US6726725B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Prosthetic devices employing contacting oxidized zirconium surfaces
Assignee: Smith and Nephew Inc
•
Filing: 2001-07-24
•
Granted: 2004-04-27
•
Expires: 2021-07-24
Abstract
Abstract Orthopedic implants comprising components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium contacting other surface-coated oxidized zirconium are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon Hunter
- 👤 Ajit Mishra
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:02
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L27/00; A61L27/28; A61L27/30; A61L27/306; A61L31/00; A61L31/08; A61L31/082; A61L31/088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
93 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a prosthesis body formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient; (b) a bearing surface comprising at least one condyle on the prosthesis body; (c) a tibial component formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy having a surface adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface; and, (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface of the condyle portion and on the cooperating surface of the tibial component.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a prosthesis body formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient; (b) a bearing surface comprising at least one condyle on the prosthesis body; (c) a tibial component formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy having a surface adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface; and, (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface of the condyle portion and on the cooperating surface of the tibial component.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein at least one of said thin blue-black or black oxidized zirconium coating is from about 1 to about 20 microns thick.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein at least one of said thin blue-black or black oxidized zirconium coating is from about 1 to about 5 microns thick.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The prosthesis of claim 1 wherein the implant portion of the prosthesis body further comprises an irregular surface structure adapted to accommodate tissue in-growth on a portion of the prosthesis body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The prosthesis of claim 4 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy beads attached to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the beads is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The prosthesis of claim 4 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy wire mesh connected to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the mesh is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
99 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a hip prosthesis body for implantation into a femor comprising a head portion formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy; (b) a bearing surface on the head portion of the prosthesis body; (c) an acetabular cup having an inner surface formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy, said inner surface being adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface on the head portion; and, (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface of the head portion and directly on the inner surface of said acetabular cup.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
99 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a hip prosthesis body for implantation into a femor comprising a head portion formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy; (b) a bearing surface on the head portion of the prosthesis body; (c) an acetabular cup having an inner surface formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy, said inner surface being adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface on the head portion; and, (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface of the head portion and directly on the inner surface of said acetabular cup.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The prosthesis of claim 7 wherein at least one of said thin blue-black or black oxidized zirconium coating is from about 1 to about 20 microns thick.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The prosthesis of claim 7 wherein at least one of said thin blue-black or black oxidized zirconium coating is from about 1 to about 5 microns thick.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The prosthesis of claim 7 wherein the prosthesis body further comprises an irregular surface structure adapted to accommodate tissue in-growth on a portion of the prosthesis body.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
The prosthesis of claim 10 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy wire mesh connected to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the mesh is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
46 words
The prosthesis of claim 10 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy beads connected to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the beads is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
107 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a prosthesis body formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy comprising an implant portion for insertion into the body tissue of the patient; (b) a bearing surface on the prosthesis body, the bearing surface being sized and shaped to engage or cooperate with a second bearing surface on another prosthesis portion, said second bearing surface being formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy; and, (c) a coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium from about 1 to about 5 microns in thickness on the bearing surface of the prosthesis and on said second bearing surface of said another prosthesis portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
107 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a prosthesis body formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy comprising an implant portion for insertion into the body tissue of the patient; (b) a bearing surface on the prosthesis body, the bearing surface being sized and shaped to engage or cooperate with a second bearing surface on another prosthesis portion, said second bearing surface being formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy; and, (c) a coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium from about 1 to about 5 microns in thickness on the bearing surface of the prosthesis and on said second bearing surface of said another prosthesis portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
60 words
The prosthesis of claim 13 wherein the prosthesis body is a hip joint having a head portion as a bearing surface and wherein said another prosthesis portion is an acetabular cup, said head portion being adapted to cooperate with the inner surface of the acetabular cup, wherein said inner surface of said acetabular cup is also said second bearing surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
49 words
The prosthesis of claim 13 wherein the prosthesis body is a knee joint and the bearing surface of the prosthesis body comprises at least one condyle, and wherein said another prosthesis portion comprises a tibial component, said at least one condyle being adapted to cooperate with said tibial component.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The prosthesis of claim 13 wherein the prosthesis body further comprises an irregular surface structure adapted to accommodate tissue in-growth on at least a portion of the prosthesis body.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
46 words
The prosthesis of claim 16 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy beads connected to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the beads is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
47 words
The prosthesis of claim 16 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy wire mesh connected to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the mesh is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
78 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a prosthesis body formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient; (b) a bearing surface on the prosthesis body; (c) a counter-bearing surface formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy and adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface; and, (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface and on the counter-bearing surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
78 words
A prosthesis for implantation in a patient, comprising: (a) a prosthesis body formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy comprising an implant portion for inserting into the body tissue of the patient; (b) a bearing surface on the prosthesis body; (c) a counter-bearing surface formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy and adapted to cooperate with the bearing surface; and, (d) a thin coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium directly on the bearing surface and on the counter-bearing surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The prosthesis of claim 19 wherein at least one of said thin blue-black or black oxidized zirconium coating is from about 1 to about 20 microns thick.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The prosthesis of claim 19 wherein at least one of said thin blue-black or black oxidized zirconium coating is from about 1 to about 5 microns thick.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
The prosthesis of claim 19 wherein the implant portion of the prosthesis body further comprises an irregular surface structure adapted to accommodate tissue in-growth on a portion of the prosthesis body.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
46 words
The prosthesis of claim 22 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy beads attached to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the beads is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
47 words
The prosthesis of claim 22 wherein the irregular surface structure is formed of zirconium or zirconium alloy wire mesh connected to the outer surface of the prosthesis body, wherein at least a portion of the surface of the mesh is oxidized to blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
12 words
The prosthesis of claim 19 wherein said prosthesis is a spinal prosthesis.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The prosthesis of claim 19 wherein said spinal prosthesis is a spinal disc prosthesis.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
A non-articulating medical implant comprising more than one surface of oxidized zirconium wherein at least one said surface of oxidized zirconium directly contacts another said surface of oxidized zirconium.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
A non-articulating medical implant comprising more than one surface of oxidized zirconium wherein at least one said surface of oxidized zirconium directly contacts another said surface of oxidized zirconium.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
The non-articulating medical implant of claim 27 selected from the group consisting of bone plates, bone screws, skull plates, mandibular implants, dental implants, internal fixators, external fixators, spatial frames, pins, nails, wires, and staples.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-04-27 | 2007-10-27 | 2008-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-04-27 | 2011-10-27 | 2012-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-04-27 | 2015-10-27 | 2016-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |