Patents by Inventor Robert Metzger

Robert Metzger 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).

  • Patient-specific elbow guides and associated methods
    Patent number: 9005297
    Abstract: A patient-specific alignment guide includes a three-dimensional engagement surface customized in a pre-operating planning stage by computer imaging to closely mate and conform to a corresponding bone portion of a patient's elbow joint. The patient-specific alignment guide defines a first longitudinal guiding bore aligned with a reference axis associated with the elbow joint of patient when the alignment guide is mounted onto the corresponding bone portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Thomas M. Vanasse, Robert Metzger
  • Pre-Operative Planning And Manufacturing Method For Orthopedic Procedure
    Publication number: 20150088293
    Abstract: A pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic surgery includes obtaining pre-operative medical image data representing a joint portion of a patient. The method also includes constructing a three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion and manufacturing a patient-specific alignment guide for the joint portion from the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion when the image data is sufficient to construct the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion. The patient-specific alignment guide has a three-dimensional patient-specific surface pre-operatively configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the joint portion of the patient in only one position relative to the joint portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Robert METZGER
  • Patient-modified implant
    Patent number: 8979936
    Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a first portion including at least one feature modified to be patient-specific and match the anatomy of a specific patient from a three-dimensional digital image of a patient's joint using computer modeling. The orthopedic implant includes a non-custom inner bone-engaging surface including a plurality of planar surfaces configured for engagement with non-custom bone cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: John R. White, Robert Metzger, Keith R. Berend
  • MODULAR RADIAL HEAD PROSTHESIS
    Publication number: 20150073561
    Abstract: A method for implanting a prosthesis system for replacement of a head portion of a proximal radius includes determining a distance between a proximal radius and a humerus. The method also includes selecting one of a first head component or a second head component based on the determination. The first and second head components have unique heights. The method further includes connecting the selected first or second head component to an articulation component and connecting a stem component to the selected first or second head component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Thomas M. Vanasse, Adam Finley, William J. Hamman, Robert Metzger, Bryce A. Isch, Christopher H. Martin
  • Knee Prosthesis Assembly With Ligament Link
    Publication number: 20150057757
    Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly. The method includes: coupling a femoral component to a femur, and coupling a tibial component to a tibia; coupling a ligament link to one of the femur or the tibia; coupling the ligament link to a coupling component of one of the femoral component or the tibial component; arranging the ligament link in a first position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a left knee; and arranging the ligament link in a second position relative to the tibial component when the prosthetic knee joint assembly is implanted in a right knee, the second position is different from the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Robert METZGER, Brian A. UTHGENANNT, Kevin T. STONE
  • X-RAY BASED CUTBLOCK POSITIONING JIG
    Publication number: 20150051602
    Abstract: A cut block positioning jig including a first alignment member, a second alignment member, and both first and second guide members. The first alignment member is movable towards and away from a patient's bone to which the positioning jig is mounted to arrange the jig at a predetermined position relative to the bone based on x-rays of the patient. The second alignment member is movable towards and away from the bone to arrange the jig at the predetermined position relative to the bone. The first and second guide members are configured to direct cut block support members to the bone to couple a cut block to the bone to provide the bone with patient-specific cuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Uthgenannt, Robert Metzger
  • KNEE PROSTHESIS
    Publication number: 20150032216
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis assembly including a femoral component and a unitary tibial component. The femoral component includes a first condyle and a second condyle. The unitary tibial component includes an engaging structure configured to rigidly secure a stationary bearing thereto. The stationary bearing is configured to articulate with the first condyle. The unitary tibial component further includes a planar tibial bearing surface configured to slidably support a mobile bearing thereon. The mobile bearing includes an inferior planar surface configured to slide along the planar tibial bearing surface and a superior surface configured to articulate with the second condyle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, James G. Lancaster
  • Knee joint prosthesis system and method for implantation
    Patent number: 8936648
    Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing and a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly can have a yoke disposed between the bearing and the femoral component and an axle having an axle axis. The axle can hingedly couple the yoke with the femoral component. Rotation of the femoral component about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the axle axis causes concurrent rotation of the yoke about the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Curt Collard, Michael John Collins, Robert Metzger, Brian M. May, Larabeth G. Ryan
  • Modular radial head prosthesis
    Patent number: 8920509
    Abstract: A prosthesis system for replacement of a head portion of a proximal radius can include an articulation component having a first connection portion. A first head component can have a second connection portion that connects to the first connection portion. A second head component can have a third connection portion that connects to the first connection portion. The second head component can have a distinct dimension from the first head component. A stem component can include a fourth connection portion that connects with either of the first or second head components. The stem component can have a stem anchoring portion that connects to the radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Katrana, Thomas M. Vanasse, Adam Finley, William J. Hamman, Robert Metzger, Bryce A. Isch, Christopher Harris Martin
  • Alignment Guides With Patient-Specific Anchoring Elements
    Publication number: 20140378979
    Abstract: A method for preparing a bone of a joint during joint arthroplasty. The method includes mounting an alignment guide on the bone of a patient along an alignment direction. The method further includes anchoring the alignment guide into a cartilage of the bone using a plurality of patient-specific anchoring elements extending from an inner surface of alignment guide, each anchoring element having a patient-specific length extending between the inner surface and an end point of the corresponding anchoring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin T. STONE, Thomas J. MAUCH, Robert METZGER
  • Pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic procedure
    Patent number: 8903530
    Abstract: A pre-operative planning and manufacturing method for orthopedic surgery includes obtaining pre-operative medical image data representing a joint portion of a patient. The method also includes constructing a three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion and manufacturing a patient-specific alignment guide for the joint portion from the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion when the image data is sufficient to construct the three-dimensional digital model of the joint portion. The patient-specific alignment guide has a three-dimensional patient-specific surface pre-operatively configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the joint portion of the patient in only one position relative to the joint portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Metzger
  • Patient-specific acetabular guide and method
    Patent number: 8900244
    Abstract: A method for inserting an acetabular cup into an acetabulum of a patient includes inspecting a preoperative plan including a three-dimensional image of a patient's acetabulum, selecting at least one of a patient-specific anteversion angle and a patient-specific abduction angle, and approving the preoperative plan. The method also includes preparing the patient's acetabulum for implantation, positioning a patient-specific first surface of an acetabular guide around a matched acetabular rim surface of the patient, and inserting an acetabular cup through an opening of the acetabular guide, the opening having a cylindrical inner surface oriented at the selected at least one of the patient-specific anteversion angle and patient-specific abduction angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Meridew, Robert Metzger
  • Method of implanting a prosthetic knee joint assembly
    Patent number: 8900314
    Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component that engages a femur and at least one bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component thereon. Also, the assembly includes a tibial tray that engages a tibia and that supports the bearing. A ligament link coupling component is included on the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link coupling component is operable to couple to a ligament link to couple the ligament link to the femoral component or the tibial tray. Moreover, the assembly includes an opening included on the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link is received in the opening to bypass the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray to operably couple to the respective one of the femur or the tibia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Brian A. Uthgenannt, Kevin T. Stone
  • Ligament System For Knee Joint
    Publication number: 20140350674
    Abstract: A system for an anatomical joint includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a prosthetic ligament member, and a biasing member associated with at least one of the first and second fasteners. The first fastener is operable to be connected to a first bone portion. The second fastener is operable to be connected to a second bone portion. The prosthetic ligament member is flexible and is directly coupled to both the first and second fasteners to support the first bone portion and the second bone portion for relative movement. A portion of the prosthetic ligament member extends from the first fastener to the second fastener and has an adjustable length. The biasing member is operable to bias the prosthetic ligament member to thereby maintain tension in the prosthetic ligament member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin T. STONE, Robert METZGER
  • Knee prosthesis
    Patent number: 8894715
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis assembly according to the present disclosure can include a femoral component, a unitary tibial component, a medial bearing, and a lateral bearing. The femoral component can have a medial and a lateral condyle portion connected by a patellar track portion. The femoral component can form an opening between the medial and lateral condyles. The unitary tibial component can have a medial portion that includes a first posterior engagement lip and a first outer securing lip. The tibial component can further include a lateral portion that includes a second posterior engagement lip and a second outer securing lip. The medial bearing can have a first posterior groove formed thereon that selectively engages the first posterior engagement lip and a first outer groove that selectively engages the first outer securing lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, James G. Lancaster
  • Patient-Specific Knee Alignment Guide And Associated Method
    Publication number: 20140324058
    Abstract: A method of preparing a knee joint for a prosthesis in a patient includes mating a patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface of a femoral alignment guide onto a corresponding three-dimensional femoral joint surface of the patient. The patient-specific three-dimensional curved inner surface is preoperatively configured from medical scans of the knee joint of the patient. First and second holes are drilled into an anterior portion of the femoral joint surface through corresponding first and second guiding apertures of the femoral alignment guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Robert METZGER, Keith R. BEREND, Michael E. BEREND, Adolph V. LOMBARDI, Lance D. PERRY, Ryan J. SCHOENEFELD
  • Method for less invasive knee resection
    Patent number: 8870883
    Abstract: Various method and apparatuses may be used to perform a procedure, such as a resection of a portion of the anatomy for preparation of the implants of a prosthetic. Various resecting member, including saw blades having selected geometries and shapes, can be used to assist in the resection of an anatomy to provide for implantation of a prosthetic. In addition, a cutting block assembly may be used to guide the resecting member. The cutting block assembly may be moveably mounted relative to the portion to be resected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, Stephen Brown, Garrett A. Sheffer
  • Alignment guides with patient-specific anchoring elements
    Patent number: 8864769
    Abstract: An orthopedic device for joint arthroplasty includes an alignment guide and a number of patient-specific anchoring elements. The alignment guide can be mounted on a bone of a patient during joint arthroplasty. The patient-specific anchoring elements extend from an inner surface of the alignment guide and have a patient-specific length relative to an outer bone surface of the bone of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin T. Stone, Thomas J. Mauch, Robert Metzger
  • Patient-Specific-Bone-Cutting Guidance Instruments And Methods
    Publication number: 20140309644
    Abstract: An orthopedic device for cutting or resurfacing an outer bone surface of a bone of a patient includes first and second guides. Each guide has a patient-specific surface preoperatively configured as a negative surface of a portion of the outer bone surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated slots. The elongated slots of the second guide are offset relative to the elongated slots of the first guide and configured for guiding a tool to resurface the outer bone surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Robert METZGER, Troy W. HERSHBERGER
  • Knee prosthesis
    Patent number: 8858642
    Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis assembly can include a femoral component that has a medial and a lateral condyle portion connected by a patellar track portion. The femoral component can form an opening between the medial and lateral condyles. A tibial component can have a medial portion that includes a first engagement structure and a lateral portion that includes a second engagement structure. A medial bearing can have a third engagement structure formed thereon that selectively engages the first engagement structure. A lateral bearing separately formed and independent from the medial bearing can have a fourth engagement structure formed thereon that selectively engages the second engagement structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Metzger, James G. Lancaster