Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of permanently modifying the shape of a prosthetic implant for a person, comprising the steps of: providing a body of biocompatible heat bondable material having a desired predetermined shape; heating a surface portion of the body to make the surface portion tacky for adhering to the implant, without heating the body enough to substantially alter the overall shape of the body; and then placing the tacky surface portion in abutting engagement with the implant to adhere the body to the implant.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of permanently modifying the shape of a prosthetic implant for a person, comprising the steps of: providing a body of biocompatible heat bondable material having a desired predetermined shape; heating a surface portion of the body to make the surface portion tacky for adhering to the implant, without heating the body enough to substantially alter the overall shape of the body; and then placing the tacky surface portion in abutting engagement with the implant to adhere the body to the implant.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of implanting the prosthetic implant when the body of material adhered to the implant is in a cooled state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of implanting the joined body and implant in the person after adhering the body to the implant.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of implanting the implant in the person prior to adhering the body to the implant.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said heating step comprises the step of heating with a laser.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said material is a composite material including a non-biodegrable resin matrix having a plurality of strengthening fibers embedded therein, said resin component becoming tacky upon heating.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as defined in claim 6 wherein said resin is a polymer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as defined in claim 7 wherein said polymer is polyethylene.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein said material is a polymeric material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of adding an antibiotic material to the heated surface potion of the body prior to adhering the body to the implant.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the step of adding a bone-ingrowth material to the heated surface portion of the body prior to adhering the body to the implant.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of permanently modifying the shape of a prosthetic implant for a person, comprising the steps of: providing a body of biocompatible heat bondable material having a desired predetermined shape; placing a surface portion of the body in abutting engagement with the implant; and then heating at least one surface portion of the body adjacent to the implant to make the surface portion tacky to adhere the body to the implant, without heating the body enough to substantially after the overall shape of the body.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
86 words
A method of permanently modifying the shape of a prosthetic implant for a person, comprising the steps of: providing a body of biocompatible heat bondable material having a desired predetermined shape; placing a surface portion of the body in abutting engagement with the implant; and then heating at least one surface portion of the body adjacent to the implant to make the surface portion tacky to adhere the body to the implant, without heating the body enough to substantially after the overall shape of the body.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method as defined in claim 12 further comprising the step of implanting the prosthetic implant when the body of material adhered to the implant is in a cooled state.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as defined in claim 12 further comprising the step of implanting the joined body and implant in the person after adhering the body to the implant.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as defined in claim 12 further comprising the step of implanting the implant in the person prior to adhering the body to the implant.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as defined in claim 12 wherein said heating step comprises the step of heating with a laser.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as defined in claim 12 wherein said material is a composite material including a non-biodegradable resin matrix having a plurality of strengthening fibers embedded therein, said resin component becoming tacky upon heating.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method as defined in claim 17 wherein said resin is a polymer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method as defined in claim 18 wherein said polymer is polyethylene.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as defined in claim 12 wherein said material is a polymeric material.