Prosthetic ligament
US4932972A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 26, 1988 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 26, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD10B2509/00
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A prosthetic ligament assembly includes a nonaugmented prosthetic ligament for permanently replacing a natural ligament spanning first and second body members, such as the femur and tibia, and a bone screw adapted for tensioning the prosthetic ligament during implantation. The prosthetic ligament includes a load bearing member intertwined into a plain braid from a plurality of biocompatible, high strength, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene yarns. Each yarn includes at least fifty fibers and has a tensile strength greater than or equal to about 100,000 psi. The load bearing member has a gage section and a loop at each end thereof for anchoring the load bearing member to the body members. The load bearing member is preloaded to remove slack therefrom. 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 permit radiographic visualization of the prosthetic ligament. A sheath may be friction fit or molded onto the exterior of the gage section. The assembly also includes one or two bone screws for complimentary engagement with the loops of the load bearing member. The bone screws have a tape…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.