Patents by Inventor Alain Tornier

Alain Tornier has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20150018959
    Abstract: This glenoidal component for a shoulder prosthesis comprises a base which may be immobilized on the glenoid cavity of a shoulder, and an element provided to be mounted on this base and forming a convex surface of articulation centred on an axis of symmetry. This axis of symmetry is non perpendicular to a rear face of the base intended to abut against the glenoid cavity, this making it possible to compensate a defect in parallelism between the resectioned surface of the glenoid cavity and the axis of the patient's spinal column. A surgeon can select the component in which the axes of symmetry of the components are oriented differently with respect to their rear faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Francois Sirveaux, Gilles Walch, Daniel Mole, Christophe Levigne, Pascal Boileau, Luc Favard
  • Patent number: 8932361
    Abstract: An apparatus and modeling method of the present invention includes the successive steps of generating cartographic data representative of points belonging to a glenoid surface; distinguishing from among the cartographic data a first group of cartographic data corresponding to a first part of the glenoid surface, the first surface part being situated farthest down in the vertical direction in relation to the scapula; calculating from the first group of cartographic data a first ellipsoid portion that coincides substantially with the first surface part; and obtaining a theoretical glenoid surface from the first ellipsoid portion. By virtue of the theoretical glenoid surface obtained by this method, it is possible to assist the surgeon in optimizing the position of implantation of a glenoid component and to produce a glenoid component “made to measure” for the scapula that is to be fitted with a prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Delphine Henry
  • Patent number: 8852283
    Abstract: This glenoidal component for a shoulder prosthesis comprises a base which may be immobilized on the glenoid cavity of a shoulder, and an element provided to be mounted on this base and forming a convex surface of articulation centered on an axis of symmetry. This axis of symmetry is non perpendicular to a rear face of the base intended to abut against the glenoid cavity, this making it possible to compensate a defect in parallelism between the resectioned surface of the glenoid cavity and the axis of the patient's spinal column. A surgeon can select the component most adapted to the orientation of the resectioned surface from a set of components in which the axes of symmetry of the components are oriented differently with respect to their rear faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Francois Sirveaux, Gilles Walch, Daniel Mole, Christophe Levigne, Pascal Boileau, Luc Favard
  • Patent number: 8821503
    Abstract: The ancillary tool according to the invention comprises a handle for manipulating an acetabulum provided, in its distal part, with a head for gripping the acetabulum and, in its proximal part, with a surface for application of a force of impaction. The tool further comprises at least one added endpiece adapted to be removably connected to the distal end of the handle. This endpiece defines both a face for wedging the acetabulum and an opposite face for interaction of the endpiece with the head of the handle, these faces both being borne by a radially deformable supple ring. The invention is particularly applicable to the positioning of an acetabular prosthesis in an anatomical or prosthetic cavity of a patient's hip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Jean-Pierre Berger, Patrick Reynaud, Arnaud Godeneche, Christophe Hulet, Jean-Claude Panisset, Philippe Deroche, Jean Puget, Andre Ferreira
  • Patent number: 8740981
    Abstract: The nuclear implant according to this invention constitutes, between two overlying and underlying vertebrae Va, Vb of a spine segment Sr, an intervertebral support device that damps shock and ensures the mobility of the functional unit that is formed by the vertebrae of a vertebral column, whereby the nuclear implant includes a filling element (2) that includes at least one continuous wire (50, 51) that is arranged—inside a nuclear space Es that is obtained after nucleotomy of the intervertebral disk Di—along a profile in the shape of a ring whose stack of coils (55) makes it possible to delimit a central internal space (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Clariance
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Jean-Paul Steib, Christian Mazel
  • Patent number: 8652209
    Abstract: A process for nucleotomy of an intervertebral disk to create a nuclear space and a method for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk after a nucleotomy are provided. The methods position a nuclear implant between two overlying and underlying vertebrae of a spine segment in the form of one or more continuous wire arranged as a stack of helices inside the nuclear space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Clariance
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Jean-Paul Steib, Christian Mazel
  • Publication number: 20140025079
    Abstract: The nucleotomy device makes it possible to produce a nuclear space Es in an intervertebral disc Di using a transosseous approach previously pierced in the body of a vertebra Va. The device includes a tool holder (2) provided with first connection elements (3) ensuring the placement of an electric rotary driving motor (4), second connection elements (5) for the placement of a blade cutting tool (6), driving elements (7) imparting rotational and longitudinal translational movements to the cutting tool (6), and injection and suction elements (8) making it possible to evacuate the debris from the nucleus resulting from cutting when it is formed inside the intervertebral disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Alain TORNIER, Guy VIART, Jean Yves LEROY, Adrien BILLON, Brice KRIER, Sebastien SHULLER, Afshin GANGI, Orlando ORTIZ
  • Publication number: 20140012333
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polyaxial screw including a friction element (12) positioned between the head (3) of the threaded bone anchoring portion (2) and the head (9) of the mechanical thread anchoring portion (4) on the one hand, and a retaining element (13, 18) ensuring that the anchoring portions (2, 4) cannot separate from each other while guaranteeing that the anchoring portion with the mechanical thread (4) is free to move in vertical translation and angular pivoting with respect to the threaded bone anchoring portion (2) so as to be able to axially preposition the mechanical thread anchoring portion (4) with respect to the axial anchoring position of the threaded bone anchoring portion (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Alain TORNIER, Guy VIART, Jean Yves LEROY, Bruno SAUVAGE
  • Patent number: 8454666
    Abstract: A slide-type cervical plate includes an anti-backout device (2) preventing the vertical movements of the bone anchor screws (3) and which consists of first vertical-blocking elements (71) capable of deforming elastically in a first direction so that an anchor screw (3) can be introduced into the corresponding bore (4) and of second vertical-blocking elements (8) capable of deforming elastically in a second direction different than the first so that another anchor screw (3) can be fitted into another bore (4), the first and second blocking elements deforming elastically when a combined external load in a vertical direction and in rotation in the clockwise direction is applied to the anchor screws (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Clariance
    Inventor: Alain Tornier
  • Patent number: 8317835
    Abstract: The hinge mounting system according to the present invention is constituted of a link connector (10) comprising, on either side of a U-shaped opening (8), a first and a second vertical branch (11, 12) respectively cooperating through axes of rotation (13, 14) with a clamping element (15) enabling the linking rod (4) to be immobilized in translation and in rotation after it has been pivoted and locked above the opening (8) by a lock (16) elastically loaded by a leaf spring (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Clariance
    Inventor: Alain Tornier
  • Patent number: 8303665
    Abstract: This glenoidal component for a shoulder prosthesis comprises a base which may be immobilized on the glenoid cavity of a shoulder, and an element provided to be mounted on this base and forming a convex surface of articulation centered on an axis of symmetry. This axis of symmetry is non-perpendicular to a rear face of the base intended to abut against the glenoid cavity, this making it possible to compensate a defect in parallelism between the resectioned surface of the glenoid cavity and the axis of the patient's spinal column. A surgeon can select the component most adapted to the orientation of the resectioned surface from a set of components in which the axes of symmetry of the components are oriented differently with respect to their rear faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Francois Sirveaux, Gilles Walch, Daniel Mole, Christophe Levigne, Pascal Boileau, Luc Favard
  • Publication number: 20120277862
    Abstract: A process for nucleotomy of an intervertebral disk to create a nuclear space and a method for replacing a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disk after a nucleotomy are provided. The methods position a nuclear implant between two overlying and underlying vertebrae of a spine segment in the form of one or more continuous wire arranged as a stack of helices inside the nuclear space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventors: Alain TORNIER, Jean-Paul STEIB, Christian MAZEL
  • Patent number: 8282685
    Abstract: This surgical apparatus comprises, on the one hand, means for spatial marking-out of the kneecap and femur of a patient to be operated on, and, on the other hand, means for simultaneous and relative representation of this kneecap provided virtually with a patellar implant of the prosthesis, and of this femur provided virtually with a femoral implant of the prosthesis, in a sagittal plane passing both through the kneecap and through the trochlea of the aforementioned femoral implant. Using this apparatus, the surgeon can easily and quickly check the antero-posterior size of the prosthesis in order to reduce the risks of subsequent dislocations of the kneecap fitted with the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Olivier Rochetin, Yves-Alain Ratron, Alain Tornier
  • Patent number: 8277511
    Abstract: A prosthesis and method for a ball and socket joint. The prosthesis includes a first component including an anchoring shank and a metaphyseal portion. The metaphyseal portion includes a first articular surface configured to move in translation relative to the anchoring shank. An intermediate component includes a first articular surface configured to engage with the first articular surface on the metaphyseal portion, and a second articular surface configured to engage with the ball and socket joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Irene Ferrari Epouse Gosset
  • Patent number: 8246653
    Abstract: The device (9) comprises vertebral elements (10, 20, 10?, 20?) adapted to be fixed to the same lateral side of the bodies of at least two adjacent vertebrae (1, 2), the elements being associated in pairs that are provided to be associated with the left and right sides of the vertebrae. In order to guide the vertebrae effectively and stably, in order, in use, to reproduce an articulating intervertebral joint, the two elements of each pair delimit respective surfaces (15, 25, 15?, 25?) for the relative guiding of those elements, which surfaces are adapted, when the elements are implanted on their corresponding vertebra, to extend generally along the same lateral side of the body of the vertebrae and to rest and slide one against the other in such a manner that the surfaces define a center of rotation (C) about which the two elements are able to turn one relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Clariance
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Irene Ferrari-Gosset
  • Patent number: 8187282
    Abstract: The ancillary tool according to the invention comprises a plate which defines a convex surface intended to bear against the glenoid cavity of a patient's scapula and which forms a directional guide for a drilling, fashioning or like member. To allow the surgeon to apply this member in a chosen direction, the tool comprises means for adjusting the position of the guide with respect to the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Anders Ekelund, Laurent Comtat
  • Patent number: 8177811
    Abstract: The total arthroplasty joint prosthesis includes connectors (2, 4) fixed in the pedicles Vp of the spinal levels by anchoring screws (3), upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) connecting the connectors (2, 4) to each other, and guiding and damping element (7) connecting the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6), the guiding and damping element (7) and the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) being constructed with relation to each other so as to define at least one rotation and sliding axis C situated at the level of the upper superjacent vertebra Va of the instrumented segment Sr in order to limit the stresses on the anchoring screws (3) ensuring fixation of the connectors (2) in the superjacent vertebra Va.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Clariance
    Inventor: Alain Tornier
  • Publication number: 20120029570
    Abstract: The facet arthroplasty device according to the present invention comprises linking rods (2) for linking together connectors (3, 6) that are held respectively in the vertebral bodies of each treated vertebra V by way of anchoring screws (4), while each connector (3) has means for immobilizing and guiding a sleeve (5) that allows said connector (3) freedoms of movement in rotation R, R1 and/or in lateral tilting B about a vertical axis xx' and/or vv' of the anchoring screw (4), which has been fixed beforehand in the corresponding vertebral body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventor: Alain TORNIER
  • Patent number: 8048114
    Abstract: A guidance device including two vertebral units adapted to be fixed to the posterior side of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine and wherein the two units have substantially spherical complementary articulation surfaces which, when the units are fixed to the vertebrae, extend overall on the posterior side of the vertebrae and slide against one another about a center point located in the intervertebral space that separates the vertebrae, and wherein the device also includes a mechanical element to limit an amplitude of the relative sliding of the articulation surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Clariance
    Inventor: Alain Tornier
  • Patent number: RE42805
    Abstract: A humeral component, forming a first articulating surface, and an ulnar component forming a second articulating surface adapted to be disposed around a part of the first articulating surface and to pivot about its longitudinal axis. This ulnar component is provided with structure for mounting a locking element which forms a third articulating surface extending the second and adapted likewise to be disposed around a part of the first surface. These mounting structure comprise guiding structures adapted to cooperate with complementary structure provided on the locking element in order to guide this element in translation with respect to the ulnar component, up to a position where blocking structure provided respectively on the locking element and on the ulnar component may be employed to immobilize this element on this component, these blocking structure being able to be employed only in this position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tornier
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Shawn O'Driscoll, Graham King, Ken Yamaguchi, Yves Alain Ratron, Bruno Scialom