Patent ID: 6500209
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A centralizer for an intramedullary stem of an orthopaedic component that is adapted to be implanted into a medullary canal of a bone, said centralizer comprising:an annular body having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a first exterior fin secured to said exterior surface of said annular body, said first exterior fin extending outwardly away from said exterior surface for a first distance; a second exterior fin secured to said exterior surface of said annular body, said second exterior fin extending outwardly away from said exterior surface for a second distance which is greater than said first distance; a third exterior fin secured to said exterior surface of said annular body, said third exterior fin extending outwardly away from said exterior surface for said first distance; and a fourth exterior fin secured to said exterior surface of said annular body, said fourth exterior fin extending outwardly away from said exterior surface for said second distance, wherein said intramedullary stem of said orthopaedic component has a lateral surface, a medial surface, an anterior surface, and a posterior surface, wherein said first exterior fin extends outwardly in an anterior direction away from said anterior surface of said intramedullary stem when said centralizer is secured to said orthopaedic component, wherein said second exterior fin extends outwardly in a lateral direction away from said lateral surface of said intramedullary stem when said centralizer is secured to said orthopaedic component, wherein said third exterior fin extends outwardly in a posterior direction away from said posterior surface of said intramedullary stem when said centralizer is secured to said orthopaedic component, and wherein said fourth exterior fin extends outwardly in a medial direction away from said medial surface of said intramedullary stem when said centralizer is secured to said orthopaedic component.