Patents Assigned to Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8690951
    Abstract: The invention relates to a base platform (11) for an artificial joint, in particular for an artificial shoulder joint, wherein the platform can be anchored on the bone and serves as a support for an artificial joint component (15, 17) that can be provided both in the form of a shell component (15) for an anatomical configuration and also in the form of a ball component (17) for an inverse configuration, and wherein different joint components can be mounted on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Ines Baum, Markus Rauscher, Peter Wendt
  • Patent number: 8690953
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operation system comprising at least one implant and means for the fastening of the implant to a bone, wherein the fastening means include at least one solid spacer, which can be formed of hardened bone cement and is arranged between the implant and the bone in the implanted state, and hardenable liquid bone cement which can be introduced into hollow spaces or intermediate spaces present between the spacer and the implant and/or between the spacer and the bone and wherein the spacer, on the one hand, and the liquid bone cement, on the other hand, are provided with contrast agents chosen in dependence on an imaging observation process or inspection process, in particular an X-ray process, to be used in or after the operation such that the spacer and the liquid cement can be distinguished from the surroundings and from one another on the observation or inspection of their position, in particular in an X-ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventor: Sonja Ribic
  • Publication number: 20140094863
    Abstract: A tool and a method are provided for driving a bone pin into a fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone by maintaining the fractured bone in a reduced state. The tool may be a handheld device including a cartridge having at least one passageway that receives the bone pin. The tool may also include a pneumatically-powered piston having a needle that is sized for receipt within the passageway of the cartridge, the needle applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin out of the cartridge and into the fractured bone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony J. Lozier, Daniel P. Murphy
  • Patent number: 8685064
    Abstract: A polyaxial bone anchor including a housing and a bone screw. A bottom surface of the housing includes an aperture that defines an angulation limit of the bone screw for each azimuthal angle around a longitudinal axis of the housing. The aperture is V-shaped, with the V-shape having converging side walls that define a low-angulation direction near their intersection and a high-angulation direction opposite the low-angulation direction. In some cases, the angulation limit of the bone screw is generally constant over a range of azimuthal angles centered around the high-angulation direction. The housing may be modular, including tabs on one component that are plastically deformed to engage a lip on another component. During assembly, a mandrel advances longitudinally along a bore in the housing, and forces the tabs radially outward toward the lip to a radially outward plastically deformed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Jack A. Dant, Eric J. Lundequam, Eric P. Jerke, Deborah L. Hoch
  • Publication number: 20140088716
    Abstract: An implant can comprise a porous region including a plurality of interconnecting interstitial cells configured to receive bone or biological tissue ingrowth. The porous region can be formed of a first portion, including a first plurality of the interconnecting interstitial cells and having a first density, and a second portion, including a second plurality of the interconnecting interstitial cells and having a second density different than the first density. The plurality of interconnecting interstitial cells can form a framework onto which a material can be disposed in different amounts to provide the first and second densities of the first and second portions, respectively. The second density can be selected and configured to provide greater bone or biological tissue ingrowth than the first density. The first and second density can be selected and configured to substantially match an anisotropic property of a body component the implant is intended to replace or augment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Zubok, Mehul Dharia, Joseph R. Vargas, Steven Seelman, Timothy A. Hoeman
  • Publication number: 20140088722
    Abstract: Art apparatus can include a humeral stem. A glenosphere can be configured to be mountable to the humeral stem. The glenosphere can be adapted to operate with a complementary glenoid component. The humeral stern can include a removable taper member on a side of the humeral stem facing the glenosphere. The taper member can be configured to mount the glenosphere to the humeral stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Phipps
  • Publication number: 20140083886
    Abstract: A modular bracket and associated instrumentation case configuration is disclosed herein. The modular bracket may include a support member structured to receive a specific instrument and hold the instrument at a fixed position, and an attachment member to facilitate a releasable attachment to a mounting surface such as an instrument tray platform. The modular bracket is shaped to provide an indication of the instrument, to allow user identification of the instrument received by the support member. For example, the indication of the instrument may be provided in the modular bracket by the perimeter shape of the attachment member that resembles an outline of the instrument. A modular instrument case assembly including a tray and housing may provide a platform for modular placement of one or more modular brackets into a specific arrangement of instrumentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Michael Winterrowd, Ralph Brent Sweet, II
  • Patent number: 8682043
    Abstract: A method of obtaining and merging volumetric data and surface data of a patient's dentition for use in designing and/or manufacturing a prosthodontic component, such as a drill guide, an implant, or other prosthodontic appliance, for example. A plurality of radio-opaque markers are temporarily secured directly to a patient's dentition. Surface data is then obtained, such as by scanning the patient's dentition with the markers or alternatively, by taking an impression of the patient's dentition with the markers, forming a physical model that includes analogs of the markers, and scanning the physical model. Either before or after the surface data is obtained, an anatomical, volumetric image data set of the patient's dentition is obtained via a volumetric scan of the patient's dentition with the markers appearing in the image data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean B. Cahill, Shaun (Shahram) Zamani, Suneel Ranga Sai Battula, Steve T. Pelote
  • Patent number: 8679128
    Abstract: A system for reduction of vertebral bodies (or vertebrae) in 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: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew E. Seelig
  • Publication number: 20140081418
    Abstract: A prosthetic system that includes a prosthetic implant and a support structure secured to an inner surface of a cavity of a bone is disclosed. The support structure defines a channel that extends through the length of the support structure. The prosthetic implant is received in the channel, and a portion of the prosthetic implant is secured to an inner surface of the support structure by an adhesive. The support structure may comprise a pair of partially hemispherical components arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby defining the channel between the pair of components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, LLC.
    Inventors: Arlen D. Hanssen, David Lewallen
  • Patent number: 8673202
    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: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Niels A. Abt, Werner Schneider-Storrer
  • Patent number: 8672978
    Abstract: A transverse connector for coupling between first and second vertebral anchors of a spinal stabilization system. The transverse connector includes a first coupling assembly proximate a first end, a second coupling assembly proximate a second end, a first fastener having external threading configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the first vertebral anchor, and a second fastener having external threading configured to threadably engage an internal threaded portion of a housing of the second vertebral anchor. Each of the first and second fasteners includes a spherical upper surface, such as a spherically concave upper surface. A spherical surface of each of the first and second coupling assemblies mates with the spherical upper surface of the respective fastener to provide multi-axial rotation of the transverse connector relative to the housings to permit a desired orientation of the transverse connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Dant, Christopher Bargsten, Peter Schulte, Hugh Hestad, Brad Kessler
  • Patent number: 8672973
    Abstract: Spinal stabilization devices for addressing back pain originating in the facet joints and the spinous processes of the vertebrae. One embodiment of the present invention includes a substantially T-shaped facet implant for insertion between the facets of two successive vertebrae after a desired amount of the articulating surfaces have been resected. The long and flat portion of the T-shaped facet implant is inserted in between the facets and then the wings of the T-shape, also called fixation tabs, are secured to the spine to secure the facet implant into place. The T-shape implant may also be a part of a spinal stabilization system that includes a facet implant, a spinous process spacer, and a flexible connecting member securing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Garryl Hudgins, Michael E. Lancial, Hugh D. Hestad
  • Publication number: 20140074244
    Abstract: An assembly system configured to seat a first orthopedic component having either a male taper or a female taper with a second orthopedic component having the other of a male taper or a female taper. In one embodiment, the assembly system includes a taper seating connector having a fastener and a bushing moveable retained on the fastener. The fastener may be connected to the first orthopedic component and the bushing may be positioned adjacent the second orthopedic component. The corresponding tapers on the first and second orthopedic components may be configured to secure the first and second orthopedic components together. Thus, by exerting a sufficient force on the bushing, the bushing will move along the fastener, transferring the force to the second orthopedic component. In this manner, the corresponding tapers of the first and second orthopedic components may be seated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun R. Cronin, Scott Dykema, Jeff Blaylock
  • Publication number: 20140069990
    Abstract: A method for bonding a porous tantalum structure to a substrate is provided. The method comprises providing a substrate comprising cobalt or a cobalt-chromium alloy; an interlayer consisting essentially of at least one of hafnium, manganese, niobium, palladium, zirconium, titanium, or alloys or combinations thereof; and a porous tantalum structure. Heat and pressure are applied to the substrate, the interlayer, and the porous tantalum structure to achieve solid-state diffusion between the substrate and the interlayer and between the interlayer and the porous tantalum structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Hippensteel, Lawrence F. Peek, Jeffrey P. Anderson, Devendra Gorhe, Steve M. Allen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140074117
    Abstract: Navigation instruments and guides for targeting a subchondral region of bone and subchondral bone defects are provided. The instruments and guides may be used in reference to an anatomical landmark of a joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer GmbH, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun B. HANSON, Christopher D. MANDEEN
  • Publication number: 20140074127
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a soft tissue connector comprising a substrate having first and second surfaces. The first surface can include at least one bone penetrating member for securing the substrate to a bone. The second surface can include a topography configured to allow releasable attachment of soft tissue to the substrate. Methods and kits for facilitating connection of soft tissue to bone are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Giordano, Miranda Shaw
  • 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