Patents by Inventor Kyle Wirtz

Kyle Wirtz 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: 11406433
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20200155209
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 10507049
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 10070905
    Abstract: A device can be provided that includes a bone plate having an upper surface and a bone-facing surface, wherein the bone plate includes one or more openings extending through the bone plate from the upper surface to the bone-facing surface, and one or more sliding elements each including a fastener receiving hole. The one or more openings can at least partially surround a periphery of one of the receiving holes. Further, the one or more openings can be at least partially filled with an elastomer to support elastic suspension of the one or more sliding elements in the bone plate, thereby enabling relative displacement between the one or more sliding elements and the bone plate. At least one sensor can also be provided that is operable to assess a dynamic parameter of one of the one or more sliding elements within the bone plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 10022168
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the hone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20180070997
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 9788873
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20170273728
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the hone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 9700361
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the bone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 9510879
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20160166293
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the bone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 9295508
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a method and device for plate osteosynthesis of a bone fracture that allows angle-stable fixation of the bone fracture, while permitting elastic axial motion at the fracture site in a controlled, symmetric manner to stimulate fracture healing. Embodiments pertain to a bone plate having an outer surface and a bone-facing surface. The bone plate incorporating internal sliding elements containing a threaded receiving hole for bone screws that have a correspondingly threaded screw head. The sliding elements undergo controlled displacement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate but are substantially constrained against displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plate. The bone screws with threaded heads may be rigidly fixed to the threaded receiving holes in the sliding elements without compressing the bone plate onto the bone surface. Sliding elements are elastically suspended inside the bone plate and undergo dynamic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: ZIMMER, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20150327896
    Abstract: A device can be provided that includes a bone plate having an upper surface and a bone-facing surface, wherein the bone plate includes one or more openings extending through the bone plate from the upper surface to the bone-facing surface, and one or more sliding elements each including a fastener receiving hole. The one or more openings can at least partially surround a periphery of one of the receiving holes. Further, the one or more openings can be at least partially filled with an elastomer to support elastic suspension of the one or more sliding elements in the bone plate, thereby enabling relative displacement between the one or more sliding elements and the bone plate. At least one sensor can also be provided that is operable to assess a dynamic parameter of one of the one or more sliding elements within the bone plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20150025588
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20140330275
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Patent number: 8790379
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bottlang, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120310289
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone with a bone plate. In various embodiments, the systems and plates provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to an osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension can promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments where fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate can enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate. This relative motion can promote fracture healing by callus formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: APEX BIOMEDICAL COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Michael BOTTLANG, Steven M. Madey, Kyle Wirtz, Stanley Tsai