 2026 (FDA decisions) Oct 12, 2026 (recalls) Sep 30, 2026 (MAUDE) refreshed weekly
Stryker GmbH · HWC Screw, Fixation, Bone
Cleared on Nov 27, 2017 as substantially equivalent to K140769 (Stryker Trauma AG, 2014) and 1 other predicate after a 59-day review. Its family tree reaches back 12 generations to 1979. 13 later devices descend from it.
- Decided
- Nov 27, 2017
- Review
- 59 days
- Class
- Class II
- Product code
- HWC
- Recalls
- None
- Predicates
- 2
Its longest line of descent runs back 12 generations to K792022 (1979). 102 ancestors in all. 13 later devices descend from it, 1 citing it directly.
- Root · 12 generations backK792022 Herbert Bone ScrewZimmer, Inc. · 1979 · Recalled
- 8 generations between
- 3 generations backK113760 Variax Superior and Anterior, Lateral and Midshaft Clavicle Plates…Howmedica Osteonics Corp., Dba Stryker Orthopaedics · 2012
- 2 generations backK132502 Variax 2 SystemStryker Trauma AG · 2013
- 1 generation backK140769 Variax 2 SystemStryker Trauma AG · 2014
- This deviceK173135 VariAx 2 SystemStryker GmbH · 2017
- Descendant · cites it directly · 12 of its ownK180500 VariAx 2 SystemStryker GmbH · 2018
- Descendant · 2 generations on · 10 of its ownK191412 VariAx 2 System, VariAx 2 Mini Fragment SystemStryker GmbH · 2019
- Descendant · 3 generations on · 4 of its ownK212581 VariAx 2 Distal Radius System, VariAx 2 Distal Ulna SystemStryker GmbH · 2022
- Descendant · 4 generations on · 2 of its ownK233919 VariAx 2 Distal Radius SystemStryker GmbH · 2024
- Descendant · 3 generations on · 2 of its ownK220937 Arthrex Mini Fragment SystemArthrex, Inc. · 2022
Show all 12 generations
- Root · 12 generations backK792022 Herbert Bone ScrewZimmer, Inc. · 1979 · Recalled
- 11 generations backK974876 Bionx Distal Radius ScrewBionx Implants, Inc. · 1998
- 10 generations backK992947 Cannulated Smartscrew Models 224540C, 224570CBionx Implants, Ltd. · 1999
- 9 generations backK012001 SmartscrewBionx Implants, Ltd. · 2001
- 8 generations backK030900 Inion Otps Biodegradable Fixaton SystemInion, Ltd. · 2003
- 7 generations backK043248 Tightrope Syndesmosis Repair Kit, Titanium, Model AR-8920DS…Arthrex, Inc. · 2005
- 6 generations backK052776 Tightrope Acromioclavicular (AC) Device, Titanium, Stainless Steel…Arthrex, Inc. · 2005
- 5 generations backK082095 Ultraslide Acromioclavicular and Syndesmotic Repair DeviceSmith & Nephew Endoscopy, Inc. · 2008
- 4 generations backK112111 Acu-Sinch Repair System and Acumed Suture AnchorAcumed, LLC · 2011
- 3 generations backK113760 Variax Superior and Anterior, Lateral and Midshaft Clavicle Plates…Howmedica Osteonics Corp., Dba Stryker Orthopaedics · 2012
- 2 generations backK132502 Variax 2 SystemStryker Trauma AG · 2013
- 1 generation backK140769 Variax 2 SystemStryker Trauma AG · 2014
- This deviceK173135 VariAx 2 SystemStryker GmbH · 2017
Showing 5 of 13 descendants. See all descendants
Descendants cleared per year
Most influential descendants
Showing 5 of 13 · See all- K180500VariAx 2 SystemStryker GmbH · 2018 · cites it directly12descendants
- K191412VariAx 2 System, VariAx 2 Mini Fragment SystemStryker GmbH · 2019 · 2 generations on10descendants
- K212581VariAx 2 Distal Radius System, VariAx 2 Distal Ulna SystemStryker GmbH · 2022 · 3 generations on4descendants
- K233919VariAx 2 Distal Radius SystemStryker GmbH · 2024 · 4 generations on2descendants
- K220937Arthrex Mini Fragment SystemArthrex, Inc. · 2022 · 3 generations on2descendants
View FIG. 1 as a table
Line of descent and top descendants
| Generation | Number | Device | Applicant | Decided | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| −12 | K792022 | Herbert Bone Screw | Zimmer, Inc. | 1979 | 6 |
| −11 | K974876 | Bionx Distal Radius Screw | Bionx Implants, Inc. | 1998 | — |
| −10 | K992947 | Cannulated Smartscrew Models 224540C, 224570C | Bionx Implants, Ltd. | 1999 | — |
| −9 | K012001 | Smartscrew | Bionx Implants, Ltd. | 2001 | — |
| −8 | K030900 | Inion Otps Biodegradable Fixaton System | Inion, Ltd. | 2003 | — |
| −7 | K043248 | Tightrope Syndesmosis Repair Kit, Titanium, Model AR-8920DS; Stainless Steel.… | Arthrex, Inc. | 2005 | — |
| −6 | K052776 | Tightrope Acromioclavicular (AC) Device, Titanium, Stainless Steel , Models… | Arthrex, Inc. | 2005 | — |
| −5 | K082095 | Ultraslide Acromioclavicular and Syndesmotic Repair Device | Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Inc. | 2008 | — |
| −4 | K112111 | Acu-Sinch Repair System and Acumed Suture Anchor | Acumed, LLC | 2011 | — |
| −3 | K113760 | Variax Superior and Anterior, Lateral and Midshaft Clavicle Plates Variax… | Howmedica Osteonics Corp., Dba Stryker Orthopaedics | 2012 | — |
| −2 | K132502 | Variax 2 System | Stryker Trauma AG | 2013 | — |
| −1 | K140769 | Variax 2 System | Stryker Trauma AG | 2014 | — |
| 0 (this device) | K173135 | VariAx 2 System | Stryker GmbH | 2017 | — |
| +1 | K180500 | VariAx 2 System | Stryker GmbH | 2018 | — |
| +2 | K191412 | VariAx 2 System, VariAx 2 Mini Fragment System | Stryker GmbH | 2019 | — |
| +3 | K212581 | VariAx 2 Distal Radius System, VariAx 2 Distal Ulna System | Stryker GmbH | 2022 | — |
| +4 | K233919 | VariAx 2 Distal Radius System | Stryker GmbH | 2024 | — |
| +3 | K220937 | Arthrex Mini Fragment System | Arthrex, Inc. | 2022 | — |
Other ancestors by year cleared
| Year cleared | Devices | With a Class I recall |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 2 | 0 |
| 1990 | 2 | 0 |
| 1991 | 1 | 0 |
| 1992 | 1 | 0 |
| 1993 | 1 | 0 |
| 1994 | 2 | 0 |
| 1995 | 4 | 0 |
| 1996 | 10 | 0 |
| 1997 | 4 | 0 |
| 1998 | 7 | 0 |
| 1999 | 5 | 0 |
| 2000 | 10 | 0 |
| 2001 | 9 | 0 |
| 2002 | 3 | 0 |
| 2003 | 3 | 0 |
| 2004 | 7 | 0 |
| 2005 | 2 | 0 |
| 2006 | 3 | 0 |
| 2007 | 2 | 0 |
| 2008 | 4 | 0 |
| 2009 | 1 | 0 |
| 2010 | 5 | 0 |
| 2011 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 | 0 |
Descendants by year cleared
| Year cleared | Devices | With a Class I recall |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 4 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 | 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 HWC? 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 HWC device
- #1 K203011 Monster Screw Systemscore 22.2 · 14 generations · no Class I recall
- #2 Held for the reportin the report
- #3 Held for the reportin the report
What was it cleared against? (2)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| * | K140769 | Variax 2 SystemSummary page 4…accessories (21 CFR § 888.3030) Regulatory Class: Class II Product Codes: HWC, HRS, HTN Primary Predicate: VariAx 2 System, K140769 Additional Predicate: ALPS Small Bone Locked Plating System, K101240 Description: VariAx 2 is a system used for i… | 2014 |
| * | K101240 | Closed Fusion Plate, MTP Plate, Talus Plate, Model 824077021, 22; 824677021, 22…Summary page 4…t Codes: HWC, HRS, HTN Primary Predicate: VariAx 2 System, K140769 Additional Predicate: ALPS Small Bone Locked Plating System, K101240 Description: VariAx 2 is a system used for internal fixation applications and is composed of sterile and nonsterile screws,… | 2010 |
What descends from it? (13)
See all 131 later device cites it directly; ranked here by how many devices descend from each in turn.
| Number | Device | Decided | Descendants |
|---|---|---|---|
| K180500 | VariAx 2 System | 2018 | 12 |
Has anything in its family been recalled? (0 Class I)
No FDA recall names this device.
No ancestor or descendant has a Class I recall.
What does this lineage say?
- The line of descent spans 38 years and passes through 10 companies; a new generation was cleared every 1.8 years on median.
- 16 of the 102 ancestors have a recall of any class.
- Of its descendants, K180500 (Stryker GmbH, 2018) has gone furthest, with 12 descendants of its own.
- 3 other devices also cite its predicate K140769.
How does its category compare?
All HWC devicesHWC Screw, Fixation, Bone: FDA decisions, review times, recalls and adverse event reports over 20 years. 2017, this device’s year, is highlighted.
FDA decisions per year · HWC
15in 2025
2026 to Oct 25, outlined.
Median 510(k) review, days · HWC
111in 2025
Receipt to decision; years with fewer than 3 clearances left blank.
Recalls per year · HWC
1in 2025
Class I (0 since 2007) Class II/III not classified
Adverse event reports per year · HWC
2,893in 2025
MAUDE reports naming product code HWC, 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 | 35 | 77 | 25 | 669 |
| 2008 | 33 | 76 | 33 | 660 |
| 2009 | 27 | 113 | 29 | 651 |
| 2010 | 23 | 110 | 7 | 765 |
| 2011 | 35 | 88 | 12 | 1,104 |
| 2012 | 20 | 99 | 30 | 3,339 |
| 2013 | 25 | 90 | 14 | 3,850 |
| 2014 | 31 | 88 | 2 | 2,549 |
| 2015 | 41 | 85 | 5 | 2,711 |
| 2016 | 26 | 131 | 4 | 2,285 |
| 2017 | 40 | 127 | 4 | 2,561 |
| 2018 | 20 | 106 | 1 | 3,662 |
| 2019 | 30 | 108 | 5 | 5,463 |
| 2020 | 28 | 75 | 4 | 4,820 |
| 2021 | 26 | 84 | 2 | 4,446 |
| 2022 | 26 | 167 | 13 | 3,934 |
| 2023 | 24 | 104 | 0 | 3,718 |
| 2024 | 17 | 90 | 0 | 3,575 |
| 2025 | 15 | 111 | 1 | 2,893 |
| 2026 | 21 | 125 | 2 | — |
What is it indicated for?
The VariAx 2 System is indicated for adult and pediatric patients, where the implant would not cross open growth plates, for the treatment of normal or osteopenic bone for the following conditions or procedures:
Fracture fixation, including single, segmental, and comminuted fractures
Revision, including nonunion and malunion
Intra- and extra-articular fractures
Compression fracture
Displaced fracture
Reconstruction
Replantation
Arthrodesis
Osteotomy
Indications for use read by OCR from a scanned FDA summary, so letters may be misread. Check the PDF before quoting it.
https://510kreport.com/device/K173135 · printed Nov 6, 2026
Cite this page
510(k) Report. “K173135: VariAx 2 System.” Lineage record from FDA 510(k) data and the FDA summary. Updated Nov 3, 2026. Accessed Nov 6, 2026. https://510kreport.com/device/K173135
Report an extraction error
Are you the manufacturer?
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