# US 9,039,777 B2 · Modular junction seal of an orthopedic implant

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- Number: US 9,039,777 B2
- Document ID: US9039777B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/152,161
- Filed: 2014-01-10
- Published: 2014-06-26
- Granted: 2015-05-26
- Earliest claimed: 2012-02-06
- Assignees: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
- Applicants: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
- Inventors: Mukesh Kumar; Robert M. Ronk; Daniel E. Williamson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9039777B2

## CPC

- A61F 2/3609: {Femoral heads or necks; Connections of endoprosthetic heads or necks to endoprosthetic femoral shafts (A61F2/3601 takes precedence)}
- A61F 2002/30332: {Conically- or frustoconically-shaped protrusion and recess}
- A61F 2002/30589: {Sealing means}
- A61F 2002/30682: {Means for preventing migration of particles released by the joint, e.g. wear debris or cement particles}
- A61F 2002/365: {Connections of heads to necks}
- A61F: FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS (dental prosthetics A61C)

## Abstract

A method of forming an orthopedic implant, the method comprising the steps of providing a first implant component and a second implant component, the first implant component having a stem and a second implant component including a head defining a female taper sized to receive the stem; coupling the stem to the female taper of the head; forming a modular injunction between the stem and head; applying a seal to the modular injunction to limit bodily fluid from contacting the modular injunction; and forming the orthopedic implant.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of forming an orthopedic implant, comprising:
providing a first implant component and a second implant component, the first implant component having a stem and a second implant component including a head defining a female taper sized to receive the stem, the second implant component having a radially disposed groove;
coupling the stem to the female taper of the head;
forming a modular injunction between the stem and head;
providing a seal having a radially disposed ridge;
applying the seal to the modular injunction until the ridge becomes at least partially disposed within the groove to limit bodily fluid from contacting the modular injunction; and
forming the orthopedic implant.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, further comprising removing tissue debris near and on the modular junction and removing or wiping dry the bodily fluids before the applying step.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the applying step comprises:
providing a polymeric seal having a tapered section and a collar section, the collar section extending from and circumferentially surrounding a portion of the tapered section;
mating the tapered section of the seal with a tapered portion of the stem; and
coupling the collar section to the head.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The method of claim 3, further comprising:
aligning a ridge of the collar section with a groove defined in the head; and
mating the ridge with the groove.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The method of claim 4, further comprising:
aligning a second ridge of the collar section with a second groove defined in the head; and
mating the second ridge with the second groove.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The method of claim 4, further comprising:
aligning a ridge of the tapered section with a groove defined in the stem; and
mating the ridge of the tapered section with the groove defined in the stem.

### Claim 7

A method of forming an orthopedic implant, comprising:
providing a first implant component and a second implant component, the first implant component having a stem and a second implant component including a head defining a female taper sized to receive the stem;
coupling the stem to the female taper of the head;
forming a modular injunction between the stem and head;
applying a seal to the modular injunction to limit bodily fluid from contacting the modular injunction; and
forming the orthopedic implant;
wherein the applying step comprises:
providing an un-polymerized material;
applying the un-polymerized material at or near the modular junction;
polymerizing the un-polymerized material; and
forming a polymeric seal at the modular junction.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein the polymerizing step comprises exposing the un-polymerized material to air, heat, ultraviolet light, or infrared light.