Patents Assigned to Zimmer Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6824566
    Abstract: A prosthetic component includes an adaptor having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an elongated male tapered body. The second end includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the male tapered body and having an anti-rotational/anatomically orientation component formed therewith. The second end also includes a female tapered aperture formed therein which has an anti-rotational/anatomical orientation component formed therewith. The flange may include an elongated portion having a porous annular surface thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Kana, Richard J. Taft
  • Publication number: 20040236428
    Abstract: A modular patellar prosthetic system used to replace a portion of the natural knee and, more particularly, a multi-piece modular patellar prosthetic system having various baseplates and articulation components that are interchangeable with each other. Each baseplate has a fixation surface adapted to engage patellar bone, and each articulation component has a smooth articulation surface. The articulation component and baseplate connect with an attachment mechanism and form an implantable knee prosthesis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Burkinshaw, Steven Brown
  • Patent number: 6821299
    Abstract: An implantable knee prosthesis for in-vivo measuring force components along three different axes, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The prosthesis can measure six different force components along these axes while the prosthesis is under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Kirking, Aaron Bailey, Robert Radefeld, John Green
  • Publication number: 20040220583
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty, and methods of performing same. In one illustrative embodiment, the device is adapted to be coupled to a prepared end of a femur and comprises a body having a bottom surface and a movable stylus operatively coupled to the body, the stylus having a tip, wherein the stylus is coupled to the body such that the tip may be moved in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to a plane containing the bottom surface. In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises making an incision in a patient's knee and attaching a femoral implant sizing guide to a prepared surface of a femur of the patient, the sizing guide having a body having a bottom surface and a movable stylus with a tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Pieczynski, Charles H. Perrone
  • Publication number: 20040215345
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotating/non-rotating tibia base plate/insert system. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a tibia base plate, an insert adapted to be positioned above the base plate, and at least one removable pin that, when installed, engages at least a portion of the insert and the base plate to thereby prevent relative rotation between the insert and the base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Perrone, Aaron A. Hofmann, James William Burrows
  • Patent number: 6800094
    Abstract: A patellar prosthesis used to replace a portion of the natural knee. The patellar prosthesis comprises two basic components: A baseplate and an articulation component connected together with an attachment mechanism. This attachment mechanism provides both rotational and orbital translation such that the articulation component moves in an infinite number of directions with respect to the baseplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Burkinshaw
  • Patent number: 6797006
    Abstract: A unicondylar femoral component for use in a partial knee arthroplasty. A femoral component of the present invention comprises a post and a flange having a pre-determined angle there between whereby a clamping force is placed on a patient's distal femur to hold the implant in place. The implant further comprises a porous layer on its bone contacting surface. In an alternative embodiment the femoral component is attached to the distal femur at least two threaded fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Hodorek
  • Publication number: 20040171930
    Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in a computer assisted navigation system is provided. The instrument includes at least one reference element registerable in the navigational system disposed on a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is rotatably mounted on the instrument and includes a counterweight or other anti-rotation feature whereby the reference element may be maintained in a desired orientation. A rotatable shaft may extend through the mounting assembly and have one end which is securable to a rotary driver such as a drill and a second end securable to a rotary tool such as a reamer. The second end of the shaft may utilize a collet assembly to firmly grasp the driven tool and thereby limit relative movement of the tool and the reference elements disposed on the mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Grimm, Shawn E. McGinley, Dale Walriven, Chetan Rangaiah
  • Publication number: 20040172137
    Abstract: A femoral augment, or set of augments, for use with a knee joint prosthesis, where the femoral augment includes a main body portion, an aperture formed within the main body portion and extending in a generally distal/proximal direction, and a pair of legs extending outwardly from said main body portion in a generally posterior direction. In the preferred embodiment, the aperture is configured to receive a stem extension implant, and to allow it to pass through. Additionally, the legs of the femoral augment are preferably configured to be seated proximal of a proximal side of a pair of condylar portions of a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis. The present invention is intended for situations in which the distal portion of the femur is defective, and it provides a method and devices that allow for preservation of healthy peripheral bone, while still providing the necessary augmentation to the distal portion of the femur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicants: Zimmer Technology, Inc., Mayo Foundation For Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Jeff Blaylock, Michael Cook, Ron Donkers, Scott Dykema, Maleata Hall, John Meyers, Arlen D. Hanssen, David G. Lewallen
  • Publication number: 20040167654
    Abstract: A system for registering an orthopedic implant in a computer assisted navigation system. The system includes a plurality of differently sized implants which may be the femoral component or hip stem of a prosthetic hip joint. A registration device is engageable with each of the implants in a predefined relative position. The registration device also includes at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system. A second reference structure also having at least one reference element registerable in the computer assisted navigation system is detachably secured to the implant. The relative positions of the reference elements located on the registration device and second reference structure differs for each of the plurality of implants and thereby allows the navigation system to determine the nominal size of the implant. The relative position and orientation of the implant relative to the second structure can also be calibrated using the registration device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James Grimm, Shawn McGinley, Dale Walriven, Chetan Rangaiah
  • Publication number: 20040162619
    Abstract: A tibial augment for use with a knee joint prosthesis, composed of annular members of different stock sizes, each size being configured to fit within a cavity formed in a human tibia. The augment may include a stepped distal surface. A provisional (temporary) tibial augment used to ensure a proper fit for the permanent augment is also provided. The provisional may include grooves configured to cooperate with a set of ribs on a tong-like holder used for removing the provisional from the cavity. A pusher for use implanting the tibial augment is also provided. In addition, a system for creating a cavity in a human tibia is also described. The system preferably includes a guide with a slot therein and a set of osteotomes that are inserted within different portions of the slot. Methods for using the tools and/or implanting the prosthetic devices discussed above are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicants: Zimmer Technology, Inc., Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Jeff Blaylock, Michael Cook, Ron Donkers, Scott Dykema, David Jones, John Meyers, Stephen Vankoski, Arlen D. Hanssen, David G. Lewallen
  • Patent number: 6773461
    Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Meyers, G. Douglas Letson, Russell Windsor, Vincent A. Webster, Bill N. Sisk, Bill H. Haywood, Adam Griner, Michael Cook, Rodney L. Bays, Jerry L. Aikins, Marvin Figueroa
  • Patent number: 6770099
    Abstract: A femoral component for a prosthetic knee implant system. The femoral component comprises medial and lateral condyles, wherein the height of the medial condyle is greater than the height of the lateral condyle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Andriacchi, Ron Donkers, James Harris, Audrey Patmore, Scott Steffensmeier, Shinro Takai, Linggawati Tanamal, Peter Walker
  • Patent number: 6764492
    Abstract: A technique for preparing a bone to receive an implantable orthopedic component. The technique utilizes a modular bone impaction preform. The preform holds the shape of the implantable component during impaction of bone replacement material to fill defects formed in the bone via disease, congenital defect, or trauma. Typically, the bone impaction preform is used with an instrument that may comprise a trial stem, a trial stem adapter, and a handle. The bone impaction preform and trial stem, as well as the other components, can be made in modular form to facilitate interchangeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Taft
  • Patent number: 6749638
    Abstract: A modular knee prosthetic system used to replace the natural knee and including two distal posterior femoral components and one patellar-femoral joint component. The components have a smooth outer condylar surface and an inner bone-engaging surface and are connectable to form either an unicompartmental or bicompartmental femoral knee prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Saladino
  • Patent number: 6740186
    Abstract: An orthopaedic implant having a porous metal surface in a preferred embodiment, the implant comprises three layers including a biocompatible metal core of desired shape, a polymer intermediary layer, and a surface layer comprising a porous biocompatible metal, shaped appropriately to act as the surface of an orthopaedic implant is provided. The core and the pad are placed in an injection molding device wherein a polymer intermediary layer is injection molded between the pad and the metal core, thereby bonding the pad to the metal core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hawkins, Steven James Charlesbois, Jerry W. Howard
  • Patent number: 6733533
    Abstract: A spinal disc prosthesis used to replace a natural human spinal disc that has been damaged by trauma or disease and a method of using the same. The spinal disc of the present invention includes, in one form thereof a flexible fluid filled nucleus, a flexible braided fiber annulus, and a pair of woven metallic end-plates comprising micro-fixation means for initial fixation to adjacent bone and a bone in-growth surface, wherein the spinal disc comprises a generally anatomic structure and shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Antony Lozier
  • Patent number: 6726546
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for deburring nonmetallic machined workpieces. A deburring material of sufficient hardness to debur nonmetallic workpieces without causing scarring thereto is rubbed against a workpiece to effect deburring. The deburring material has a durometer hardness and consequently a coefficient of friction whereby frictional engagement of a burr with the deburring material is stronger than the attachment of the burr to the workpiece and therefore the burr is removed as the deburring material is actuated and brought into contact with the burr. The deburring material can be, e.g., polyisoprene and may be mechanically actuated or actuated by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Christian, David J. Lucas, Charles R. Hileman, Buddy Kuczewski, Charles M. Williams
  • Patent number: 6719800
    Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available. The meniscal component includes a mechanism for preventing lift off of the meniscal component from the tibial component, while allowing rotation of the meniscal component relative to the tibial component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Meyers, G. Doug Letson, Russell Windsor, Vincent A. Webster, Bill N. Sisk, Bill H. Haywood, Adam Griner, Michael Cook, Rodney L. Bays, Jerry L. Aikins, Marvin Figueroa
  • Patent number: 6713029
    Abstract: A sterilization tray has a smooth exterior, ruggedness, light weight, high thermal conductivity, comfortable gripping surfaces, stackability, and low cost construction. The tray is constructed of stamped and folded sheet metal, but in such a way as to provide rounded corners. A molded handle insert is attached to the ends of the tray to provide the multiple utility of reducing the number of handles required, maximizing space utilization, providing a comfortable gripping surface on the outside and inside of the tray, and providing stackability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Petrus Krafft, Shane E. Maust