Patents Assigned to Zimmer
  • Osteochondral graft delivery device and uses thereof
    Patent number: 8435305
    Abstract: A delivery device for an osteochondral graft comprising a tube, a plunger and a graft retention assembly is disclosed. The tube has a bore having an inside diameter and extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The inside diameter of the bore is sufficient to accept an osteochondral graft of a desired diameter. The tube has a set of apertures located adjacent the distal end of the tube. The plunger is slidably disposed within the bore of the tube. The graft retention assembly comprises a collar and a set of tabs. The graft retention assembly is attached to the tube such that the tabs are disposed within the apertures of the tube. The tabs are biased towards each other but are capable of being displaced away from each other to receive or release the osteochondral graft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony J. Lozier, Daniel P. Murphy
  • Orthopedic tool for altering the connection between orthopedic components
    Patent number: 8435244
    Abstract: An orthopedic tool for loosening the connection between orthopedic components. In one embodiment, the orthopedic tool includes a housing and a wedge. The housing has a head, an upper portion, a lower portion, and an opening between the upper and lower portions. The wedge is positioned at least partially between the upper portion and the lower portion of the housing and is actuatable to move toward the head of the housing. When at least a portion of the head of the housing is placed in mating engagement with the junction between two assembled orthopedic components, advancement of the wedge towards the head results in separation of the upper portion and lower portion of the housing. Thus, as the wedge is advanced toward the head, the upper and lower portions of the housing are separated, which results in corresponding separation of the assembled orthopedic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. S. Meek, Shaun R. Cronin, Peter E. Darrigan
  • METHOD OF ESTIMATING SOFT TISSUE BALANCE FOR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
    Publication number: 20130110250
    Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating the tension or laxity of the soft tissue surrounding a patient's knee joint. Based on this evaluation, a surgeon may determine a desired resection depth for a knee arthroplasty procedure that will achieve an appropriate spacing between adjacent, articulating components of the knee joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventor: Jia Li
  • Dental restorative system and components
    Patent number: 8430668
    Abstract: Disclosed within is a dental restorative system including a dental fixture component having a longitudinal axis, a body portion, and an emergence profile portion adjacent to the body portion. The dental fixture component also has a tapered coronal portion adjacent to the emergence profile portion, with the tapered coronal portion having one end adjacent to the emergence profile portion and a terminal end with a non-frustoconical surface and a non-circular cross section. The emergence profile portion may include one or more concave surfaces. The dental fixture component may further include an interproximally sloping margin shoulder. Certain embodiments of the dental fixture component include threaded body portions. Alternative embodiments of the dental fixture component are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bassett, Christopher M. Gervais, Kent Woolf, Benjamin W. Wang, Ryan M. Donahoe, Maurice Salama, Henry Salama, David Garber
  • Vertebral fixing system
    Patent number: 8430918
    Abstract: A vertebral fixing system suitable for being mounted on a vertebra of the spine for connecting it to a rod. The system includes: a connecting part suitable for being connected to the rod, a flexible ligature of elongate shape having two free ends suitable for connecting together the connecting part and at least a portion of a vertebra and/or a rib, and an adjustable locking member mounted on the connecting part. The connecting part defines at least one passageway for passing the ligature in such a manner that two distinct strands of the ligature can be engaged in the passageway so that the two strands of the ligature define a first ligature portion forming a loop extending from one side of the connecting part, and second and third ligature portions extending from the other side of the connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Karl P. Belliard, Keyvan Mazda
  • System for selecting modular implant components
    Patent number: 8428693
    Abstract: A method for selecting modular neck components for hip implants based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The present method allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. The method may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Meulink
  • Attachment devices and methods for spinal implants
    Patent number: 8419774
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of a spine generally comprises an implant and an attachment device for securing the implant to a portion of a patient's bone. A first portion of the attachment device is sized for insertion into a hole in the bone, and a second portion of the attachment device is configured to be received in an opening of the implant. The first portion comprises a biocompatible material defined by a network of interconnected pores configured promote bone growth into the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Lancial, Hugh Hestad
  • Spacer molds with releasable securement
    Patent number: 8414286
    Abstract: A mold for forming a temporary prosthesis has at least two mold members at least partially separable from each other. The at least two mold members cooperatively define a generally enclosed interior cavity for forming the temporary prosthesis. The mold has a securement structure mounted on the at least two mold members for securing the at least two mold members to each other during the forming of the temporary prosthesis. The securement structure is removable from the at least two mold members by hand and without the use of a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Orthopaedic Surgical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Haney, Scott M. Sporer
  • INTERBODY VERTEBRAL SPACER
    Publication number: 20130085573
    Abstract: An interbody vertebral implant for facilitating fusion of adjacent vertebrae. The implant includes a first end plate, a second end plate, and an intermediate member disposed therebetween. The end plates are configured to allow bone in-growth. The intermediate member may include features to engage the end plates and to prevent over insertion of the intermediate member within the end plates. The implant may include a cavity extending through the composite implant configured to receive bone growth material to facilitate fusion between a first vertebra and a second vertebra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Lemoine, Charles H. Perrone, JR., Eric M. Simon, Daniel A. Carlson, Hugh D. Hestad
  • Joint spacer implant
    Patent number: 8403985
    Abstract: A spacer implant designed for placement between the bones of a joint, which includes soft tissue components. The spacer includes a spacer body positionable between the bones and defined by an outer periphery. The spacer also includes at least one tether. Each of the tethers has a first end fixed to the spacer body and a second end extending outwardly from the outer periphery of the spacer body. The second end of each of the tethers is adapted to be fastened to any of the bones or the soft tissue components of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Hodorek
  • Polymer [[s]] compositions including an antioxidant
    Patent number: 8399535
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to polymer compositions including a protected antioxidant. In some examples, the compositions can also include a deprotected antioxidant, an unprotected antioxidant or both. Methods of producing compositions including a protected antioxidant and articles including a protected antioxidant are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventor: Dirk Pletcher
  • METHOD FOR SECURING VERTEBRAE
    Publication number: 20130066159
    Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The refractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: James J. Pagliuca, John D. Unger, Thomas Davison
  • CANNULA FOR RECEIVING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
    Publication number: 20130066160
    Abstract: A cannula (10) receives surgical instruments (120) for performing a surgical procedure on a body (130). The cannula (10) comprises a tube structure (12) defining a passage (16) through which the surgical instruments (120) are inserted into the body (130). The tube structure (12) has a proximal end (20) and a distal end (62). The tube structure (12) includes an expandable portion (40) for enabling an increase in the cross-sectional area of the passage (16) at the distal end (62). The expandable portion (40) of the tube structure (12), when expanded, has a conical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Davison, Timothy E. Taylor, Adam Sher
  • Method for implantation of a femoral implant
    Patent number: 8394149
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cap-shaped implant for implanting on a prepared stump of a femoral head. The implant is in the form of a ball section, having a flat base surface and a polar axis which is arranged in a perpendicular in relation to the base surface. According to the invention, a cavity is arranged in ball section which protrudes from the base surface, said cavity is rotationally symmetrical and comprises a hollow spatial axis which is arranged below an angle (a) which is different form zero in relation to the polar axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Ralph Howald, Peter Heuberger, Daniel Hertig, Job-Jan Greeve
  • Cement shroud for use with cemented prosthetic implant
    Patent number: 8394106
    Abstract: A shroud for protecting exterior portions of a prosthetic implant from adhesive and a method for utilizing the same. The shroud includes a hub, a rim, and at least one bridge connecting the hub and the rim. The rim of the shroud may be sized to cover substantially the same area as a guard of the implant. The method of utilizing the shroud involves securing the shroud to the prosthetic implant. A quantity of adhesive is provided, and the prosthetic implant is secured thereto. The shroud is removed from the implant, and then the guard is secured to the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan T. Ward, Mark A. Wise
  • Spinal implant delivery methods and devices
    Patent number: 8382840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implanting a spinal implant in a spinal column are disclosed. In one example, an illustrative system may include a delivery device including a proximal end region and a distal end region, a spinal implant releasably coupled to the distal end region of the delivery device, and a sleeve disposed about the spinal implant and at least a portion of the delivery device. In some cases, a distal portion of the sleeve may include a predetermined weakened region that may be configured to separate when a force is applied to the weakened region, which in some cases, may be applied with a pull string. In another example, a distal portion of the sleeve may be reverse folded upon itself such that the retractable sleeve rolls off of the spinal implant when the retractable sleeve is retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, John M. Dawson
  • Vertebral stabilization transition connector
    Patent number: 8382803
    Abstract: A transition connector of a vertebral stabilization system for connecting a rigid rod and a flexible member to provide regions of rigid support and regions of dynamic support along a region of the spinal column is disclosed. A rigid rod may form one portion of the transition connector and a tubular member configured to receive a flexible member may form another portion of the transition connector. The tubular member may be configured to be secured to an end portion of the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventor: Sonia Schmocker
  • Implant and a method of manufacturing an implant packed in a sterile manner
    Patent number: 8377376
    Abstract: An implant is set forth having at least one first element and a second element, wherein the first element is provided in a pre-determined relative location to the second element, in particular at least partly in a recess of the second element. The first element has a pre-positioning location having play with respect to the second element and allowing a fully area gas sterilization of both elements and can be displaced from this pre-positioning location into an end positioning location corresponding to a fixed connection of both elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Baege, Hermann Breimesser, Roland Willi
  • PROSTHESIS RESECTION GUIDE
    Publication number: 20130041376
    Abstract: A conical burr template is indexed to the intramedullary canal of a tibia, such that a burr may trace the periphery of the template to define a correspondingly shaped cavity in the bone which is properly sized, shaped, and positioned to receive a cone-shaped tibial augment component. Advantageously, use of the burr template promotes expedient surgery while maintaining optimal fit characteristics and proper spatial placement of the tibial cone augment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Neal, Jorge Montoya, John Chernosky, Ray Zubok, Keith A. Roby, Timothy A. Hoeman
  • Intervertebral implant
    Patent number: D677791
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Fatih U. Danacioglu, Jason P. Bulaclac