US5484443A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Instrument for inserting a protective sleeve into the medullary canal of a bone
Assignee: Wright Medical Technology Inc
•
Filing: 1994-09-22
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Granted: 1996-01-16
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Expires: 2014-09-22
Abstract
Abstract In accordance with the present invention, an instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible small bone joint replacement prostheses, such as a finger joint, is provided. The instrument includes a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, wherein the distal end of the handle is configured with a first connection portion. A head having opposed proximal and distal portions includes a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion of the head being configured with a second connection portion for releasable engagement with the first connection portion of the handle. A post protrudes distally from the base and includes a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post. The taper of the stem portion is adapted for mating with the grommet to be implanted into the medullary canal of bone.
Inventors
- 👤 Joanne M. Pascarella
- 👤 John V. Vanore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:18
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61F; A61F2/00; A61F2/02; A61F2/30; A61F2/42; A61F2/4241; A61F2/30721; A61F2/30728; A61F2/46; A61F2/4603; A61F2/4606; A61F2002/30001; A61F2002/30108; A61F2002/3011; A61F2002/30138; A61F2002/30153; A61F2/30767; A61F2/30907; A61F2002/30919; A61F2/4225; A61F2002/4228; A61F2002/4243; A61F2230/00; A61F2230/0002; A61F2230/0017; A61F2230/0019
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein the head is formed from a material which is nonabrasive to a prostheses or other component being implanted.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein the base has a generally rectangular cross section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The instrument of claim 3 wherein the base includes a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the implantable prostheses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The instrument of claim 1 wherein the post has a generally rectangular cross section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The instrument of claim 5 wherein the post is configured for mating with the protective grommet of the prostheses for allowing implantation of the prostheses.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
155 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger or toe joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; a head having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, and having a generally rectangular cross section, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for mating engagement with the first connection portion, the base further includes a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the implantable prostheses; a post generally rectangular in cross section protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; and means for removably securing the head to the handle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
155 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger or toe joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; a head having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, and having a generally rectangular cross section, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for mating engagement with the first connection portion, the base further includes a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the implantable prostheses; a post generally rectangular in cross section protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; and means for removably securing the head to the handle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
155 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger or toe joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; a head having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, and having a generally rectangular cross section, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for mating engagement with the first connection portion, the base further includes a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the implantable prostheses; a post generally rectangular in cross section protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; and means for removably securing the head to the handle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
155 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger or toe joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; a head having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, and having a generally rectangular cross section, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for mating engagement with the first connection portion, the base further includes a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the implantable prostheses; a post generally rectangular in cross section protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; and means for removably securing the head to the handle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
141 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a plunger assembly containing a ball; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a pilot hole formed therein for mating engagement with the ball of the first connection, wherein the ball engages the pilot hole and locks the head to the handle; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
141 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a plunger assembly containing a ball; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a pilot hole formed therein for mating engagement with the ball of the first connection, wherein the ball engages the pilot hole and locks the head to the handle; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
151 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, and having a generally rectangular cross-section, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection, the base further including a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the grommet; a post generally rectangular in cross-section protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
151 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, and having a generally rectangular cross-section, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection, the base further including a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the grommet; a post generally rectangular in cross-section protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
120 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
120 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
120 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible toe replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
120 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible toe replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a threaded external surface; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a threaded internal bore for mating engagement with the first connection; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
141 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a plunger assembly containing a ball; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a pilot hole formed therein for mating engagement with the ball of the first connection, wherein the ball engages the pilot hole and locks the head to the handle; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
141 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible finger joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a plunger assembly containing a ball; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a pilot hole formed therein for mating engagement with the ball of the first connection, wherein the ball engages the pilot hole and locks the head to the handle; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
141 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible toe joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a plunger assembly containing a ball; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a pilot hole formed therein for mating engagement with the ball of the first connection, wherein the ball engages the pilot hole and locks the head to the handle; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
141 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible toe joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection comprising a plunger assembly containing a ball; a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection comprising a pilot hole formed therein for mating engagement with the ball of the first connection, wherein the ball engages the pilot hole and locks the head to the handle; a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross-section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
128 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; and a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for mating engagement with the first connection portion; the head including a base extending axially from the distal portion; the head including a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; the post having a truncated pyramidal shape.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
128 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; and a head connectable to said handle and having opposed proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for mating engagement with the first connection portion; the head including a base extending axially from the distal portion; the head including a post protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; the post having a truncated pyramidal shape.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The instrument of claim 15 in which said base has a generally rectangular cross section.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
153 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; and a head having opposed proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for connection with the first connection portion; the head including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the base having a generally rectangular cross section and including a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the implantable prostheses; the head including a post generally rectangular in cross section protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; the having a truncated pyramidal shape.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
153 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a central axis with opposed proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured with a first connection portion; and a head having opposed proximal and distal portions, the proximal portion being configured with a second connection portion for connection with the first connection portion; the head including a base extending axially from the distal portion, the base having a generally rectangular cross section and including a horizontal leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the implantable prostheses; the head including a post generally rectangular in cross section protruding distally from the base and having a cross section which is tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post; the having a truncated pyramidal shape.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
102 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a proximal end and having a distal end; and a head having a proximal portion connected to the distal end of the base and having a distal portion; the head including a base extending axially from the distal portion; the head including a post protruding distally from the base for receiving the grommet; the post having a truncated pyramidal shape tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
102 words
An instrument for surgically implanting a grommet for a flexible bone joint replacement prostheses, comprising: a handle having a proximal end and having a distal end; and a head having a proximal portion connected to the distal end of the base and having a distal portion; the head including a base extending axially from the distal portion; the head including a post protruding distally from the base for receiving the grommet; the post having a truncated pyramidal shape tapered in a distal direction from a thicker portion at the intersection of the post with the base toward the tip of the post.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The instrument of claim 18 wherein the base has a generally rectangular cross section.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
The instrument of claim 19 wherein the grommet includes a flanged section having a radius; and wherein the base includes a leading edge having a radius which is adapted for mating engagement with the radius of the flanged section of the grommet.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The instrument of claim 18 wherein the post has a generally rectangular cross section.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-01-15 | 1999-07-17 | 2000-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-07-17 | 2004-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-15 | 2007-07-17 | 2008-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |