Patents Assigned to Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20120310361
    Abstract: A tibial support structure includes a platform portion and a medullary portion that are monolithically formed as a single piece. The medullary and platform portions of the augment component are adapted to accommodate and mechanically attach to a tibial baseplate, and are individually shaped and sized to replace damaged bone stock both within the tibia, as well at the tibial proximal surface. The monolithic formation of the tibial support structure provides a strong and stable foundation for a tibial baseplate and facilitates restoration of the anatomic joint line, even where substantial resections of the proximal tibia have been made. The tibial support structure may be made of a bone-ingrowth material which facilitates preservation and rebuilding of the proximal tibia after implantation, while also preserving the restored joint line by allowing revision surgeries to be performed without removal of the tibial support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Ray Zubok, Jorge Montoya, Timothy A. Hoeman, John Chernosky, Keith A. Roby
  • Patent number: 8323322
    Abstract: Medical implants are formed at least in part from porous metal wherein the pores of the metal are filled with a hardenable material. The hardenable material can be used to assist in the manufacture of the implant, permitting detailed machining of the implant. Further, the hardenable material can be a resorbable material that strengthens the implant during implantation but is resorbed, once implanted, to permit bone growth and infiltration. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the hardenable material can be a thermoplastic material that can be heated by ultrasonic energy to create an adhesive bond between a fastener and bone structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Dawson, Adam Shinbrot
  • Patent number: 8323318
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for tensioning a flexible tie (14) used for fastening an implant on a bony element of a patient by forming a first loop around the bony element. Said instrument comprises: a rod (42) having a first end provided with bearing means (44) for bearing against said implant; a moving part (46) that is movable in translation and that surrounds said rod (42) over a fraction of its length, said moving part including holder means (50) for holding the end of said tie; and control means (52) mounted on said moving part (46) to cause the moving part to move relative to said rod, thereby tending to move the first end (42a) of the rod away from said moving part, thereby exerting tension on said tie relative to said implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Regis Le Couedic, Keyvan Mazda
  • Patent number: 8323317
    Abstract: The present invention relates to spinal support devices and, more specifically, to a flexible member having variable flexibility for use with a dynamic stabilization system or implant to provide dynamic stability to a person's spine. The flexible member generally includes a first material having a first portion including a first material having a first elasticity and a second portion including a second material having a second elasticity greater than the first to provide the flexible member with a variable flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Steven L. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8323319
    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: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine S.A.S.
    Inventors: Keyvan Mazda, Régis Le Couedic
  • Publication number: 20120303123
    Abstract: A spinal implant as provided having a porous body that includes a leading end, a convex trailing end and first and second sides extending between the leading and trailing ends. At least a portion of the leading end is generally straight. The body further includes a generally dome-shaped superior surface and a generally planar inferior surface. The superior surface is convex between the leading and trailing ends and is convex between the first and second sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Robie
  • Publication number: 20120303121
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a device for securing a ligature to an osseous structure, the device comprising a first part, a second part, a flexible elongate member for engaging the osseous structure, a closure element, and a deformable element between the first and second parts for holding open a gap G between them. The flexible elongate member is threaded through an orifice in the first part and the gap G. The closure element is configured for clamping the first and second parts against each other, overcoming the resilience of the deformable element, so as to frictionally lock the flexible elongate member threaded through the gap G. Embodiments disclosed herein also provide a method for using the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Stéphane Douget, Richard Minfelde, Gilles Larroque-Lahitette
  • Publication number: 20120303065
    Abstract: A bone holding device comprising: at least one conformable elongated member (7) having a first portion (7a), a second portion (7b) and an intermediate portion (7c) therebetween; a rod (5) with at least one transverse passage (8) which opens into at least one of two opposite side faces of the rod, said passage (8) being delimited by inner surfaces (9) of the rod, and at least one compression member (14), the compression member and said inner surfaces (9) both defining clamping surfaces (14a, 9a) and cooperating so that the first and second portions (7a, 7b) of the elongated member (7) can be inserted and clamped between said clamping surfaces (14a, 9a). A method using such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE
    Inventors: Gilles Larroque-Lahitette, Richard Minfelde
  • Patent number: 8317817
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Davison, Timothy E. Taylor, Adam Sher
  • Publication number: 20120294839
    Abstract: Prosthetic apparatuses with probiotic microorganisms to control colonization of pathogenic bacteria are disclosed. The prosthetic apparatus may include a first portion having a first mating surface, a second portion having a second mating surface that conforms to the first mating surface, and at least one strain of probiotic microorganisms retained between the first and second mating surfaces prior to implantation of the prosthetic apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER DENTAL, INC.
    Inventor: John Zacharia
  • Publication number: 20120296435
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stemless shoulder prosthesis comprising a fixation device for fixing the prosthesis to a resected humerus bone, the fixation device comprising a base portion and anchoring means, the base portion having a distal side adapted to contact a resection plane of the bone and a proximal side for carrying a humeral head. The anchoring means are connected to the distal side of the base portion and adapted to fix the prosthesis to the bone. The anchoring means define a central axis perpendicular to the distal side of the base portion and a free central space around the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Ambacher
  • Publication number: 20120296379
    Abstract: An interspinous process spacer and method of implanting same is provided for maintaining separation between adjacent spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae. The spacer has two lateral portions and a medial portion therebetween, the medial portion adapted to reside between the adjacent superior and inferior spinous processes in the deployed configuration and the lateral portions each comprise a superior lateral portion and an inferior lateral portion adapted to reside on the lateral side of the respective superior and inferior spinous process in the deployed configuration to maintain positioning of the interspinous process spacer between the two adjacent vertebrae. The lateral portions each comprise an expandable lateral member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER GMBH
    Inventors: Anne Catherine Morancy-Meister, Thomas Egli, Rosemary Thompson, Nicole Gronau, Walter Gross, Michael Motzko, Fabio Bernhardsgrütter, Jochen Reinmuth
  • Patent number: 8313490
    Abstract: A system for preparing a surface of an anatomical structure, such as a bone or cartilage, for example, to receive an orthopaedic implant. The system includes a surgical instrument for preparing the surface and a guide engageable with a follower of the surgical instrument. The guide includes a track or path configured to guide the follower and prepare a desired surface on the anatomical structure. The guide facilitates guidance of the surgical instrument in two dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin J. May
  • Publication number: 20120289967
    Abstract: In some examples, a method for at least one of preparation or machining of a femoral head formed on a neck of a femur includes selecting an instrument including probing forceps and a guide element including a centering axis. The guide element is coupled to the probing forceps at first and second coupling points disposed along the centering axis such that the centering axis is disposed in a central plane of the probing forceps independent of an opening angle of the probing forceps. The probing forceps are closed with probing jaws symmetrically contacting the neck of the femur at opposite sides with respect to an axis of the neck of the femur. The guide element self-adjusts with closing of the probing forceps so that the centering axis is automatically aligned in the middle with respect to the two oppositely disposed sides of the neck of the femur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER GMBH
    Inventors: Roland Willi, Marcel Hinder, Andreas Marchione
  • Patent number: 8308811
    Abstract: An acetabular implant for hip replacement surgery includes a shell component and first and second alternative bearing components interchangeably engageable with the shell component to provide a choice in bearing components. The shell component has a shell component engagement mechanism suitable for engaging the first alternative bearing component. A conversion ring is also engageable with the shell component, so that a shell component/conversion ring assembly provides a second shell component engagement mechanism suitable for engagement with the second alternative bearing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Archie W. Newsome, Randy L. Schlemmer, Erin M. Johnson, Richard A. Berger
  • Patent number: 8308807
    Abstract: An implant (10) for anchoring on a bone (1) has a plurality of anchoring pins (20) which extend away from a fastening side of the implant and are provided for anchoring the implant in the bone. In different areas of the fastening side of the implant, the pin arrangement and/or the geometry of the pins are chosen differently. In particular, in different areas of the fastening side of the implant, the volume of the anchoring pins (20) per unit of surface area of the fastening side of the implant is different, preferably in such a way that the geometry and/or arrangement of the pins (20) is chosen according to the proportion of bone tissue in the total tissue of the bone substance, opposite which the area of the fastening side is provided, in such a way that, in areas where there is a relatively higher proportion of bone tissue as a whole, less tissue is displaced by the anchoring pins than in areas where there is a relatively smaller proportion of bone tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, GmbH
    Inventors: Jörn Seebeck, Eik Siggelkow
  • Patent number: 8309521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spacer, such as a polymeric spacer, for use with an implant device, e.g., a bone plate, for splinting a fracture of a bone. The spacer includes a body defining a bone healing surface, wherein at least a portion of the bone healing surface has a coating which includes a therapeutic agent, a polymeric carrier, and a buffer medium to stimulate bone growth and/or promote fracture healing. A kit is also disclosed which includes one or more of the spacers, at least one bone plate, and optionally one or more bone screws for securing the bone plate to bone. A method for promoting fracture healing in bone is further disclosed which includes securely situating a coated portion of the spacer adjacent bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Kai Zhang, Daniel Buehler, Hallie E. Brinkerhuff, Michael E. Hawkins, Ralf Klabunde
  • Patent number: 8303598
    Abstract: A bone tap may be used to deliver and/or aspirate fluid to and/or from a bone. The bone tap may include a passage. A distal portion of the bone tap may be threaded. In some embodiments, openings in a distal portion of the bone tap may communicate with the passage. The bone tap may be driven into bone, and material may enter or exit the bone through the openings and passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Frankel, Scott D. Koysh, Natalie S. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8303662
    Abstract: An instrumentation set may include insertion instruments for forming an implant between bone structures. The insertion instruments may include a spreader and a separator. The bone structures may be vertebrae. Implant members may be attached to the spreader and positioned between the bone structures. The separator may be inserted into the spreader to establish a desired separation distance between the implant members. Connectors may be inserted into the implant members to join the implant members together and form the implant. The insertion instruments may be removed. A seater may be used to set the position of the connectors relative to the implant members to inhibit disassembly of the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Landry, Ronald C. Todd, Erik J. Wagner, Stephen H. Hochschuler
  • Patent number: 8292929
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system includes at least two anchors having a bone attachment portion and a head portion and a flexible assembly coupled to the anchors. The flexible assembly includes a flexible cord, at least two connectors slidably mounted to the flexible cord, and at least one spacer slidably mounted to the cord between adjacent connectors. Each connector couples with a head portion of an anchor. The flexible assembly may be assembled and appropriately adjusted outside the body prior to it being coupled to the anchors. In addition, the connectors may include angled outer surfaces that provide enhanced engagement with the ends of the spacer. A method of stabilizing the spine includes securing anchors to the spine, assembling a flexible assembly outside the body, and coupling the flexible assembly to the anchors. The method may further include providing connectors with angled surfaces to provide enhanced engagement with the spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Boschert