Flexible segmented bearing implant
AssigneeZimmer Technology, Inc.
InventorsRobert Hodorek, Brian Thomas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flexible segmented bearing implant includes a body having opposed top and bottom surfaces. At least one of the top and bottom surfaces is configured to articulate with an abutting joint component.
Claims45
A bearing implant for replacing a portion of an articular joint defined by abutting joint components, the implant comprising a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion and joined to the first portion, at least one of the first and second portions including a surface defined by a plurality of segments, the segments being movable relative to one another to conform to an abutting joint component, at least one of the first and second portions defining a bearing surface engageable in joint articulating relationship with an abutting joint component.
A bearing implant for replacing a portion of an articular joint defined by abutting joint components, the implant comprising:
- a relatively flexible layer;
- a plurality of discrete, relatively inflexible segments separate from the flexible layer;
- and
- means for intraoperatively attaching the segments to the flexible layer to form a flexible segmented implant engageable by the abutting joint components.
A method for placing a bearing implant in a joint, the method comprising:
- inserting a first, relatively flexible first component into the joint;
- and
- joining a plurality of relatively inflexible segments to the first component in the joint to define a surface engageable with a joint component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.