Patent · US Expired

Apparatus and method for protecting prosthetic joint assembly from wear

US6132470A · kind A · utility

31Cited by
28References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 20, 1997
Grant dateOct 17, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 20, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S623/926
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a tissue and debris barrier for use in association with implanted joint replacement devices. The barrier comprises a biocompatible membrane that is impermeable to debris. The membrane defines an aperture which is positioned about a component of the joint replacement prosthesis. The periphery of the membrane may be mechanically attached by suturing to adjacent tissue. The barrier permits full motion of the replacement joint while preventing or impeding tissue and debris from migrating to and from bone implant interfaces. The preferred barrier material is porous expanded PTFE with one side having a microstructure that promotes tissue attachment and the opposing side having a microstructure that allows highly efficient filtration of fine particulate debris. The barrier may be a single layer material or may be a composite construction in which two or more layers are bonded together.

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