Smith + Nephew

Surgical Dynamics, Inc.

Robert E Brosnahan, Iii

Shilesh C Jani

David Lee Evans

Gordon Bruce Hunter

Orthopedic implants which include the components of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys having surfaces coated with oxidized zirconium or alternatively, other orthopedic implants comprising abrasion resistant surfaces contacting surfaces of cross-linked polyethylene are disclosed. Such implants provide low friction, highly wear resistant coatings especially useful in artificial joints, such as hip joints, knee joints, elbows, etc., but also useful in other implant devices as well. The implants also find use as vertebral disc prostheses.

Prosthetic devices employing oxidized zirconium and other abrasion resistant surfaces contacting surfaces of cross-linked polyethylene

An implant for insertion into at least one bore formed between opposing vertebrae of a spine where the vertebrae are separated by a space and each vertebrae has end plates. The implant is in the shape of a solid generally cylindrical body having a first and a second end, an outer surface, opposing sides and a longitudinal axis. The body has threads on a portion of the outer surface between the first and second ends with the threads being configured for threading into bone. The body includes at least two indentations on its outer surface with the indentations having a surface with each indentation containing a bone attachment material for the attachment of bone to the bone attachment material within the indentations. Each of the indentations are positioned on generally opposing sides of the body so as to provide contact with the end plates of the opposing vertebrae when the implant is inserted into at least one bore formed between the opposing vertebrae.

Spinal fusion device

An implant for insertion into at least one bore formed between opposing vertebrae of a spine where the vertebrae are separated by a space and each vertebrae has end plates. The implant is in the shape of a solid generally cylindrical body having a first and a second end, an outer surface, opposing sides and a longitudinal axis. The body has threads on a portion of the outer surface between the first and second ends with the threads being configured for threading into bone. The body includes at least one through slot positioned between the opposing sides, with the through slot containing a biocompatible porous material for allowing the growth of bone through the slot of the body. The through slot is positioned between generally opposing sides of the body so as to provide contact between the biocompatible porous material and the end plates of the opposing vertebrae when the implant is inserted into at least one bore formed between the opposing vertebrae. Depending on the chosen material, the biocompatible porous material may also exhibit characteristics of osteoconductive or osteoinductive materials.

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Germantown, TN, United States of America

Robert E Brosnahan, Iii