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).

  • Patent number: 7922728
    Abstract: An ancillary tool (10) comprising a trial humeral trochlea (202) that is representative of an anatomical humeral trochlea when the trial humeral trochlea is in place with respect to corresponding cubital (SC) and/or radial (SR) articular surfaces and a cut-out guide (30) for cutting an ulna (C) and/or a radius (R), wherein the cut-out guide (30) is adapted to be positioned with respect to the trial humeral trochlea (202). The cut-out guide (30) is also adapted to be positioned with respect to an ulna (C) and/or to a radius (R) equipped with the trial humeral trochlea (202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Shawn O'Driscoll, Graham King, Ken Yamaguchi, Yves Alain Ratron, Bruno Scialom
  • Patent number: 7887544
    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: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Anders Ekelund
  • Publication number: 20110029023
    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: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventor: Alain TORNIER
  • Publication number: 20100318133
    Abstract: The device for protecting adjacent stages Vc of a spinal segment Sr of a vertebral column previously instrumented by an osteosynthesis device (1) is constituted of fixation elements (110) formed of connectors (111) immobilized in translation and in rotation on the corresponding connection rod (4) of osteosynthesis device (1), a support block (130; 180) in which is housed the spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc found just above the instrumented spinal segment Sr and at least one ligament (150, 170, 190) allowing spinous process Ve of superjacent vertebra Vc to be joined to support block (130; 180) and the support block (130; 180) to be joined to connectors (111).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: CLARIANCE SAS
    Inventor: Alain TORNIER
  • Publication number: 20100160979
    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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventor: Alain TORNIER
  • Publication number: 20100145347
    Abstract: A jig for resurfacing the head of a femur comprises a centering guide defining a centering axis. It further comprises: a support suitable for fitting on a head of the femur and defining an envelope surface forming a portion of a sphere, the centering guide being fastened to the support with the centering axis aligned on a diameter of the sphere; and at least one abutment arm for coming into abutment against a predefined portion of a neck of the femur, the abutment arm being connected to the support and having a distal end that bears against the corresponding predefined portion when the support is fitted on the head of the femur with the centering axis aligned on the central axis of the neck of the femur or with a small amount of valgus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Michel Serrault, Philippe Piriou, Xavier Collard, Philippe Laffargue, Jean-Paul Forthomme, Henri Migaud, Yannick Pinoit, Emmanuel Lizee, Alain Tornier, Yves-Alain Ratron
  • Patent number: 7678150
    Abstract: A total shoulder prosthesis includes a glenoidal component a substantially hemispherical convex articular surface and of which a center of curvature is adapted, when the prosthesis is implanted, to be located in the glenoid cavity or in the immediate vicinity thereof, and a humeral component defining a concave articular surface adapted to cooperate with the convex articular surface of the glenoidal component. The concave humeral articular surface is defined by a metallic part of the humeral component to thereby reduce a space requirement of the prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Gilles Walch, Pascal Boileau
  • Publication number: 20100023058
    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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventor: Alain TORNIER
  • Publication number: 20090318929
    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: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Alain TORNIER, Delphine HENRY
  • Patent number: 7608075
    Abstract: A humeral nail includes an elongated body, a plurality of interlocking devices and a locking device. The elongated body is at least partially insertable into a medullary canal of a humerus and has a proximal part with a plurality of orifices. The interlocking devices are insertable into the orifices to interlock initially split humeral fragments. The locking device is capable of locking the interlocking devices within the orifices. The locking device is free to move relative to the body between a free passage position in which the locking device enables free passage of the interlocking devices through the orifices, and a locking position in which the locking device locks the interlocking devices in position with respect to the orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventor: Alain Tornier
  • Publication number: 20090254186
    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: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventors: Alain TORNIER, Jean-Paul Steib, Christian Mazel
  • Publication number: 20090216277
    Abstract: There is provided a posterior lumbar joint prosthesis which includes prosthetic elements reproducing the movements of the joint facets and vertebral anchors which adapt to the variations in the anatomy of vertebra. In use, the prosthesis has lower and upper connectors on each side of the lumbar vertebra. The lower connectors are coupled with, and pivotably mounted onto, respective lower pedicular screws, and a member defining a member axis links lower and upper connectors on each side of the lumbar vertebra. Upon lateral flexion of one of the upper and lower vertebrae relative to the other, each lower connector is capable of multiaxis pivotable movement relative to the respective lower pedicular screws such that each member is capable to pivot with respect to (i) the axis of the lower screw, (ii) a first axis intersecting the lower screw and the lower connector, and/or (iii) an axis intersecting the above first axis and the lower screw, while the member can also move along the member axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Jean-Paul Steib, Christian Mazel
  • Publication number: 20090112328
    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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Irene Ferrari Epouse Gosset
  • Publication number: 20090076552
    Abstract: A vertebral anchoring device includes connectors (2) linked to one another by connecting rods (3) and fixed on bone-anchoring screws (5) implanted in the vertebrae (4) of a vertebral column, each connector (2) being composed of a connection element (6) that includes receiving and fixing members to permit immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in translation and in rotation. Each connection element (6) includes, opposite the members for receiving and fixing the connecting rod (3), a seat (12) that cooperates with a connecting device (17) permitting assembly of the anchoring screw (5). The connecting device (17), before immobilization of the connecting rod (3) in the connection element (6), permits lateral and independent tilting movements of the connection element (6) and of the anchoring screw (5) relative to each other, and rotation of the anchoring screw (5) for fixing it in the body of the vertebra (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: CLARIANCE
    Inventor: Alain TORNIER
  • Publication number: 20090048687
    Abstract: A method for implanting a malleolar implant in an ankle joint. A spacer block is positioned between a lower portion of a tibia and an upper portion of an astragalus in the ankle joint. A guide attached to the spacer block is positioned opposite an outer surface of a fibular malleolus. A bore aligned with the guide is formed through the fibular malleolus. The spacer block is removed from between the tibia and the astragalus. A shank of the malleolar implant is engaged with the bore from an inner surface of the fibular malleolus. The shank is advanced into the bore so an inner surface of a head of the malleolar implant engages the inner surface of the fibular malleolus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: TORNIER SAS
    Inventors: Alain TORNIER, Michel Bonnin, Jean-Alain Colombier, Thierry Judet
  • Patent number: 7476227
    Abstract: A tool for placing a malleolar implant for partial or total ankle prosthesis, which includes a spacer block, adapted to be inserted between a tibia and an astragalus of an ankle, a lug secured to the block and extending to a vicinity of an outer surface of a fibular malleolus when the spacer block is in position, and the lug supporting a guide for boring the malleolus from its outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Michel Bonnin, Jean-Alain Colombier, Thierry Judet
  • Patent number: 7470287
    Abstract: The prosthesis according to the invention comprises a first component, humeral or femoral, presenting a concave surface of articulation and a second, intermediate component presenting first and second convex surfaces of articulation intended to cooperate respectively with the concave surface of articulation of the first component and with a glenoidal or acetabular concave surface of articulation. The second component is hollow and defines a volume for receiving a head of a member belonging to the first component, this member being connected to a metaphyseal part of the first component by a stem, the head being connected to the second component by traversing an opening made in a ring of the second component mounted on a cup of which the outer surface forms the second convex surface of articulation of the second component. The first convex surface of articulation of the second component is formed on the outer surface of the ring, around the aforementioned opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Thierry Manceau
  • Patent number: 7465319
    Abstract: This prosthesis comprises a humeral or femoral component and an intermediate component. The concave surface of articulation of the humeral or femoral component is formed by a plate connected by a neck to a part of this component adapted to be anchored in the humeral or femoral medullary cavity. The intermediate component is provided with a member for retaining the humeral or femoral component in a position where the plate is in abutment against the first convex surface of the intermediate component. The retaining member defines a non-circular passage in which the neck is adapted to be displaced as a function of the movements of the humeral or femoral component with respect to the other components of the prosthesis. The retaining member defines with the first convex surface of articulation of the intermediate component a volume for receiving a part of the plate projecting radially with respect to the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventor: Alain Tornier
  • Patent number: 7462197
    Abstract: The glenoidal component for shoulder prosthesis according to the invention comprises a base adapted to be immobilized on a patient's glenoid cavity and an element adapted to be added on the base and defining a convex surface of articulation of which at least a part is globally in the form of a portion of sphere and centred on a geometric point, the base being provided with a part centred on an axis and on which is added the afore-mentioned element. When the component is in assembled configuration, the geometric centre and the afore-mentioned axis are offset with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Tornier SAS
    Inventors: Alain Tornier, Francois Sirveaux, Gilles Walch, Daniel Mole, Christophe Levigne, Pascal Boileau, Luc Favard
  • Patent number: D630749
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Alain Tornier