Medical implant formed from porous metal and method
US8323322B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 4, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L31/148
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Medical implants are formed at least in part from porous metal wherein the pores of the metal are filled with a hardenable material. The hardenable material can be used to assist in the manufacture of the implant, permitting detailed machining of the implant. Further, the hardenable material can be a resorbable material that strengthens the implant during implantation but is resorbed, once implanted, to permit bone growth and infiltration. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the hardenable material can be a thermoplastic material that can be heated by ultrasonic energy to create an adhesive bond between a fastener and bone structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.