Patents Assigned to Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11065745
    Abstract: A fastener cartridge can be used with a shaft of a tool during an orthopedic procedure. The fastener cartridge can have a main housing that can be attached to fastener housing including a fastener chamber and a backstop component. The fastener chamber includes a plurality of non-flexible tabs and the backstop component includes a plurality of resiliently flexible tabs. The fastener housing is configured to include a plurality of fasteners that are arranged therein such that the longitudinal axes of the fastener chamber and the plurality of fasteners are collinear. The plurality non-flexible tabs prevent one of the fasteners from inadvertently passing entirely out of an outlet of the fastener chamber and the plurality of resiliently flexible tabs allow the fasteners to move axially in the first direction and restrict movement of the fasteners in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet CMF and Thoracic, LLC
    Inventors: Saddy Garcia, James Licht, Myles Tonkinson, Kerwin Suarez, Lawrence Jene Chadwell, Ryan N Luby, Nicolai Ussin, Rachel Hale, Brian Lamothe
  • Patent number: 11065129
    Abstract: An expandable intervertebral fusion device is provided including a core, an upper endplate for contacting a first vertebral body and a lower endplate for contacting a second vertebral body. The expandable intervertebral fusion device is configurable in a first state, a second state and a third state. In the first state, the upper and lower endplates are generally planar to one another and define a first height. In the second state, the upper and lower endplates remain generally planar to one another and define a second height greater than the first height. In the third state, a lordotic angle is defined between the upper and lower end plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: William Sandul
  • Patent number: 11058437
    Abstract: A method of implanting a bone anchor in a vertebra comprises engaging a tip of a flexible drill bit with boney structure of the vertebra, rotating the flexible drill bit at a slow speed, pushing the drill bit into exterior cortical bone of the boney structure of the vertebra, guiding the flexible drill bit into cancellous bone of the vertebra, receiving a tactile output generated by the flexible drill bit indicating resistance of interior cortical bone of the boney structure against the flexible drill bit, and reorienting a trajectory of the flexible drill bit toward the cancellous bone of the vertebra in reaction to the tactile output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Christine Capote, Adam Costanza, David Lee Skaggs, Frank J. Schwab
  • Patent number: 11039892
    Abstract: Examples of systems and methods for performing an orthopedic knee arthroplasty surgery with a robotic arm are generally described herein. A method may include awakening, using a robotic controller, a robotic arm from a parked mode to a surgical procedure mode. Moving, using the robotic controller, the robotic arm to a specified position to aid in the surgical procedure. The method may further include initiating, using the robotic controller, the surgical procedure by activating the robotic arm. In some examples, the robotic arm may be connected to a robotic base located between a first leg support configured to support a first leg of the patient during the surgical procedure and a second leg support configured to support a second leg of the patient during the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Harlan Levine
  • Patent number: 11039863
    Abstract: A system for reduction of vertebral bodies (or vertebrae) various embodiments includes a reducer, and extender, and a hollow tube. The reducer couples to the extender, which in turn couples to an elongated member, such as a rod, and to a bone fastener assembly. The reducer allows reduction of the vertebral body incrementally, and by a desired amount. The reducer may include or may be used in conjunction with a holding device or holder in order to hold or keep the amount of reduction constant or steady once the desired amount of reduction has been obtained. The reducer may use one of several embodiments, including embodiments that use threaded assemblies or members, inclining members or wedges, offset cams, scissor jacks, and/or levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew E Seelig
  • Patent number: 11033281
    Abstract: Devices and methods for performing total knee arthroplasty procedures with kinematic alignment are described herein. A method of performing a total knee arthroplasty can comprise positioning a femoral cut guide adjacent a distal end of a femur, positioning a tibial cut guide proximate a proximal end of a tibia adjacent an anterior surface of the tibia, adjusting a position of the femoral cut guide and the tibial cut guide relative to each other using a tibial positioning device, fixing the position of the femoral cut guide relative to the tibial cut guide using the tibial positioning device, and resecting the femur and tibia with parallel resections using the femoral and tibial cut guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Erickson, Edward R. Yager, Justin J. Kaler, Ryan Girst
  • Patent number: 11037369
    Abstract: A system and method may be used to assess range of motion of a target body part. A method may include comparing reference range of motion capabilities of a body part that mirrors or matches the target body part (e.g., from a camera or a database) to captured range of motion capabilities of the target body part. The comparison may result in an assessment, a virtual animation, a virtual component, or other output, such as to be displayed on a display or an augmented reality display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer US, Inc.
    Inventor: Dave Van Andel
  • Patent number: 11026799
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising: (a) a distal femoral component comprising a first condyle bearing surface having a first profile comprising at least three consecutive arcs of curvature; and (b) a proximal tibial component comprising a first condyle bearing surface having a second profile comprising at least three parallel arcs of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventor: Mohamed Rashwan Mahfouz
  • Patent number: 11020246
    Abstract: A force and rotation sensing device can be suitable for measuring a force within a knee joint. A force sensor can measure a force exerted between opposing surfaces of a housing. A force display positioned on the housing can visually represent a value of the measured force, such as with a dual-sided light-emitting diode display that is visible from opposing sides of the housing. A first rotation sensor can measure a flexion/extension position of the housing. A flexion/extension display can visually represent a value of the measured flexion/extension position. In some examples, a zero button can set a reference orientation of the housing, so that the first rotation sensor can measure the flexion/extension position as a relative rotation with respect to the reference orientation. In some examples, circuitry can wirelessly transmit data corresponding to the value of the measured flexion/extension position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Johannaber, Rida Hariri, Derek Dalbey, John Minck, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11020131
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems including an instrument for manipulating components within a knee joint of a patient are disclosed. Such manipulation can include inserting and/or removing such components to or from a bone of the knee joint. The instrument can include a handle, a body, a plunger, a detent and a collar. The handle can have a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal extent between the proximal end and the distal end. The body can be coupled to the handle and can extend distal of the distal end. The body can define a receptacle therein having an opening at a distal end portion of the instrument. The plunger can be moveably disposed within the body and can be moveable between a first position and a second position. The detent can be moveable by the plunger, such that with the plunger in the first position at least a portion of the detent can extend into the receptacle and with the plunger in the second position the detent can be recessed from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan C. Jones, Shanon N. Roberts, Nick Drury
  • Patent number: 11020128
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a model of a patient specific cut guide instrument for harvesting a graft comprises a model of a graft defined by an implant interface surface, a bone interface surface, and a spatial geometry therebetween, the model being specific to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Sebastien Guilloux, Olivier Boisvert, Karine Dupuis, Anselm Neurohr, Jean-Guillaume Abiven
  • Patent number: 11013535
    Abstract: A vertebral fixing system having a flexible elongated member, a connecting part, and an anchor, where the anchor may engage a bone structure (e.g., a vertebra) through an opening of the connecting part and the flexible elongated member may connect to the connecting part. In some cases, the vertebral fixing system may include a tightening part configured to apply a tension to the elongated member and/or secure the elongated member with respect to the connecting part. The vertebral fixing system may be configured to receive a rod and may be capable of connecting thereto. The connecting part may have a plurality of connecting members, where at least one of the connecting members includes an opening for receiving the anchor and at least one of the connecting members connects to the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Carlson, Hugh Hestad
  • Patent number: 11015030
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be incorporated into a variety of implants, and in particular, into endoprosthetic joint replacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Niels A Abt, Werner Schneider-Storrer
  • Patent number: 11006992
    Abstract: The embodiments provide provides devices, instruments, and associated methods for treating joint pain. A joint is evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging to detect any defects in the subchondral bone. For example, using T2-weighted MRI images, bone marrow lesions or edemas can be identified, and using T1-weighted MRI images, associated regions of sclerotic bone adjacent to the bone marrow lesion can be identified. The treatment method may involve introducing a bone void filler material at the site to address the bone marrow lesion or edema, and/or drilling and inserting an implant to address the sclerotic bone, bone marrow lesion or edema, and insufficiency or stress fractures. An access path is mapped to a location in the subchondral region where the insufficiency fracture resides. The access path attempts to preserve an articular surface of the joint. A reinforcing member that stabilizes the insufficiency fracture is then implanted via the access path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: ZIMMER KNEE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter F. Sharkey, Charles F. Leinberry, Steven B. Cohen, Charanpreet S. Bagga, Erik M. Erbe
  • Patent number: 11001680
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be incorporated into a variety of implants, and in particular, into endoprosthetic joint replacements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: ZIMMER GMBH
    Inventors: Niels A Abt, Werner Schneider-Storrer
  • Patent number: 10987225
    Abstract: A prosthetic implant system for reconstructing a knee joint comprises a prosthetic implant and sleeve. The prosthetic implant comprises a tibial tray component for reconstructing a tibia of the knee joint, and a stem configured to extend from the tibial tray component to anchor the tibial tray component in the tibia of the knee joint. The sleeve comprises an outer wall configured to engage with bone, and an inner bore configured to receive the stem. The inner bore is shaped to couple to the prosthetic implant at a first location proximate the tibial tray component while surrounding the stem, and uncouple from the prosthetic implant at a second location spaced from the first location while still surrounding the stem. Methods employing the prosthetic implant system can comprise intraoperatively determining to use the sleeve in a coupled or un-coupled configuration based on a depth of a broach into a broached channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Yoko, Amanda Szalkowski
  • Patent number: 10987139
    Abstract: A uniplanar bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw is provided. The lower region of the housing defines mating elements that mate with engaging elements on the bone screw to limit movement of the housing relative to the bone screw to a single plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna C Vedula, Hugh D Hestad, Jason Piehl, David Nuckley, Jeremy J. Lemoine
  • Patent number: 10980589
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant screw driver includes drive shaft. A first gear is operably coupled to the drive shaft and in meshing engagement with a hollow gear which rotates in response to rotation of the drive shaft. The hollow gear includes a passage defining an inwardly facing screw engagement periphery configured to receive and drivingly rotate a threaded portion of the screw. A method of securing an orthopedic implant to a bone includes positioning a screw within the passage which is configured to drivingly engage a threaded portion of the screw and rotating a drive shaft in driving engagement with the gear causing the gear to engage the screw along the threaded portion of the screw and rotatably drive the screw via the threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony C. DeFalco, Rawley Stanhope, Daniel C. Taylor, Rui J. Ferreira
  • Patent number: 10966788
    Abstract: The subject matter includes a system and method for providing graphical feedback visualizing forces within a joint through a range of motion of the joint. The method can comprise receiving position data, receiving force data, and generating a graphical representation based on the position data and the force data. The receiving position data can include data for at least one bone of a joint while the at least one bone is moved through a range of motion (ROM). The receiving force data can occur concurrently to receiving the position data and using one or more processors, the force data can be collected from at least one force sensor embedded within a trial prosthesis in the joint. The graphical representation can illustrate changes in the force data versus locations of the bone as it moved through the ROM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Orsa Britton, David A. Nolan, William Van Kampen
  • Patent number: 10959668
    Abstract: A system and method determines a user's compliance with a prescribed therapeutic pneumatic compression treatment by applying external pressure to a body limb using a pneumatic compression sleeve having a pneumatically fillable cell; measuring pneumatic pressure within the pneumatically fillable cell; generating a pressure signal corresponding to the measured pneumatic pressure; determining biological events associated with the user based upon the pressure signal; generating a positive detection signal for each determined biological event associated with the user; and determining a user's compliance with a prescribed therapeutic pneumatic compression treatment when a predetermined number of positive detection signals have been generated within a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacob Barak