Patents Assigned to Zimmer
  • Patent number: 8292959
    Abstract: A spinal implant may be used to stabilize a portion of a spine. The implant may promote bone growth between adjacent vertebrae that fuses the vertebrae together. An implant may include an opening through a height of a body of the implant. The body of the implant may include curved sides. A top and/or a bottom of the implant may include protrusions that contact and/or engage vertebral surfaces to prevent backout of the implant from the disc space. A variety of instruments may be used to prepare a disc space and insert an implant. The instruments may include, but are not limited to, a distracter, a rasp, and one or more guides. The implant and instruments may be supplied in an instrument kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Webb, Anthony P. Moreno, Margaret E. Mitchell, Aaron C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8292925
    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: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh D. Hestad, Steven L. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20120265315
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stemless shoulder prosthesis comprising a fixation device for fixing the prosthesis to a resected humerous 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: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, GMBH
    Inventors: Levent Kusogullari, Andrew Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20120265499
    Abstract: Methods for predetermining a contour of a resected bone surface and assessing a fit of a prosthesis on the resected bone surface, for designing prostheses to fit discrete patient populations, and for designing customized prostheses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Mohamed Mahfouz, Brian D. Earl
  • Publication number: 20120265202
    Abstract: An orthopedic nail (10) of generally rod-like shape having a through hole (2) extending from a first side (4) to a second side (6) of said orthopedic nail (10) and being adapted to receive a screw (22) and/or a pin, a first end of said through hole (2) at said first side (4) defining a rim region (48), wherein at least one surface notch (8; 26) is provided in said rim region (48) at and restricted to an outer circumferential surface of said orthopaedic nail (10), said surface notch (8; 26) being arranged transverse to a nail axis (28) of said orthopedic nail (10), a width (W) of said surface notch (8; 26) in the direction of said nail axis (28) being smaller than a diameter of said through hole (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas E. Schwammberger, Jordan Velikov, Rolf Dittmann
  • Publication number: 20120263683
    Abstract: Provided herein are preparations for repairing enchondral or osteochondral defects (4) by implantation, said preparations comprising a cartilage element (A) and optionally a bone element (B) which is connected to the cartilage element (A). The cartilage element (A) can contain cells during the implantation or is populated after the implantation with cells migrating from surrounding tissue. The aim is to better equip the cartilage element (A) of one such preparation for integration into the surrounding tissue and/or for an easy-to-achieve, primary stability. To this end, said cartilage element is not homogeneously embodied but has different characteristics in a peripheral and/or basal region (2, 3) to those in a central region (3). Said differing characteristics (A) relate to the structure and/or composition of the matrix used and/or to the cells established in the matrix, and are not used to prevent the migration of cells into the preparation from the surrounding tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Zimmer Orthobiologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Simona Berardi Vilei, Peter Bittmann, Philipp Wagner, Martin Frenz
  • Patent number: 8287546
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a combination compressor/distractor useful for fitting a spinal stabilization system in a patient through minimally invasive surgery. The spinal stabilization system may comprise screws anchored in vertebrae. The vertebrae may need to be compressed or distracted. One embodiment of an instrument disclosed herein may comprise a shaft for engaging one of the screws through an extender sleeve. A driver may engage another screw through an opening of the instrument. Through this engagement, a surgeon may use the rack and pinion of the instrument to compress or distract one or more levels of the vertebrae in a parallel motion, which can be advantageous clinically in certain situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Emily E. King, Bruce A. Riceman, Charles R. Forton, Peter Thomas Miller
  • Publication number: 20120253469
    Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed that facilitates the implantation of one of a number of differently sized or differently configured hip stem prostheses into a proximal end of a femur while also providing a surgeon with a substantial amount of rotational control over the prosthesis during the implantation. A suitable hip stem prosthesis is selected from a family of hip stem prostheses of varying sizes and dimensions. The surgical instrument attaches to the selected hip stem prosthesis via first and second spaced engagement portions such that the instrument is operable to exert rotational control over the selected hip stem prosthesis. The first engagement portion is an impaction portion configured to engage a corresponding impaction feature on a proximal body portion of the hip stem prosthesis. The second engagement portion is an adjustable clamping portion configured to clampingly receive the neck of the hip stem prosthesis, regardless of the prosthesis size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventor: James S. Collins
  • Publication number: 20120253411
    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: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony J. Lozier, Daniel P. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20120251980
    Abstract: A patient-specific bone implant has a porous body with a core material covered with tantalum. It is made with unique outer dimensions selected to match a specific patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER DENTAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bassett, Michael Collins, Sean Cahill
  • Patent number: 8277486
    Abstract: A method of fixing vertebrae of a patient together at a surgical site includes the following steps: inserting a first cannula (10) into the body (130) of the patient; moving a first fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing the first fastener (624) to a first vertebrae (601); moving a second fastener (624) through the cannula (10) and securing the second fastener (624) to a second vertebrae (602); moving a first fixation element (650) through the cannula (10); and fixing the first fixation element (650) to the first and second fasteners (624).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Davison
  • Publication number: 20120244498
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a three-dimensional resorbable product contoured to a bone defect in a mandible or maxilla. The product is also provided. At least one surface of a resorbable biomaterial element is textured to allow the element to be bent and formed into a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the shape of the bone defect. Texturing includes forming a plurality of pores or grooves in the element. Grooves are formed in at least one direction, in at least one surface of the element, and are formed to a depth sufficient to allow the element to be bent at the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER DENTAL, INC.
    Inventor: MALEATA HALL
  • Patent number: 8273125
    Abstract: An intervertebral disk prosthesis is provided. The prosthesis comprises: a first plate for engaging a first vertebral body, said first plate comprising a first slot formed through the first plate; a second plate for engaging a second vertebral body, said second plate comprising a second slot formed through the second plate; a first anchor member, said first anchor member positioned and slidable through the first slot and having a sharp edge for penetrating into the first vertebral body; and a second anchor member, said second anchor member positioned and slidable through the second slot and having a sharp edge for penetrating into the second vertebral body. The first plate and the second plate engage with one another by way of complimentary concave and convex spherical cap portions to provide relative movement between the first plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Spine
    Inventors: Christian Baccelli, Karl Belliard
  • Publication number: 20120239092
    Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. Extenders may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The extenders may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars. An adjuster may be used in conjunction with the extenders to change a separation distance between the bone fastener assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Zimmer Spine, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Jones, Charles R. Forton
  • Publication number: 20120237558
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicants: ZIMMER, INC., ISTO TECHOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Kizer, Robert Spiro, Jian Yao, Cheryl Renee Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20120239054
    Abstract: A tensioning tool and method for tensioning a conformable ligature of a bone fixing system are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature can be passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop. Another portion of the conformable ligature can be coupled to a tensioning tool. The tensioning tool can include a first portion and a second portion in threaded engagement with each other. Rotation of one portion relative to the other can cause tensioning of the conformable ligature through translation of a tensioning member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER SPINE
    Inventors: Karl Pierre Belliard, Gilles Larroque-Lahitette, Marion Jeanne Sophie Delclaud, Jean-Luc Albert Paul Jouve
  • Publication number: 20120234461
    Abstract: A method for attaching a porous metal layer to a dense metal substrate, wherein the method is particularly useful in forming orthopedic implants such as femoral knee components, femoral hip components, and/or acetabular cups. The method, in one embodiment thereof, comprises providing a solid metal substrate; providing a porous metal structure; contouring a surface of the porous metal structure; placing the porous structure against the substrate such that the contoured surface of the porous metal structure is disposed against the substrate, thereby forming an assembly; applying heat and pressure to the assembly in conjunction with thermal expansion of the substrate in order to metallurgically bond the porous structure and the substrate; and removing mass from the substrate after the porous structure is bonded to the substrate, thereby finish processing the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven J. Charlebois, Leslie N. Gilbertson, Michael E. Hawkins, Dana J. Medlin, H. Ravindranath Shetty, Steven A. Zawadzki
  • Publication number: 20120239045
    Abstract: Patient-specific instruments for preparing bones for receipt of orthopedic prostheses, such as the distal tibia and the talus in a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) procedure. A tibial guide and a talar guide are manufactured based on patient-specific anatomical data obtained using imaging technology, and each guide includes a surface conforming to selected anatomical surfaces or regions of the tibia or talus, respectively. Each guide includes at least one cut referencing surface, such as a cut slot, to guide a resection, and may also include a guide aperture sized to guide a reaming tool for reaming the distal tibia or talus. The guides may also include pin holes positioned within a periphery defined by the cut referencing surfaces such that, when the resections are made and the resected tibial bone portion or talus bone portion is removed, the guide and its associated pins are removed along with the resected bone portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventor: Jia Li
  • Publication number: 20120239146
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions having at least one neocartilage particle, juvenile cartilage particle or a combination thereof and a matrix, and methods and devices that include the compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicants: ZIMMER, INC., ISTO TECHOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Kizer, Robert Spiro, Jian Yao, Cheryl Renee Blanchard
  • Patent number: RE43714
    Abstract: Repairs of cartilage defects or of cartilage/bone defects in human or animal joints with the help of devices including a bone part (1), a cartilage layer (2) and a subchondral bone plate (4) or an imitation of such a plate in the transition region between the cartilage layer (2) and the bone part (1). After implantation, the bone part (4) is resorbed and is replaced by reparative tissue only after being essentially totally resorbed. In a critical phase of the healing process, a mechanically inferior cyst is located in the place of the implanted bone part (1). In order to prevent the cartilage layer (2) from sinking into the cyst space during this critical phase of the healing process the device has a top part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Zimmer Orthobiologics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Nadler, Pedro Bittmann, Margarete K. Akens, Brigitte Von Rechenberg, Jorg Auer