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Disposable provisional instrument component for evaluating the fit of an orthopaedic implant

  • US 5,472,415 A
  • Filed: 04/20/1994
  • Issued: 12/05/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/26/1994
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of using a disposable, single use provisional surgical instrument component for evaluating a fit of a corresponding orthopaedic implant wherein the method comprises:

  • a) providing the provisional component with performance characteristics which are not suitable or strong enough for implant use in a static or dynamic loaded environment, but which are suitable for provisional use for evaluating the fit of the corresponding implant;

    b) manufacturing the provisional component at least in part from a material which upon exposure to a heated environment will provide a visible indicator to discourage or prevent reuse of the provisional component;

    c) sterilizing the component by gamma irradiation;

    d) utilizing the component in a single surgical procedure to evaluate the fit of the corresponding implant;

    e) disposing of the component after the single surgical procedure, whereby exposing the component to the heated environment in order to resterilize the component for reuse will cause the visible indicator to become visible to discourage or prevent reuse of the component.

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