Patents Assigned to Synthes
  • Patent number: 5674244
    Abstract: The locking device for a pliers-shaped tool, preferably a pair of pliers (1), has a lever (7) with a spring (8a) on the inner side of one handle and a shaped rod (9) on the inner side of the other handle (4b).The shaped rod (9) has a catching element (10) and passes through an opening (14) in the lever (7). The lever has a sharp projection (15) in its opening (14), which engages the catching element (10) of the shaped rod (9) in the closed setting in such a way that the pliers (1) can only be closed. With these pliers (1), objects (5) can be gripped, held tight and let loose again. The locking device is entirely between the handles (4a and 4b) of the pliers (1). The pliers (1) with the locking devices can be used generally, but their primary application is in surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Robert Mathys
  • Patent number: 5674222
    Abstract: A bone plate is disclosed having a longitudinal shaft section with boreholes to admit attachment screws. Two forklike prongs are attached to the shaft section. The prongs are bent relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft section at an angle from 60 degrees to 150 degrees. The prongs can be lengthened individually so that the bone plate can be adjusted to different applications, even interoperatively, and without great expense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Roger Berger, Peter E. Ochsner, Thomas Welte
  • Patent number: 5653709
    Abstract: A marrow nail includes a nail 1 having a distal end 2, a proximal end 3, a longitudinal axis 4, and a slot 5 in the area of the proximal end, running transverse to the longitudinal axis 4. A cylindrical casing 10 is provided, which can be slid onto the proximal end 3 of marrow nail 1. This casing 10 exhibits a cylindrical axis 11 as well as at least two openings 12, 13 placed at opposite ends of the cylindrical cover 14. The casing 10 is formed in such a way that upon being slid onto marrow nail 1, it can be brought into an axial fastening position relative to the nail. Openings 12, 13 are thereby positioned in the fastening position of casing 10 in the area of slot 5 and with the latter, marrow nail 1 and casing 10 form a transverse channel 12, 5, 13 to admit bone fixation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Robert Frigg
  • Patent number: 5601553
    Abstract: A bone plate for stabilizing the anterior column of the spine has a lower curved surface and an upper surface having two intersecting planes in each of which is a screw hole, the axes of the holes being skewed relative to one another. A bone screw used to secure the plate, has a single start buttress thread near the tip and a two start machine thread near the head, the threads being continuous and of constant pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Linda Trebing, John Thalgott
  • Patent number: 5584832
    Abstract: This hook serves to treat vertebral column deformities. It is comprised of a shaft portion (2) with a longitudinal axis (1) to which a longitudinal support rod (5) can be attached transversely to the longitudinal axis (1), as well as a hook body (3) with a convex posterior side (34) and a concave anterior side (35) bent away from the longitudinal axis (1) connecting to the shaft portion (2). It is provided with a penetrating drill hole (36) extending from the convex posterior side (34) to the concave anterior side (35), to accept a screw (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Johannes F. Schlapfer
  • Patent number: 5534001
    Abstract: The osteosynthetic fixation element (10) in the form of a pedicular screw or a vertebral column hook has a lower section (2) that can be anchored into a bone and an upper section (3) connected in the direction of its longitudinal axis (1), that is completely penetrated transversely by a penetration channel (8) running transversely to the longitudinal axis (1) for acceptance of a longitudinal support (40). The upper section (3) is provided with an internal threading (5) and an external threading (9) to accept a locking part (30; 50) locking the longitudinal support (40). The upper section (3) is provided at its upper end (6) or at the inserted lock part (30; 50) with a rotationally-stable, releasable connecting mechanism (4, 5, 7; 11, 12) for positive and non-positive temporary acceptance of a manipulation device (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Johannes F. Schlapfer, Robert Frigg, Thomas Amrein, Daniel Recher, Linda Trebing
  • Patent number: 5527341
    Abstract: The device is implantable in the living body for attachment and augmentation of tendons and/or reinforcement of bones. It comprises a substantially flat membrane having a rounded outer shape and at least two perforations. The membrane contains resorbable or degradable polymeric and/or polymeric-ceramic material, having a Young's modulus in the range of 1 to 50 GPa and a tensile strength in the range of 0.1 to 20.0 GPa. It allows a more secure fixation of transosseous sutures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A)
    Inventors: Sylwester Gogolewski, Martin Beck, Christian Gerber, Alberto G. Schneeberger, Stephan M. Perren
  • Patent number: 5520689
    Abstract: An osteosynthetic fastening device, preferably in the form of a pedicle screw or a spinal column hook, has a channel in its upper section for receiving a support rod and a retaining element which clamps the rod in the socket through a spherical contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Johannes F. Schlapfer, Markus Fluckiger
  • Patent number: 5507801
    Abstract: A drill guide for drilling screw holes in bone fragments that are to be stabilized by means of a device composed of a compression plate and round-headed screws, the drill guide having a hollow outer cylinder and hollow inner cylinder, positioned so that the hollow inner cylinder can be slid axially within the outer cylinder by means of a spring mechanism, the plate-side end of the outer cylinder and the plateside of the inner cylinder having the shape of the spherical underside of the head and the shank of the screws to be used, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Paul Gisin, Stephan M. Perren
  • Patent number: 5501684
    Abstract: An osteosynthetic fixation device consists of a fixation element 1 which has a conical head section 11 and an anchoring element 12 abutting it which is for attachment into the bone. The fixation device also consists of a spherically formed, layered, slotted clamping piece 2 which has a conical borehole 21 for installation of the conical head section 11, and which is meant for locking within a connecting piece 3 equipped with a spherically shaped layered borehole 31. Fixation piece 1 has an axially arrayed tension element 4, permitting axial displacement and wedging of conical head section 11 in the borehole 21 that corresponds with it. The fixation device is appropriate for use as a plate/screw system, an internal or external fixator, and in particular for spinal column fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Johannes F. Schlapfer, Martin Hess
  • Patent number: 5498264
    Abstract: A clamp connection serves to connect two construction components, in particular for an osteo-synthetic fixation device in a structure in which the construction components are off-set from the force axis of the loading force that retains them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Johannes F. Schlapfer, Martin Hess, Roland Woreth, Peter Tanner, Hans Weigum
  • Patent number: 5490855
    Abstract: A device for the axial stabilization of a cutting means, used to make at least one cut at one end of a bone with a view to the fitting of a prosthesis in bone surgery. It includes an axial centering rod that is introduced partially into the intramedullar canal of said bone and is designed to receive said one cutting means. The centering rod is provided with an anchoring thread so as to form a anchor bolt that is axially stabilized in a direction parallel to the axis of the rod. A clamping device is mounted to the rod and axially clamps the cutting means inst the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignees: Developpement D'Implants Orthopediques et Medicaux, Protek Synthes
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bouraly, Jurg Aebi, Philippe Beaufils, Michel de Lestang, Jean-Gilles Gaffuri, Herve Hourlier, Jean-Jacques Lallement, Philippe Legroux, Jean-Paul Levai, Gerald Pondaven, Pierre Schuster, Christian Vergnat
  • Patent number: 5464427
    Abstract: The suture anchor comprises a first main body (11) of a generally cylindrical shape having a front portion (1), a rear portion (2), a longitudinal axis (3), a curved surface (4) with protrusions (5), a central through-going bore (19) extending from said front portion (1) to said rear portion (2), and a longitudinal slit (12) which opens at said front portion (1) and curved surface (4) and is closed at said rear portion (2).It further comprises a second conical body (14) having a smaller base (15), a larger base (16), a curved surface (17) and a longitudinal axis (13), said second conical body (14) being coaxially introducible with its smaller base (15) into said slit (12) thereby causing expansion of said first main body (11). The second conical body (14) is provided with a through-hole (6) running transversely to said longitudinal axis (13) and two channels (7) positioned on said curved surface (17) and extending from the orifices (18) of said through-hole (6) to said smaller base (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Raymond L. Curtis, Urs Schlegel, Thomas Heldstab
  • Patent number: 5462547
    Abstract: A device for treating fractures of the neck and shaft of bones such as the femur, which includes a sleeve strap and a trochanter stabilization plate, and is designed so that the stabilization plate can be positioned over a previously installed sleeve strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Hans Weigum
  • Patent number: 5445641
    Abstract: The device for dispensing of bone screws (1) comprises a drum device (3) that can be rotated around its axis (2), with several holes (4) serving as storage chambers for bone screws (1) or other osteosynthesis fixation elements, arranged peripherally and parallel to the axis (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Synthes
    Inventors: Robert Frigg, Rudolf Ambuhl
  • Patent number: 5437666
    Abstract: The external fixation device for osteosynthesis is made up of first and second longitudinal bars (3,4) as carriers for fixation elements (5;10) to the bone (7), a three-dimensional shell (1) attached to the extremity of said first bar (4) and a gliding element (2) attached to the extremity of said second bar (3) having at least three gliding points on each side of said shell (1). The gliding element (2) can consists of a first disk (2A) gliding on one side of the shell (1) and a second disk (2B) gliding on the opposite side of the shell (1), both disks (2A,2B) being connected through a central hole (12) in the center of the shell (1) by a threaded extension (2C).The shell (1) and the gliding element (2) are movably arranged to each other in such a way that the free ends of the bars (3,4) are extending in opposite directions.The device enables motion of the wrist joint about all three axes, while keeping the center of rotation at one point during treatment of the fracture and thus preventing complications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Slobodan Tepic, Carel Goslings
  • Patent number: 5437676
    Abstract: A kneecap cutting guide device for the fitting of a total knee replacement includes, a trial femur component having an artificial trochlea, a side hole made on at least one edge of said trial femur component, and a central hole made in the center of said trochelea. An ancillary device includes a fastening dog-point designed to cooperate with the side hole of the trial femur component. A kneecap plate is designed to be placed in a position of resting on the kneecap and a mechanism to center the plate in relation to said central hole of the artificial trochlea is provided. The guide device further incorporates means to shift the kneecap plate, enabling a crosswise motion with respect to said trochlea and an axial motion parallel to the central hole. There is also a mechanism for locking the plate in position and a surface for guiding a blade to cut the kneecap parallel to the plane of the trochlea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignees: Developpement d'Implants Orthopediques et Medicaux, Protek Synthes
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Bouraly, Jurg Aebi, Philippe Beaufils, Michel de Lestang, Jean-Gilles Gaffuri, Herve Hourlier, Jean-Jacques Lallement, Philippe Legroux, Jean-Paul Levai, Gerald Pondaven, Pierre Schuster, Christian Vergnat
  • Patent number: 5403136
    Abstract: The fastener, which is especially adapted for bones, consists of a shaft (2) bearing a thread (1) with variable pitch, a front end (3) and a rear end (4).The thread (1) is present over the entire area of the shaft (2), and in the area of the rear end (4) is characterized by a smaller pitch than in the area of the front end (3).Thanks to the diminishing pitch of the thread (1) in the proximal direction, a locally differentiated intraosseous pressure generation takes place. In accord with the well-known Wolff's Law, this leads to a controlled bone growth along the loading axis and thus an improvement in the stability of the implanted fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Robert Mathys
  • Patent number: 5383931
    Abstract: A device for the reconstruction of the orbit of the skull is described. The device is produced from biocompatible polymeric preferably from resorbable polymers having a shape of nonporous and/or microporous plates, membranes or films. The device is preshaped into a three-dimensional element to fit into the orbit of the human skull. Fixation elements with holes being integral part of the device, allow attachment of the device to the skull. Anatomical cuts in the body of the device allow through the nerves and vessels of the eye. An oblong shape of the edges of the anatomical cuts, protects the nerves and vessels from being damaged when the nerves and vessels rub against the edge surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Markus Hehli, Sylwester Gogolewski, Stephan M. Perren
  • Patent number: 5344422
    Abstract: A pedicle screw clamp for attaching a pedicle screw or other spinal implant to a spinal support rod, wherein the axis of the pedicle screw and the axis of the support rod are in different planes and the distance between the axis of the pedicle screw and the axis of the support rod is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventor: Robert Frigg