Abstract:
The present invention applies gas cluster ion beam "GCIB" technology to modify artificial joint component surfaces and reduce wear debris, osteolysis complications, and accelerated wear failure. A gas cluster particle source (116) produces gas cluster particles to be ionized (122) and accelerated (126). The GCIB is then directed to a non-uniform patterning means (132) to impinge a desired artificial joint (10) with a predetermined dose and distribution of ionized gas cluster particles.
Abstract:
An implant (2480) for use in spinal surgery comprises a resilient element having an inflatable cavity. It is formed of a biologically compatible material and is arranged for placement between end plates of adjacent vertebra. The implant (2480) may also include a wound disc replacement element (2490). A method of performing spinal surgery on a patient comprises securely mounting a patient onto a patient support table (100); imaging a spinal region of the patient; building up a three-dimensional image file of the spinal region of the patient; storing the image file; and utilizing the image file for planning and carrying out computer controlled spinal surgery on the patient utilizing the implant. A computer controlled surgical implant system (160) comprises a steerable endosurgical implanting assembly (170) operative to install the implant at a desired location in a patient; and a computerized controller (180), which operates the steerable endosurgical implanting assembly (170).
Abstract:
This invention is an implant holder (500) for inserting a spinal implant into a disc space. The implant holder (500) has a shaft (502) and an outer sleeve (504). Shaft (502) has a distal end (506), a proximal end (508), a reduced portion (510) extending towards distal end (506), an intermediate reduced portion (511), and an enlarged portion (512) between intermediate reduced portion (511 ) and proximal end (508). Shaft (502) is preferably hollow and is adapted to permit the passage of other instruments therethrough. Outer sleeve (504) has a distal end (522) and proximal end (524). Distal end (522) has upper and lower extensions (526,528), and side extensions (530) adapted to cooperatively engage trailing end (104) of implant (100). Side extensions (530) each have a flange (532) to cooperatively engage slot (126) of implant (100) and and a stop (534) for limiting further advancement of implant holder (500) into trailing end (104) of implant (100). A method for inserting a spinal implant into an implantation space using the implant holder (500) is disclosed.
Abstract:
A component for a prosthetic joint (243) having a diamond load bearing and articulation surface (249). The component may include a substrate to which a volume of diamond is bonded by sintering to form a sintered polycrystalline diamond compact.
Abstract:
Biocompatible materials that have the ability to release nitric oxide (NO) in situ at the surface-blood interface when in contact with blood. The materials which may be polymers (e.g., polyurethane, poly(vinyl chloride), silicone rubbers), metals, such as stainless steel, carbon, and the like are provided with biocatalysts or biomimetic catalysts on their surface that have nitrite, nitrate and/or nitrosothiol-reducing capability that. Illustratively, the catalysts are adsorbed or immobilized at the surface of the material. The catalysts can act on endogenous nitrite/nitrate or nitrosothiols within the blood creating a local increase in the NO levels at the surface of the material. An illustrative enzymatic biocatalyst is mammalian xanthine oxidase. In another illustrative embodiment, a biomimetic catalyst is a copper (Cu(II)-ligands complex, e.g., dibenzo[e,k]-2,3,8,9-tetraphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododeca-1,3,7,9 -tetraene. In some cases, lipophilic salts of nitrite/nitrate (e.g., tridodecylmethylammonium nitrite (TDMA NO2 /NO3 )) or certain salts of nitrosothiols can be doped within a polymer material, or an underlying polymeric film, to create a reservoir of nitrite or nitrosothiol that continuously leaks into the immobilized catalytic layer. Adequate levels of endogenous reducing equivalents are present within blood to provide catalytically-generated surface levels of NO that are above the threshold reportedly required to prevent platelet adhesion or activation.
Abstract:
The present invention provides monopolar acetabular liners (32, 54) that can enclose a femoral head (14) to form a hip replacement prosthesis (30, 50), wherein the liner (32, 54) has a rim (34) that creates an orifice, wherein the orifice has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the femoral head (14), and wherein the liner (32, 54) encompasses greater than 50 percent of the volume of the head (14), wherein a constraining ring (56) can be used in conjunction with the monopolar constrained acetabular liner (32, 54) to provide additional support for the femoral head (14) to stay with the acetabular liner (32, 54) and avoid dislocation. Assemblies and complete prosthetic replacements are also provided. Liners (32, 54) and constraining rings (56) having no, one or more recesses (36) also are provided.
Abstract:
A prosthesis is disclosed at least of the surface of which is of metal, said metal being covered by a layer of aluminium oxide which comprises phosphate and/or pores containing bioactive material, optionally with a layer of aluminium or an alloy thereof between the metal and the porous aluminium oxide layer.
Abstract:
An acetabular shell liner (20) having a variable rim surface geometry (26), which improves range of motion of the femoral component within the liner and decreases the incidence of dislocation and subluxation, and methods of making and using the acetabular shell liner. Prosthetic devices, more particularly hip joint prostheses, containing the acetabular shell liner having a variable rim surface geometry are also provided.
Abstract:
A porous attachment material (18; 20; 26) for cells, in particular bone (cells), comprises a foam which is metallized with a biocompatible metal or metal alloy. The attachment material has interconnected pores. According to the invention, the foam is a non-carbonized polyurethane foam or polyether foam. A gradual transition in the porosity increases the possible applications. Attachment material can also be used for the in-vitro culturing of cells.
Abstract:
A prosthetic femoral stem component (5) comprising a body element (10), a neck element (15) and a stem element (20), with the body element (10), neck element (15) and stem element (20) being secured to one another with a modular connection (40), wherein the modular connection (40) comprises a taper junction (45) and an engaged-fit junction (50).