Patents Assigned to Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8814881
    Abstract: A dermatome has a blade that generally defines a plane and a body generally defining a longitudinal axis. The body also that has at least one flat outer surface for engaging the tissue and an end portion that is configured to hold the blade so that the plane of the blade is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-parallel to the flat outer surface at a predetermined angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Boles
  • Patent number: 8814912
    Abstract: A spinal implant for stabilizing first and second vertebrae. The spinal implant includes an intervertebral spacer and a bone stabilization member configured to be coupled to the intervertebral spacer. The bone stabilization member includes a plurality of bone screw openings and a plurality of bone screws extendable through the bone screw openings to secure the bone stabilization member to the vertebrae. A retention member, which is slidably coupled to the bone stabilization member, is linearly slidable between a first position and a second position while coupled to the bone stabilization member. In the first position, each of the bone screws is permitted to be inserted into the bone screw openings, and in the second position the retention member at least partially covers each of the bone screw openings to prevent a bone screw from backing out of the respective bone screw opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel A. Carlson, Gregory A. Mednikov, Eric W. Morris
  • Patent number: 8814910
    Abstract: A method and instrument for tensioning a flexible tie used for fastening an implant on a bony element by forming a first loop around it. In some embodiments, the instrument comprises a shaft having a distal end configured for contact with a rod, a moving part slidably engaged with the shaft, a holder connected to the moving part and configured to hold an end of the flexible tie, and a tension control member comprising a trigger that pivots relative to the moving part. In some embodiments, the method comprises coupling the end of the flexible tie to the instrument and squeezing the trigger to shorten the first loop of the flexible tie around the bony element, causing the moving part and the holder holding the end of the flexible tie to move in translation away from the distal end of the shaft, thereby exerting tension on the flexible tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Regis Le Couedic, Keyvan Mazda
  • Patent number: 8814877
    Abstract: A system for assisting in a surgical process, comprising: (a) a surgical device taken from a group consisting of a surgical tool and a surgical implant; (b) a positional sensor carried by the surgical device, the positional sensor including a wireless transmitter and associated circuitry for transmitting sensor data from the transmitter; and (c) a computer system including a wireless receiver and signal conditioning circuitry and hardware for converting sensor data received by the wireless receiver into at least one of (i) audio feedback of positional information for the surgical device and (ii) visual feedback of positional information for the surgical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray C. Wasielewski
  • Patent number: 8814869
    Abstract: A spinal plate system that maintains intervertebral spacing and spinal stability is provided. In an embodiment, a spinal compression plate may include two or more plates coupled together form an adjustable-length plate. Compression of a spinal compression plate movement may mimic natural settling of bones in a spine and/or distribute at least a portion of a vertebral load to an implant positioned between two vertebrae. Maintaining at least a portion of the vertebral load on an insert may increase bone growth and increase fusion between an implant and surrounding vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Freid, Erik Wagner, Jon P. Agricola, Alexander Vaccaro
  • Patent number: 8814914
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide tools and methods for spinal fusion procedures. One embodiment of a tool can be a pedicle access tool that performs the functions of targeting needle, cannula, tap and awl. The cannula of the tool can be used to guide various tools and bone graft or fusion promoting material to a surgical site for a spinal fusion procedure, such as a posterolateral procedure. In other embodiments, a k-wire can be used as the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Thomas Miller, Charles R. Forton, Reginald James Davis
  • Patent number: 8808333
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bone plates that are configured for use with bones having periprosthetic fractures. For example, in the event that a proximal femur is fractured in an area that is adjacent to a prosthetic component, such as a femoral stem used in a hip replacement, the periprosthetic bone plates of the present invention may be used. In one exemplary embodiment, the periprosthetic bone plates include a periprosthetic zone having a plurality of central apertures and a plurality of outer apertures that are offset from the central apertures. The periprosthetic zone may further include a plurality of indentations, each indentation extending longitudinally between adjacent outer apertures to narrow a width of the bone plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Kuster, Jordan Velikov, Simona Paganetto
  • Patent number: 8808298
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cut guide for use in preparation of the distal femur to form the anterior, anterior chamfer, distal, posterior chamfer and posterior facets as well as the intercondylar box cuts utilized to prepare a femoral intercondylar box. To allow for the use of a single cutting guide to make all of these femoral osteotomies, the present disclosure implements an orthopedic guide assembly including a primary guide body with a secondary guide body rotatably connected to the primary guide body. With this configuration, the secondary guide body can be rotated into an operable position to guide a femoral osteotomy and may also be rotated into an inoperable position in which it is moved from a configuration (i.e., the operable position) in which it acts as a barrier to movement of an osteotome across a guide surface of the primary guide body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Raub, Vijay N. Permeswaran
  • Patent number: 8808292
    Abstract: An orthopedic screw that may be used to align and stabilize a bone fracture and a method for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventor: Jordan Velikov
  • Publication number: 20140227427
    Abstract: A micro-alloyed porous metal is disclosed having an optimized chemical composition to achieve targeted mechanical properties for use as an orthopaedic implant and a cell/soft tissue receptor. The porous metal may achieve a targeted compressive strength and a targeted ductility, for example. These targeted mechanical properties may allow the porous metal to be densified to a low relative density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Vargas, Steven SEELMAN
  • Publication number: 20140228846
    Abstract: An orthopedic system according to one embodiment of the disclosure comprises a first trial member capable of forming a broach cavity in a first bone of a patient. A second trial member is removeably coupleable to the first trial member in a fixed alignment with respect to the trial member. An alignment member is removeably coupleable in a fixed alignment with respect to the first trial member. The alignment member comprises indicia configured to provide for alignment of the alignment member with respect to at least one of the first bone and a second bone of the patient. The alignment of the second trial member with respect to the first trial member when coupled to the first trial member corresponds to the alignment of the alignment member with respect to the first trial member when coupled with the first trial member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith A. Roby, Greg Stebbins, Jorge Montoya, Ray Zubok
  • Publication number: 20140228889
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a fastener (16) engageable with a bone portion to connect a longitudinal member (12) to the bone portion. A housing (40) has a first passage (42) configured to receive the longitudinal member (12) and a second passage (44) extending transverse to the first passage. The fastener (16) extends through an opening (50) in the housing (40) into the second passage (44). A longitudinal axis (18) of the fastener (16) is positionable in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to a longitudinal axis (46) of the second passage (44). A spacer (60) received in the second passage (44) of the housing (40) is engageable with the fastener (16) and the longitudinal member (12). A member (70) applies a force to prevent relative movement between the fastener (16) and the housing (40) and permit manual movement of the fastener (16) relative to the housing (40) against the force when the longitudinal member (12) is disengaged from the spacer (60).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan E. Shluzas
  • Patent number: 8801983
    Abstract: A hip spacer mold forming a spacer with a spacer stem connected to a spacer head has a stem portion for forming a spacer stem. The hip spacer mold also has a plurality of interchangeable head modules configured for alternatively forming spacer heads of a plurality of different predetermined sizes. The head modules are configured to be disposed adjacent the stem portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Haney, Scott Sporer, Michael E Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8801725
    Abstract: An instrument for determining the proper orientation for repairing a defect site on a tissue surface generally comprises a shaft, a plurality of probes operatively coupled to the shaft, and at least one indicator operatively coupled to the plurality of probes. The probes are configured to extend beyond a first end of the shaft and are movable relative the shaft. The at least one indicator is configured to display the displacements of the probes relative to the first end so that the displacements of the probes may be compared. A method of using the instrument when repairing a defect on a tissue surface is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Orthobiologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Ritter, Victor Zaporojan, Jizong Gao
  • Patent number: 8801759
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of placing a vertebral fixing system on a vertebra. The vertebral fixing system comprises a connecting part with members forming a space into which a rod may be inserted. The members are moveable relative to each other. A portion of a ligature may be passed through the connecting part to form a loop extending from the connecting part. When the rod is inserted in the space between the members, the ligature may be tensioned against the rod. The members of the connecting part may be driven together to hold the ligature in place. An adjustable locking means may be utilized to fix simultaneously in position the connecting part relative to the rod and at least one portion of the ligature relative to the connecting part, so as to prevent relative displacement of the rod and the vertebra in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Keyvan Mazda, Régis Le Couedic
  • Patent number: 8801726
    Abstract: An orthopedic tool having a one-way lock bearing and a one-way actuator bearing for tensioning surgical cables around a bone and a method for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Fritzinger
  • Patent number: 8801800
    Abstract: Implantable devices for the surgical treatment of bone, and particularly to a bone defect at a joint region, and even more particularly at the subchondral bone level of the joint region, are disclosed. The implantable devices may be formed of a bone material, and configured to serve the dual functions of providing mechanical strength and structural integrity to the area to be treated, while also facilitating the dispersal of a flowable material in the same area. Associated delivery tools are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Knee Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Charanpreet S. Bagga, Shaun B. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20140222000
    Abstract: By providing components securable to anchor pins or screws of different diameters as well as providing clamps which hold associated pins in any position during adjustments, an external fixation or adjustable frame structure is provided which is capable of being quickly and easily assembled in any desired configuration. In the present invention, the frame structure is retained in any assembled configuration in order to allow final adjustments to be made, prior to the final securement of the frame assembly in the precisely desired configuration by closure of each clamp member. In this way, an entire frame assembly is capable of being constructed, adjusted, and readjusted in order to assure each component is oriented in the precisely desired position prior to final closure of the clamping members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Robert A. Winquist, ROY BOGERT, CHARLES HUMMEL, JAMES SEATON, JAMES NELSON
  • Patent number: 8795282
    Abstract: A surgical instrument and method determine the orientation of the mechanical axis of a femur. The instrument may include a rod with a first end of the rod rotatably secured at a first point on the surface of distal femur that corresponds to center of the knee joint so that the first end is coincident with the mechanical axis. The connection between the first end of the rod and the distal end of the femur defines a first point of rotation. The second end of the rod is slideably received within a sleeve that is rotatably connected to a support positioned distally away from the distal end of the femur. The connection between the sleeve and the support defines a second point of rotation. When the distance between the first and second points of rotation is minimized, a line drawn therebetween is coincident with the mechanical axis of the femur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Earl, Anthony P. Romano, Jody L. Claypool
  • Patent number: 8795287
    Abstract: A targeting device used in the insertion of an intramedullary nail into a bone. The targeting device includes a guide barrel having a frame portion formed of a non-radiolucent material. The guide barrel also includes a radiolucent material molded over the frame. In addition, the frame includes openings configured to allow a surgeon to view a relatively greater area around the guide barrel in an image of the assembly during surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Fritzinger, Daniel W. Buehler, Rebecca Parrott, Michael A. Kay