Source: http://www.freshpatents.com/Method-and-apparatus-for-preventing-articulation-in-an-artificial-joint-dt20061026ptan20060241766.php
Timestamp: 2013-05-19 08:04:27
Document Index: 108582277

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 16', 'arts 16', 'arts 16', 'arts 16', 'arts 16', 'arts 16', 'arts 16', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'art 116', 'art 117', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'arts\n116', 'arts 116', 'arts 116', 'arts 216', 'arts 116', 'art 216', 'art\n216', 'art 216', 'art 217', 'art 216', 'art 216', 'art 217', 'arts 216']

Method And Apparatus For Preventing Articulation In An Artificial Joint Inventor Store
Patents sorted by company.	10/26/06 | Class 623 Monitor | RSS | Browse: Prev - Next Method and apparatus for preventing articulation in an artificial joint Abstract: An artificial joint is configured for surgical insertion between two bones. The joint includes first and second parts supported for relative movement, and structure that can be selectively used to facilitate relative fixation of the first and second parts in a manner preventing the relative movement thereof. A method involves surgically inserting such a joint between two bones, and completing the surgical procedure with the first and second parts movable relative to each other. A different method relates to a situation where such a joint was previously surgically installed, and involves modifying the joint in situ to fix the first and second parts against relative movement. ...
Agent: Haynes And Boone, LLP - Dallas, TX, USInventors: Sharonda T. Felton, Jeff R. JustisUSPTO Applicaton #: #20060241766 - Class: 623017120 (USPTO) - 10/26/06 - Class 623 Related Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Implantable Prosthesis, Bone, Spine Bone, Having A Fluid Filled ChamberThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060241766, Method and apparatus for preventing articulation in an artificial joint.Articulation BACKGROUND
[0001] Spinal columns have a plurality of vertebrae that are separated by
discs. A disc may be displaced or damaged due to trauma or disease,
resulting in disruption of the annulus fibrosis, and the eventual
protrusion of the nucleus pulposus into the spinal canal. This condition
is commonly referred to as a herniated or ruptured disc. The extruded
nucleus pulposus may press on the spinal nerve, thereby causing nerve
damage, pain, numbness, muscle weakness and/or paralysis. Alternatively,
the normal aging process may cause a disc to deteriorate. For example, as
a disc ages, it dehydrates and hardens, and this in turn reduces the
effective thickness of the disc. As a result, there can be pain,
decreased mobility, and/or instability of the spine.
[0002] It has become fairly common to surgically remove a damaged or
problematic disc, in and to replace it with an artificial disc. One type
of artificial disc is designed to secure the adjacent vertebrae against
movement with respect to each other, and this is commonly known as fusion
of the two vertebrae. When two vertebrae are fused in this manner, the
rest of the spinal column provides sufficient movement to accommodate the
[0003] A different type of artificial disc is designed to preserve motion
between two vertebrae. This type of disc is designed to operate reliably
for many years after it has been surgically implanted in a patient,
typically for the natural lifetime of the patient. Nevertheless, in rare
situations, problems may eventually develop. For example, even where the
artificial disc is still functioning properly, the patient may be
subjected to trauma or disease that leads to a physiological condition
causing pain, numbness, muscle weakness or the like during the movement
permitted by the artificial disc. Alternatively, trauma or long-term wear
may cause the artificial disc itself to experience a problem that causes
pain or discomfort during the movement permitted by the artificial disc.
When one of these types of problems develops, the current solution is to
subject the patient to another major surgical procedure, in which the
motion preservation disc is surgically removed, and replaced with a new
artificial disc. The new disc may be either a motion preservation disc or
a fusion disc, depending on the particular circumstances of the patient.
[0004] One form of the invention involves an artificial joint for surgical
insertion between two bones, the joint including: first and second parts
supported for relative movement; and structure that can be selectively
used to facilitate relative fixation of the first and second parts in a
manner preventing the relative movement.
[0005] A different form of the invention involves a method of carrying out
a surgical procedure that includes: inserting between two bones an
artificial joint having first and second parts that are movable relative
to each other and that each cooperate with a respective bone, the joint
having structure that can be selectively used to facilitate fixation of
the first and second parts against relative movement; and completing the
surgical procedure with the first and second parts movable relative to
[0006] Still another form of the invention relates to a method that
involves an artificial joint disposed between two bones and having first
and second parts movable relative to each other; wherein the method
includes modifying the joint in situ to fix the first and second parts
against relative movement.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an artificial joint
that is an intervertebral disc, and that embodies aspects of the present
[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view, partly in section,
showing the disc of FIG. 1 implanted between two vertebrae.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view, partly in section,
showing an intervertebral disc that is an alternative embodiment of the
intervertebral disc of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a central sectional side view of the disc of FIG. 3.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view, partly in section, of an
intervertebral disc that is an alternative embodiment of the
intervertebral disc of FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 5, but showing a
different operational position.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an apparatus that is
an artificial joint, in particular an intervertebral disc 10. FIG. 2 is a
diagrammatic perspective view, partly in section, showing the disc 10
after surgical insertion between two vertebrae 12 and 13. With reference
to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disc 10 includes two parts 16 and 17 that are
vertically spaced, a central body 19 disposed between the parts 16 and
17, and an annular sheath 21. The sheath 21 encircles the central body
19, and extends vertically between the parts 16 and 17.
[0014] The parts 16 and 17 each include a respective shell 26 or 27. The
shells 26 and 27 each have a concave inner surface, and a convex outer
surface. Further, the shells 26 and 27 each have a central post 28 or 29
that projects vertically toward the other thereof. An opening 31 or 32
extends vertically through each shell 26 or 27, and through the post 28
or 29 thereof. The outer end of each opening 31 and 32 is threaded. The
shells 26 and 27 each have a respective annular groove 33 or 34 extending
circumferentially around the periphery thereof. The shells 26 and 27 each
have an upwardly-extending flange 36 or 37 on a rear side thereof, and a
respective opening 38 or 39 extends horizontally through each of the
flanges 36 and 37. The parts 16 and 17 also include respective plugs 42
and 43. The plugs 42 and 43 each threadedly engage the threaded outer end
of a respective one of the openings 31 and 32. The shells 26 and 27 and
the plugs 42 and 43 can each be made from a wide variety of biocompatible
materials. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 they are made from
titanium, but they could alternatively be made from stainless steel, a
titanium alloy, a polymeric material such as polyethylene, or any other
[0015] Each of the parts 16 and 17 has on the convex outer surface thereof
a respective coating 46 or 47 that promotes ingrowth of bone material, in
order to help fixedly couple the parts 16 and 17 to the bones 12 and 13.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the coatings 46 and 47 are defined by
a plurality of sintered beads made of a biocompatible material. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 they are made from titanium, but could
alternatively be made from stainless steel, a titanium alloy, a polymeric
material such as polyethylene, or any other suitable material.
[0016] The central body 19 is annular, with a vertical axial opening
therethrough. The opposite ends of this opening receive the respective
posts 28 and 29, with sufficient clearance to allow relative transverse
movement. The central body 19 has convex top and bottom surfaces that
each slidably engage the concave inner surface on a respective one of the
shells 26 and 27. The central body 19 is resiliently deformable, and has
surface regions that are harder then the interior region. This allows the
central body 19 to be sufficiently deformable and resilient so that the
disc 10 functions to provide resistance to compression and also to
provide damping, while still providing adequate surface durability and
wear resistance. In addition, the material of the central body is
selected so that the surfaces are very lubricious, in order to decrease
friction between the central body and each of the rigid shells 26 and 27.
[0017] The material used to make the central body 19 is a biocompatible
polymeric material that is slightly elastomeric, and that may be coated
or impregnated to increase surface hardness, lubricity or both. Coating
may be carried out by any suitable technique, such as dip coating, and
the coating solution may include one or more polymers. The coating
polymer may be the same as or different from the polymer used to form the
interior of the central body, and may have a different Durometer hardness
than that of the interior material. The coating thickness can be greater
than about 1 mil, for example from about 2 mil to about 5 mil. Examples
of suitable commercially-available materials include polyurethanes such
as polycarbonates and polyethers, including CHRONOTHANE P 75A or P 55D
(P-eth-PU aromatic, CT Biomaterials), CHRONOFLEX C 55D, C 65D, C 80A, or
C 93A (PC-PU aromatic, CT Biomaterials), ELAST-EON II 80A (Si-PU
aromatic, Elastomedic), BIONATE 55D/S or 80A-80A/S (PC-PU aromatic with
S-SME, PTG), CARBOSIL-10 90A (PC-Si-PU aromatic, PTG), TECOTHANE TT-1055D
or TT-1065D (P-eth-PU aromatic, Thermedics), TECOFLEX EG-93A (P-eth-PU
aliphatic, Thermedics), or CARBOTHANE PC 3585A or PC 3555D (PC-PU
aliphatic, Thermedics).
[0018] The disc 10 includes two retaining rings 61 and 62 that each
sealingly hold a respective axial end of the sheath 21 within a
respective one of the grooves 33 or 34. An annular chamber 66 is defined
within the disc 10, between the sheath 21, the periphery of the central
body 19, and the peripheral edges of the shells 26 and 27. In the
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the rings 61 and 62 are made of titanium,
but they could alternatively be made of any other suitable biocompatible
material, including stainless steel, a titanium alloy, or a synthetic
material. The sheath 21 is made from a biocompatible material that is
durable and flexible, and that can be slightly elastic. For example, the
sheath 21 can be made from a segmented polyurethane having a thickness
ranging from about 5 to about 30 mils, and more particularly from about
10 to 11 mils. Examples of suitable commercially-available materials
include BIOSPAN-S (aromatic polyetherurethaneurea with surface modified
end groups, Polymer Technology Group), CHRONOFLEX AR/LT (aromatic
polycarbonate polyurethane with low-tack properties, CardioTech
International), CHRONOTHANE B (aromatic polyether polyurethane,
CardioTech International), and CARBOTHANE PC (aliphatic polycarbonate
polyurethane, Thermedics).
[0019] A fitting 71 is mounted on the sheath 21, in angular alignment with
the flanges 36 and 37. The fitting 71 extends through the sheath 21, and
has a passageway 72 that can provide communication between the annular
chamber 66 and the exterior of the disc 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1
and 2, the fitting 71 is manufactured with an integral portion that
completely obstructs the passageway 72, so as to prevent fluid flow in
either direction through the passageway 72. As discussed in more detail
later, the obstruction can be selectively punctured at a later point in
time, in order to allow fluid flow. As an alternative to the obstruction,
the fitting 71 could have a valve to control fluid flow through the
passageway 72, such as a simple spring-biased ball valve of a known type.
The fitting 71 can be made from a wide variety of materials that are
biocompatible. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 the fitting is made
from a polymeric material such as polyethylene, so that the integral
obstruction in the passageway 72 can be punctured without difficulty.
However, the fitting 71 could be made from any other suitable material.
If it included a valve rather than the integral obstruction, then it
could be made from materials such as titanium, stainless steel, or a
[0020] Following manufacture of the disc 10, the disc 10 is surgically
inserted in a known manner between two vertebrae, such as the vertebrae
shown at 12 and 13 in FIG. 2. Not-illustrated screws can optionally be
inserted through the openings 38 and 39 in the flanges 36 and 37, in
order to engage the bones 12 and 13 and thus securely hold the disc 10 in
place. Over time, and as mentioned above, bone growth will occur into the
sintered coatings 46 and 47, thereby further securing the disc 10 to the
bones 12 and 13.
[0021] After surgical insertion of the disc 10, and after recovery of the
patient, the disc will facilitate a degree of relative movement between
the bones 12 and 13. In particular, the shells 26 and 27 can each carry
out limited lateral sliding movement relative to the central body 19.
Since the cooperating surfaces on the central body 19 arid the shells 26
and 27 are curved, the relative movement will effectively be limited
pivotal movement about any of various horizontal axes. In addition, the
inherent resilience of the central body 19 will allow a limited degree of
vertical compression that permits movement of the shells toward each
other, and also a limited degree of relative rocking movement of the
shells that is effectively limited pivotal movement about horizontal
[0022] In rare cases, it is possible that a problem may develop over time.
For example, even where the disc 10 is still functioning properly, the
patient may experience trauma or disease that leads to a physiological
condition causing pain, numbness, muscle weakness or the like during the
relative vertebral movement permitted by the disc 10. As another example,
trauma or long-term wear may cause the disc 10 itself to experience a
problem that causes pain or discomfort to the patient during the movement
permitted by the disc. In either case, the standard solution with
pre-existing artificial discs is to subject the patient to a further
major surgery in order to replace the artificial disc with a different
artificial disc. In contrast, the disc 10 allows a different approach.
[0023] More specifically, in a relatively minor surgery, a small incision
is made in the skin and muscle of the patient, order to allow access to
the fitting 71. The obstruction within the passageway 72 is punctured
with a sharp and sterile object, in order to permit fluid flow through
the passageway 72. One end of a tube 91 is then coupled to the fitting 71
in any suitable manner, so that the passageway 72 is in fluid
communication with the passageway that extends through the tube 91. A
syringe 92 or other suitable device is then used to inject a fluid
material through the tube 91 and fitting 71, in order to fill the chamber
66 with the material. The material then cures or hardens, preferably in a
relatively short period of time. Since this material engages the entire
peripheral edge of each of the shells 26 and 27, the shells 26 and 27
will become fixed against relative movement when the material hardens.
Consequently, the disc 10 will be converted from one operational mode in
which the shells 26 and 27 are capable of relative movement to a
different operational mode in which the shells 26 and 27 are fixed
against any relative movement. The material injected into the chamber 66
is a biocompatible material. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the
material is a known epoxy, where two components are mixed together in a
fluid state and then injected into the chamber 66, where the mixture
chemically hardens. The material could alternatively be any other
suitable material, including any of a number of known cements that are
initially fluid but then harden.
[0024] After the material has been injected, the tube 91 is detached from
the fitting 71, and the opening 72 is closed. For example, a small plug
may be force-fit into the opening 72. Alternatively, the opening 72 could
be closed in any other suitable manner. The small incision made through
the skin and muscle of the patient is then sutured or stapled. If
necessary, the patient is kept immobilized until the material in the
chamber 66 has had time to harden. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1
and 2, the material hardens in a relatively short period of time, so that
it is fully hardened by the time the surgeon finishes closing the
incision and the patient is released to the recovery room. This is a
minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient
basis, and permits the patient to be up and around in a day or two, as
opposed to the long recovery time needed for a major surgery in which an
artificial disc is removed and replaced with another.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view, partly in section,
showing a disc 110 that is an alternative embodiment of the disc 10 of
FIGS. 1 and 2. The disc 110 includes two parts 116 and 117, and a sheath
121 that envelopes the parts 116 and 117. Approximately half of the
sheath 121 has been removed in FIG. 3, so that the parts 116 and 117 can
be seen. FIG. 4 is a central sectional side view of the disc 110 of FIG.
[0026] The parts 116 and 117 each include a respective plate-like center
portion 126 or 127. The center portion 126 has in the underside thereof
an approximately hemispherical recess with a concave surface 131. The
center portion 127 has on an upper side thereof an approximately
hemispherical projection with a convex surface 132. The surfaces 131 and
132 slidably engage each other, to facilitate approximately pivotal
movement of the parts 116 and 117 with respect to each other.
[0027] The part 116 has on the upper side of its center portion 126 an
upwardly-extending projection or keel 136. Similarly, the part 117 has on
the lower side of its center portion 127 a downwardly-extending
projection or keel 137. The projections 136 and 137 each have a pair of
transverse openings extending therethrough. Before the disc 110 is
inserted between two vertebrae, the surgeon creates a recess in each
vertebra. Then, when the disc 110 is surgically implanted, the
projections 136 and 137 are each received in one of those recesses. This
helps to anchor the disc 110 in the proper position. Further, as bone
growth occurs over time, there will be bone growth into the transverse
openings through the projections 136 and 137, thereby helping to anchor
the disc 110 in place. The parts 116 and 117 can be made from a wide
variety of biocompatible materials. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4,
the parts 116 and 117 are made from a cobalt-chrome-molybdenum metallic
alloy (such as ASTM F799 or F-75). The parts 116 and 117 could
alternatively be made from stainless steel, titanium, a titanium alloy, a
polymeric material such as polyethylene, or any other suitable material.
[0028] The sheath 121 is made of a biocompatible material that is durable
and flexible, and that may be slightly elastic. For example, the sheath
121 can be made from materials of the type discussed above in association
with the sheath 21 of FIGS. 1-2. The sheath 121 may optionally be made
from a material that promotes bone growth. Also, to facilitate bone
growth, the top and bottom portions of the sheath 121 can be roughened.
Alternatively, the top and bottom portions of the sheath 121 may
optionally be coated with a known type of material that promotes bone
growth. A variety of bone-growth promoting substances are known in the
art. One example is a hydroxyapatite coating formed of calcium phosphate.
[0029] As best seen in FIG. 4, an annular chamber 166 is present within
the sheath 121, and extends around the hemispherical projection having
surface 132, between the peripheral edges of the center portions 126 and
127 of the parts 116 and 117. As shown in FIG. 4, a fitting 171 is
mounted in an opening through the sheath 121, on a rear side of the disc
110. The fitting 171 is similar to the fitting 71 that was discussed
above in association with FIGS. 1 and 2, and has a passageway 172
extending therethrough. The fitting 171 initially includes an obstruction
or valve within the passageway 172, in the same manner as the fitting 71.
[0030] A tube 174 is provided within the chamber 166, and has one end
fixedly secured to the inner side of the fitting 171. The opening through
the tube 174 communicates with the passageway 172, and effectively serves
as an extension of the passageway 172. The other end of the tube 174 is
positioned on a side of the chamber 166 that is remote from the fitting
171. Although FIG. 4 shows only a single tube 174, it would alternatively
be possible to have a plurality of tubes that are all coupled to the
fitting 171, and that each extend from the fitting 171 to a respective
different location within the chamber 166.
[0031] When the disc 110 is surgically implanted in a patient, the parts
116 and 117 are initially capable of relative movement, due to the
sliding engagement of the surfaces 131 and 132. If necessary, at a later
time, a material can be injected into the chamber 166 in a fluid state,
through the fitting 171 and the tube 174. The material then hardens
within the chamber 166. The engagement of this hardened material with the
peripheral surfaces of the parts 116 and 117 serves to fix the parts 116
and 117 against relative movement. The injection of this material is
carried out in a minor surgical procedure that is similar to the
procedure already described above in association with the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-2. Accordingly, to avoid redundancy, the surgical procedure is
not described again here.
[0032] In a not-illustrated variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2,
a lubricant is provided within the disc 10 at the time it is initially
manufactured. In particular, after the disc 10 has been substantially
fully assembled, and after it has been sterilized, one of the plugs 41
and 42 is installed in one of the openings 31 and 32, and then a
lubricant is introduced through the other of the openings 31 and 32. The
lubricant may be any suitable material,. such as saline, hyaluronic acid,
mineral oil, or the like. The other of the plugs 41 and 42 is then
installed in the other opening.
[0033] Later, when it becomes necessary to introduce a material such as
cement into the chamber 66, there will be a need to remove most or all of
the lubricant that is in the chamber 66. In that event, the fitting 71
and the tube 90 may each have two passageways, one of which carries the
material that is being injecting into the chamber, and the other of which
allows the lubricant to escape from the chamber. With respect to the
passageway for the material being injected, the disc 10 would include a
tube similar to that shown at 174 in FIG. 4, so that the injected
material is introduced on a side of the chamber 66 remote from the
fitting 71. As the injected material progressively fills the chamber 66,
it forces the lubricant to progressively flow to the fitting 71, and then
out through the extra passageway in the fitting 71 and tube 90.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view, partly in section, of an
intervertebral disc 210 that is an alternative embodiment of the
intervertebral disc 110 of FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view
similar to FIG. 5, but showing a different operational position of the
disc 210. The disc 210 includes two parts 216 and 217 that are generally
similar to the parts 116 and 117 described above in association with
FIGS. 3 and 4, except for the differences discussed below.
[0035] The part 216 has an approximately rectangular recess 223 in the
center thereof. A cylindrical hole extends horizontally through the part
216, and has two portions 224 and 225 of different diameter. The portion
224 is of smaller diameter than the portion 225, and communicates at its
inner end with the recess 223. The outer end of the portion 225 opens
through an exterior surface of the part 216. The part 217 has an upwardly
projecting post 251, and an opening 252 extends horizontally through the
upper end of the post 251.
[0036] The disc 210 includes a pin 253 that is axially slidably disposed
within the opening 224 and 225 in the part 216. The pin 253 has an
annular groove near its inner end. A coil spring 256 encircles the pin
253, and resiliently urges the pin 253 to move axially outwardly. The
recess 223 in the part 216 is filled with a material 258. As shown in
FIG. 5, the material 258 engages the groove 254 in the pin 253, and
prevents the pin 253 from being moved axially outwardly by the spring
[0037] In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the material 258 is a material
that is commercially available under the tradename TERFENOL-D from Etrema
Products, Inc. of Ames Iowa. Normally, the material 258 is relatively
rigid. However, when subjected to an appropriate field of electromagnetic
energy, the material 258 undergoes a shape change. This permits the
spring 256 to move the pin 253 outwardly to the position shown in FIG. 6,
where the outer end of the pin 253 engages the opening 252 in the post
251 on the part 217. This mechanically locks the parts 216 and 217
against any relative movement, even after the electromagnetic field is
removed and the material 258 returns to its original shape. The
electromagnetic field can be applied to the material 258 without any need
to make any incision in the patient.
[0038] Instead of the TERFENOL-D product discussed above, the material 258
could alternatively be any other suitable material that. can transition
between two states, such as hard and soft states. For example, the
material 258 could be a polyethylene material having an electrically
conductive part embedded in it. When subjected to a rapidly varying
magnetic field, an electric current is induced in the electrically
conductive part and causes it to heat up, which in turn heats the
polyethylene in order to soften it sufficiently so that the pin 253 is
[0039] Although selected exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above
in detail, many modifications and variations are possible. For example,
it would alternatively be possible to provide a disc having a cam or
other mechanical element that can be selectively manually moved between
two positions in which it respectively permits and obstructs relative
movement of two parts. As another alternative, a mechanical element that
is not initially present in the disc could be selectively manually
inserted in order to obstruct relative movement of two parts. Persons
skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications
and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention, as defined by the claims that follow.
[0040] The foregoing description uses spatial references such as
"horizontal," "vertical," "top," "upper," "lower," "bottom," "left," and
"right", in relation to orientations that are shown in the drawings.
These spatial references are used for purposes of convenience, and are
not intended to limit the scope of protection provided by the claims that
follow. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover
You can also Monitor Keywords and Search for tracking patents relating to this Method and apparatus for preventing articulation in an artificial joint patent application.
How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Method and apparatus for preventing articulation in an artificial joint or other areas of interest.###
###Design/code © 2013 FreshContext LLC/Freshpatents.com.Patent data source: patents published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)Information published here is for research/educational purposes only (and in conjunction with our Keyword Monitor) and is not meant to be used in place of the full USPTO patent document/images or a comprehensive patent archive search. Complete official applications are on file at the USPTO and may contain additional data/images. FreshPatents.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO or firms/individuals or products/designs/ideas related to listed patents and there may be applicable trademarks or servicemarks within the documents.FreshPatents.com Support - Terms & ConditionsThank you for viewing the Method and apparatus for preventing articulation in an artificial joint patent info.- - - AAPL - Apple, BA - Boeing, GOOG - Google, IBM, JBL - Jabil, KO - Coca Cola, MOT - Motorla