Patent ID: 8025841
Filing Date: 2011-09-27
Classification: A61F,A61L,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of sterilizing an orthopaedic implant comprising the step of subjecting the orthopaedic implant to a sterilization gas when the orthopaedic implant is in a pre-assembled condition, wherein the pre-assembled condition comprises: a first orthopaedic implant that has been press-fitted into a second orthopaedic implant such that the first orthopaedic implant is seated in the second orthopaedic implant so that a first mating surface of the first orthopaedic implant confronts a second mating surface of the second orthopaedic implant to define a mating surface interface; wherein at least one of the first and second orthopaedic implants comprises an articular surface opposite the mating surface of the at least one first and second orthopaedic implant; wherein at least one of the first and second mating surfaces comprises a plurality of gas channels formed therein; and wherein at least some of the plurality of gas channels intersect proximate an apex of the at least one of the first and second mating surfaces.