Patents Assigned to Zimmer GmbH
  • Publication number: 20140074103
    Abstract: Methods of treating bone defects of the joint, particularly at the subchondral level, such as with bone-derived implants or injectable bone augmentation materials, either in combination or alone, are provided. A system of instruments and tools for delivering the implant and injectable material is also provided. These instruments and tools may be provided with depth control features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer GmbH, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. MANDEEN, Shaun B. HANSON, David L. NICHOLS
  • Publication number: 20140074102
    Abstract: Instruments for treating bone defects of the joint, particularly at the subchondral level, such as bone marrow lesions or bone marrow edema, are provided. In particular, these instruments may be delivery instruments that comprise features to control the location to which they deliver injectable materials or other tools to the bone to be treated. Also provided is an injection instrument that delivers a treatment material to the bone defect and stimulates a natural healing response in the bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer GmbH, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. MANDEEN, Shaun B. HANSON, David L. NICHOLS
  • Patent number: 8668695
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intramedullary nail having a body with a transverse bore extending through the body and having an area of enhanced stress distribution on at least the lateral side of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the intramedullary nail includes a cutout adjacent to the transverse bore, such as an oblique cutout, that enhances the stress distribution of the intramedullary nail in the region around the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the cutout includes a ramp portion or area that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In other exemplary embodiments, the cutout includes a runout or a substantially flat portion that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Andy Schwammberger, Jordan Velikov, Reto Senger, Rolf Dittmann
  • Patent number: 8652136
    Abstract: A femur fixation device including an elongated nail configured for insertion into the medullary canal of the femur and a buttress element extending from the elongated nail. The buttress element is configured to reinforce the lesser trochanter region of the femur and assist in stabilizing the head portion of the femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventor: Kyu Hyun Yang
  • Publication number: 20140039454
    Abstract: Methods of therapeutically treating osteoarthritis in a joint are disclosed. These methods aim to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint by treating the subchondral bone to heal, or delay the onset or progression of, bone marrow edema or lesions in the subchondral bone region of the joint. Associated devices and instruments for such subchondral treatment are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer GmbH, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter F. SHARKEY
  • Patent number: 8641740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bone anchoring device for the operative repair of fractures, comprising a fracture fixation plate which has at least one opening and at least one anchoring element for the fastening of the fracture fixation plate on the bone, wherein the anchoring element has a shaft and a head, and wherein at least one part of the shaft can be guided through the opening while the head can be fixed in the opening, and wherein the shaft is produced in at least two parts with a first part on which the head is arranged and with a second part provided for the anchoring in the bone, wherein the first part and the second part of the shaft are guided such that they move toward each other along an axis when the bone anchoring device is in the state of being fixed to the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Kuster, Jordan Velikov, Miodrag Garic, Thomas Teschke
  • Patent number: 8632601
    Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for relieving damaged areas of the surfaces of hip or shoulder joints from stress. Said implant can be introduced into the space between the joint surfaces of the condyle and the socket cooperating in the natural joint. The inventive implant is cup-shaped or cap-shaped, rests in the socket by a convex external face, and sits on the condyle by a concave internal face in the implanted state. The implant comprises at least two articulation layers which are movable relative to each other and encompass articulation surfaces that face one another in the implanted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Howald, Peter Heuberger, Ulrike Trommsdorff
  • Publication number: 20140018929
    Abstract: An orthopaedic knee joint prosthesis (10) provides guided motion in a wide range of motion, and in both extension and flexion. In flexion, a tibial bearing component (16) shifts to a first position in which a posterior cam (36) formed in a femoral component (12) engages a tibial spine (18) coupled to a tibial component (14). Contact between the posterior cam and the spine guides the motion profile of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of flexion movement. In extension, the bearing component shifts to a second position in which an anterior cam (34) formed in the femoral component engages the spine. Contact between the anterior cam and spine guides the motion profile of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of extension. The anterior and posterior cams, mobile bearing component, and tibial component-mounted spine cooperate to facilitate guided flexion and extension of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: ZIMMER GMBH
    Inventors: Marco A.H. Heggendorn, Roger Scherrer, Matthias Schapper
  • Publication number: 20140005795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a straight stem (10) for the implantation into a proximal femur, the stem (10) comprising a proximal stem section (12) and a distal stem section (14), the distal stem section (14) having a distal end (24) and a distal tip (26) arranged directly adjacent to the distal end (24) and defining a distalmost point of the distal end (24), the stem (10) having, in an anterior-posterior view, a medial contour and a lateral contour, and the stem (10) having a straight stem center axis (20) between the medial contour and the lateral contour, wherein the distal end (24), in an anterior-posterior view, has a convexly curved contour, and wherein the convexly curved contour of the distal end (24) merges with straight sections (46, 48) of the medial contour and of the lateral contour at a medial merging point (22) and a lateral merging point (28), respectively, wherein the medial merging point (22) and the lateral merging point (28) are offset with respect to each other in a direction parallel
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Meier, Roland Baege
  • Patent number: 8613757
    Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band is can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Egli, Emmanuel Zylber, Michael E. Lancial
  • Patent number: 8608778
    Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band is can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Egli, Emmanuel Zylber, Michael E. Lancial
  • Patent number: 8608805
    Abstract: An insert (11) of a joint ball receptacle of a prosthetic shoulder joint according to the invention has a first side (I) with a depression (15) for receiving a joint ball, and a second side (II) which is provided and formed for being received in a shell (13) of the joint ball receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Forrer, Nicole Gronau, Stefan Boss, Ines Baum
  • Patent number: 8603146
    Abstract: Insertion of a spinal stabilization element into a patient generally includes positioning a cord within a sheath and inserting the sheath and cord through the patient's body along a path generally toward an anchor member. An advancement member may be mounted on the leading end of the cord to further facilitate this insertion. The sheath is then retracted to expose a first portion of the cord within the patient's body, and the first portion of the cord is moved into a desired position relative to the anchor member. After advancing a spacer over the sheath and cord, the sheath is retracted to expose a second portion of the cord. The second portion of the cord is then moved into a desired position relative to another anchor member such that the spacer is positioned between the two anchor members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Emmanuel Zylber, Thomas Egli, Nimrod Meier, Michael Filippi
  • Publication number: 20130310948
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to porous orthopedic implants made from polymer preforms and a method of manufacturing the same. A polymer material may be formed into a preform, such as by an injection molding process or an additive manufacturing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the overall shape and the porous framework of the preform is predetermined to be substantially the same as the overall shape and the porous framework of the final orthopedic implant. Then, the preform may be pyrolyzed and coated with metal to form the final orthopedic implant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER GMBH
    Inventor: Patrik Luscher
  • Patent number: 8574303
    Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry
  • Patent number: 8551178
    Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry
  • Patent number: 8541540
    Abstract: A continuous process is disclosed for the extraction of monomeric caprolactam and its oligomers as the raw polymer product obtained in the polymerization of polyamide-6 in which no fresh water, but processing water or previously used extraction water is used for the granulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Lurgi Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Kirsten, Manfred Albrecht, Franz Samlitschka
  • Patent number: 8529631
    Abstract: The invention relates to a base component for a tibial implant, comprising a lateral compartment (14), a medial compartment (12) and an anterior connection portion (16) which connects the lateral compartment (14) and the medial compartment (12) to one another at anterior. A portion (18) open to posterior is provided between the lateral compartment (14) and the medial compartment (12). The lateral component (14) and the medial component (12) each have a lower side and an upper side, with at least one of the lower sides being configured for the fastening of the base component to the tibia. A marginal web (22, 22?) is formed at at least one of the compartments (12, 14), starting from the upper side, said marginal web forming a receiving shell for a meniscus component (30, 32) of the tibial implant together with the upper side of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Cosimo Donno, Roger Scherrer
  • Patent number: 8523867
    Abstract: An orthopaedic reamer is provided for preparing a bone socket, such as the glenoid of the scapula, to receive a prosthetic glenoid component. The orthopaedic reamer includes an elongate shaft and an oblong cutting head, such as a cutting head having an oval or elliptical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Rauscher, Urs Gersbach
  • Patent number: 8523905
    Abstract: An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Egli, Emmanuel Zylber, Michael E. Lancial