Zimmer Gmbh

Zimmer Technology, Inc.

Lynn A Kirkpatrick

Robert A Hodorek

Rodney L Bays

Brian H Thomas

Scott Steffensmeier

Donald L Yakimicki

Linggawati Tanamal

Michael Daniels

Jacque R Wilson

Jamie Hanneken

Jeff Michael

The present invention relates to polymers and, specifically, to surface modification of polymers. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention increases the bond strength of UHMWPE components to PMMA bone cement by creating a chemical bond between the UHMWPE components and the PMMA bone cement. Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, a surface of the UHMWPE component that is to be bonded to PMMA bone cement is treated with an oxidizing agent, such as an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE component is treated with hydrogen peroxide by swabbing the surface of the UHMWPE component with the hydrogen peroxide solution. The surface of the UHMWPE component may then be dried and PMMA bone cement applied to the surface of the UHMWPE component.

Surface modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene

An apparatus and method for assessing tension of a ligament in a patient's body with less reliance on a subjective feel of a human examiner.

Ligament tension gauge

An apparatus for removing an osteophyte includes an elongated member. A portion of the elongated member includes a blunt end. A burr extends from this portion at a location proximal to the blunt end. An alternative embodiment includes a generally tongue-shaped elongated member. The elongated member includes a first portion and a second portion that define a passageway. The second portion includes a blunt end. At least one of a post and a wall extend from the first portion. A burr is coupled the second portion and the passageway at a location proximal to the blunt end. The burr includes a base with a generally pie-slice shaped perimeter, and includes a generally convex surface extending from the base. The generally convex surface includes a smooth portion facing generally toward the blunt end and a perforated, non-smooth portion facing generally toward the first portion of the elongated member.

Apparatus for removing an osteophyte

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Columbia City, IN, United States of America

Lynn A Kirkpatrick