Patent · US Expired

Prosthetic ligament

US4731084A · kind A · utility

75Cited by
7References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 14, 1986
Grant dateMar 15, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 14, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
  • CPC primaryD10B2509/00
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A nonaugmented prosthetic ligament for permanently replacing a natural ligament spanning first and second body members, such as the femur and tibia includes a load bearing member formed from a plurality of biocompatible polyolefin fibers positioned at angles of from 0.degree. to 55.degree. relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing member. Each fiber is less than 100 microns in diameter and has a tensile strength greater than or equal to about 50,000 psi. The load bearing member may be used alone or may be formed into a hollow braid having a core disposed within the hollow portion of the braid to provide shape for the load bearing member. A sheath may be friction fit or molded onto the exterior of the load bearing member to prevent abrasion of the fibers.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.