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Tapered joint implant and related tools

  • US 9,155,543 B2
  • Filed: 05/24/2012
  • Issued: 10/13/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/26/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A hydrogel implant configured for implantation within a joint of a patient, comprising:

  • a top end configured to form an articulation surface when properly implanted within a joint;

    a bottom end generally opposite of the top end;

    a main hydrogel body extending between the top end and the bottom end, said main hydrogel body comprising a longitudinal centerline;

    wherein a diameter or other cross-section dimension of the bottom end is greater than a diameter or other cross-sectional dimension of the top end; and

    side walls generally extending between the top end and the bottom end, said side walls being generally sloped relative to the longitudinal centerline;

    wherein the implant comprises a tapered shape due to, at least in part, to a difference between the diameters or other cross-sectional dimensions of the top end and the bottom end;

    wherein the implant consists essentially of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and saline, and wherein the implant is configured for placement within an implant site having a similar reverse tapered shape, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintentional removal of the implant from the implant site following implantation;

    wherein the implant is non-biodegradable and non-erodable so that the hydrogel is configured for long term implantation within a patient, wherein the implant is configured to maintain its original physical and chemical characteristics present in the implant at the time of implantation during said long term implantation; and

    wherein the hydrogel implant is configured to be secured within a target site of a patient as a result of the implant shape without the need for an anchoring or other fixation methods or features, including coatings and other additives.

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