WO1996023457A1 - Acetabular plug - Google Patents

Acetabular plug Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996023457A1
WO1996023457A1 PCT/IB1995/001114 IB9501114W WO9623457A1 WO 1996023457 A1 WO1996023457 A1 WO 1996023457A1 IB 9501114 W IB9501114 W IB 9501114W WO 9623457 A1 WO9623457 A1 WO 9623457A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
plug
bore
cup
acetabular cup
acetabular
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB1995/001114
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Carlos E. Collazo
Original Assignee
Howmedica Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Howmedica Inc. filed Critical Howmedica Inc.
Priority to EP95937152A priority Critical patent/EP0806919A1/en
Priority to JP8523367A priority patent/JPH10502853A/en
Publication of WO1996023457A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996023457A1/en
Priority to MXPA/A/1997/005822A priority patent/MXPA97005822A/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2/30721—Accessories
    • A61F2/30744—End caps, e.g. for closing an endoprosthetic cavity
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2/32—Joints for the hip
    • A61F2/34—Acetabular cups
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30108—Shapes
    • A61F2002/30199—Three-dimensional shapes
    • A61F2002/30205—Three-dimensional shapes conical
    • A61F2002/30217—Three-dimensional shapes conical hollow cones, e.g. tubular-like cones
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A61F2002/30331—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
    • A61F2002/30332—Conically- or frustoconically-shaped protrusion and recess
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A61F2002/30331—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementarily-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
    • A61F2002/30354—Cylindrically-shaped protrusion and recess, e.g. cylinder of circular basis
    • A61F2002/30357—Stepped cylinders, i.e. having discrete diameter changes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A61F2002/30476—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements locked by an additional locking mechanism
    • A61F2002/30487—Circumferential cooperating grooves and beads on cooperating lateral surfaces of a mainly longitudinal connection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30316—The prosthesis having different structural features at different locations within the same prosthesis; Connections between prosthetic parts; Special structural features of bone or joint prostheses not otherwise provided for
    • A61F2002/30329—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A61F2002/30476—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements locked by an additional locking mechanism
    • A61F2002/305—Snap connection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2002/30001—Additional features of subject-matter classified in A61F2/28, A61F2/30 and subgroups thereof
    • A61F2002/30667—Features concerning an interaction with the environment or a particular use of the prosthesis
    • A61F2002/30682—Means for preventing migration of particles released by the joint, e.g. wear debris or cement particles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2/30767—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth
    • A61F2/30771—Special external or bone-contacting surface, e.g. coating for improving bone ingrowth applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves
    • A61F2002/30772—Apertures or holes, e.g. of circular cross section
    • A61F2002/3079—Stepped or enlarged apertures, e.g. having discrete diameter changes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2/32—Joints for the hip
    • A61F2/34—Acetabular cups
    • A61F2002/3401—Acetabular cups with radial apertures, e.g. radial bores for receiving fixation screws
    • A61F2002/3403—Polar aperture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00—Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/02—Prostheses implantable into the body
    • A61F2/30—Joints
    • A61F2/46—Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor
    • A61F2/4637—Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for connecting or disconnecting two parts of a prosthesis
    • A61F2002/4641—Special tools or methods for implanting or extracting artificial joints, accessories, bone grafts or substitutes, or particular adaptations therefor for connecting or disconnecting two parts of a prosthesis for disconnecting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2220/00—Fixations or connections for prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2220/0025—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements
    • A61F2220/0033—Connections or couplings between prosthetic parts, e.g. between modular parts; Connecting elements made by longitudinally pushing a protrusion into a complementary-shaped recess, e.g. held by friction fit
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2230/00—Geometry of prostheses classified in groups A61F2/00 - A61F2/26 or A61F2/82 or A61F9/00 or A61F11/00 or subgroups thereof
    • A61F2230/0063—Three-dimensional shapes
    • A61F2230/0067—Three-dimensional shapes conical
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
    • A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
    • A61F2310/00011—Metals or alloys
    • A61F2310/00017—Iron- or Fe-based alloys, e.g. stainless steel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
    • A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
    • A61F2310/00011—Metals or alloys
    • A61F2310/00023—Titanium or titanium-based alloys, e.g. Ti-Ni alloys
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2310/00—Prostheses classified in A61F2/28 or A61F2/30 - A61F2/44 being constructed from or coated with a particular material
    • A61F2310/00005—The prosthesis being constructed from a particular material
    • A61F2310/00011—Metals or alloys
    • A61F2310/00029—Cobalt-based alloys, e.g. Co-Cr alloys or Vitallium

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to implants for use in hip surgery and relates more particularly to an acetabular implant with specially designed plugs for plugging observation holes in that device or holes used for screw fixation or other purposes.
  • acetabular cups for use in hip surgery a hole or holes are sometimes present so as to enable the orthopedic surgeon to observe the placement of the acetabular cup in the patients acetabulum so as to see whether the cup is properly seated in the acetabulum. If the surgeon has sufficient expertise so as to know whether or not the cup is properly seated without actually seeing the placement of the cup, such a hole or holes in the acetabular cup may not be necessary.
  • threaded plugs have a definite disadvantage of exhibiting micromotion if not properly locked or torqued. Thus, debris can penetrate the observation hole and come in contact with the patients bone. Also, threaded plugs require a drive mechanism for insertion into the acetabular cup and are easily and often cross-threaded (i.e., the threads may be improperly aligned).
  • An object of this invention is a plug for use in closing an observation hole in an acetabular cup which does not exhibit micromotion and which thoroughly prevents debris from getting through the hole and down into the patients bone and which can also be removed from the acetabular cup.
  • Another object of this invention is a method for inserting an acetabular cup into a patient, such that the cup is properly seated within the patients acetabulum and such that polymeric wear debris is prevented from coming into contact with the patients bone.
  • a plug which can be used in an acetabular implant, which prevents polymeric debris from coming into contact with a patients bone, and which is also removable from the acetabular cup comprises: a hollow, threadless piece of metal substantially in the shape of a cup having a side portion, a rim, and a bottom portion, and having a taper over at least a portion of the side portion so that the plug and a special two-part bore (i.e., counterbore) within the acetabular cup fit together in an interference fit.
  • a lip is present on the rim of the plug to facilitate removal of the plug, if desired.
  • a kit for use in orthopedic hip surgery comprises such a metal plug (described above) and an acetabular cup with a special two-part bore (i.e., counterbore) located therein for placement of that acetabular cup within the patients body such that the metal plug and the bore fit together in an interference fit, the plug cannot be pushed through the bore and the plug is extractable, if desired, from the bore.
  • a metal plug described above
  • an acetabular cup with a special two-part bore i.e., counterbore
  • a method for inserting an acetabular cup into a patient such that the cup is properly seated within the patients acetabulum and such that polymeric wear debris is prevented from coming into contact with the patients bone comprises: (a) inserting the acetabular cup of the kit of the invention (described above) into the acetabulum of a patient, using the observation hole to properly seat the acetabular cup and (2) then inserting the metal plug of the kit of the invention into the observation hole so as to close the observation hole and so as to prevent debris from passing through the observation hole into the bone of the patient.
  • Fig. 1 shown in cross-section is a preferred embodiment of a tapered metallic plug for use with a metallic acetabular cup having a two-part bore therewithin (not shown in Fig. 1), the plug being tapered along the entire length of the side portion.
  • Fig. 1A shown in cross-section is an alternative preferred embodiment of a metal plug for use with a metallic acetabular cup, the plug being tapered along only a portion of the side portion of the plug.
  • Fig. 2 is shown a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of an acetabular cup having a two-part bore located at the bottom of the hemispherical portion of the cup, that bore having a shoulder therewithin and to be used with the plug of Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is shown a cross-sectional view of the acetabular cup of Fig. 2, together with the plug shown in Fig. 1 prior to the plug's being fully inserted into the bore of the acetabular cup.
  • Fig. 4 is shown in cross-section the plug of Fig. 1 after it has been inserted into the acetabular cup of Fig. 2 and is seated therewithin such that the bottom of the plug contacts the shoulder of the bore.
  • a preferred embodiment of the acetabular plug 10 of the invention is shown in cross-section.
  • the plug 10 is made of metal and is itself substantially in the shape of a cup, and has a hollow portion 12, a substantially flat bottom portion 14, and a side portion 15 which has a taper 16 on at least a portion thereof.
  • the side portion 15 has a taper 18 along the entire side thereof.
  • the taper 18 extends only along a portion of side portion 15 (sometimes referred to as a "leader").
  • the taper 18 is tapered at an angle a (alpha) with respect to a line which is perpendicular (or normal) to the substantially flat bottom portion 14 of the plug 10.
  • Fig. 2 is shown a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an acetabular cup for use with the plug of the invention.
  • the acetabular cup is referred to generally as 24 and has a substantially hemispherical shape, has a hollowed out portion 26, in which the ball portion (not shown) of a hip implant will be free to rotate within a polyethylene shell (not shown) within the acetabular cup 24 when the cup 24 is positioned within a patient's acetabulum.
  • the outer surface 28 of the acetabular cup 24 will contact the acetabulum bone of the patient when the acetabular cup 24 is implanted within the patients acetabulum. Ridges 29 in the cup 24 are present for holding a polyethylene insert (not shown) within the cup 24.
  • a bore 30 will preferably be drilled through the outer surface 28 of acetabular cup 24.
  • bore 30 will be positioned such that the centeriine 32 through bore 30 passes through the center 34 of the hemisphere which makes up acetabular cup 24.
  • Bore 30 has a total height H, 36, which is the sum of two parts, height h, 38 plus height h 2 40.
  • Bore 30 is made up of a first bore portion 42 and a second bore portion 44.
  • First bore portion 42 has a diameter 46 and second bore portion has a diameter 48, such that diameter 48 of second bore portion 44 is larger than diameter
  • acetabular plug 10 have a taper 16 along at least a portion of side portion 15 so that an interference fit between side portion 15 and second bore portion 44 results.
  • second bore portion 44 and first bore portion 42 will be formed as cylinders with straight sides having no taper for ease of manufacture of the bore (used for visualizing placement of the acetabular cup 24).
  • side portion 15 of acetabular plug 10 can be tapered along only a portion thereof, that is, near the top edge 52 of side portion 15 which lies farthest from substantially flat bottom portion 14 of plug 10. Top edge 52 can extend inwardly to be a lip 53 (as shown in Fig. 3) for ease in removal of the plug 10 if removal is desired.
  • acetabular plug 10 is shown just prior to its being inserted into second bore portion 44 of bore 30. Corresponding parts are numbered correspondingly in
  • acetabular plug 10 is shown seated within second bore portion 44 of bore 30, such that the progress of plug 10 is stopped by shoulder 50.
  • the plug 10 of the invention will be made of a biocompatible material, for example cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, stainless steel, or titanium.

Abstract

A plug is provided for use with a specially bored acetabular cup which thoroughly prevents debris (e.g. polymeric debris) from getting through any hole(s) in the cup and which is removable from the cup if desired. The plug is metal and acts with the hole in a compression fit relationship. A method for preventing debris from passing through a hole in an acetabular cup and into a patient's body is also given.

Description

ACETABULAR PLUG
Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to implants for use in hip surgery and relates more particularly to an acetabular implant with specially designed plugs for plugging observation holes in that device or holes used for screw fixation or other purposes. In acetabular cups for use in hip surgery, a hole or holes are sometimes present so as to enable the orthopedic surgeon to observe the placement of the acetabular cup in the patients acetabulum so as to see whether the cup is properly seated in the acetabulum. If the surgeon has sufficient expertise so as to know whether or not the cup is properly seated without actually seeing the placement of the cup, such a hole or holes in the acetabular cup may not be necessary.
Any such observation holes used in the acetabular cup for placement of the cup will necessarily have to be closed once the cup is finally positioned in the acetabulum in order to prevent debris from passing through the holes.
It is known to use screws or threaded plugs so as to close such observation hole or holes in order to prevent debris from wear of the polymeric portion of the acetabular cup from getting through that observation hole and down into the patients bone.
However, such threaded plugs have a definite disadvantage of exhibiting micromotion if not properly locked or torqued. Thus, debris can penetrate the observation hole and come in contact with the patients bone. Also, threaded plugs require a drive mechanism for insertion into the acetabular cup and are easily and often cross-threaded (i.e., the threads may be improperly aligned).
An object of this invention is a plug for use in closing an observation hole in an acetabular cup which does not exhibit micromotion and which thoroughly prevents debris from getting through the hole and down into the patients bone and which can also be removed from the acetabular cup.
Another object of this invention is a method for inserting an acetabular cup into a patient, such that the cup is properly seated within the patients acetabulum and such that polymeric wear debris is prevented from coming into contact with the patients bone. Summary of the Invention
According to the invention, a plug which can be used in an acetabular implant, which prevents polymeric debris from coming into contact with a patients bone, and which is also removable from the acetabular cup comprises: a hollow, threadless piece of metal substantially in the shape of a cup having a side portion, a rim, and a bottom portion, and having a taper over at least a portion of the side portion so that the plug and a special two-part bore (i.e., counterbore) within the acetabular cup fit together in an interference fit. Preferably, a lip is present on the rim of the plug to facilitate removal of the plug, if desired. Also, according to the invention, a kit for use in orthopedic hip surgery comprises such a metal plug (described above) and an acetabular cup with a special two-part bore (i.e., counterbore) located therein for placement of that acetabular cup within the patients body such that the metal plug and the bore fit together in an interference fit, the plug cannot be pushed through the bore and the plug is extractable, if desired, from the bore.
Further, according to the invention, a method for inserting an acetabular cup into a patient such that the cup is properly seated within the patients acetabulum and such that polymeric wear debris is prevented from coming into contact with the patients bone comprises: (a) inserting the acetabular cup of the kit of the invention (described above) into the acetabulum of a patient, using the observation hole to properly seat the acetabular cup and (2) then inserting the metal plug of the kit of the invention into the observation hole so as to close the observation hole and so as to prevent debris from passing through the observation hole into the bone of the patient.
Brief Description of the Drawing In Fig. 1 , shown in cross-section is a preferred embodiment of a tapered metallic plug for use with a metallic acetabular cup having a two-part bore therewithin (not shown in Fig. 1), the plug being tapered along the entire length of the side portion.
In Fig. 1A, shown in cross-section is an alternative preferred embodiment of a metal plug for use with a metallic acetabular cup, the plug being tapered along only a portion of the side portion of the plug.
In Fig. 2 is shown a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of an acetabular cup having a two-part bore located at the bottom of the hemispherical portion of the cup, that bore having a shoulder therewithin and to be used with the plug of Fig. 1. In Fig. 3 is shown a cross-sectional view of the acetabular cup of Fig. 2, together with the plug shown in Fig. 1 prior to the plug's being fully inserted into the bore of the acetabular cup.
In Fig. 4 is shown in cross-section the plug of Fig. 1 after it has been inserted into the acetabular cup of Fig. 2 and is seated therewithin such that the bottom of the plug contacts the shoulder of the bore.
Detailed Description of the Drawing Referring to the drawing, in Fig. 1 a preferred embodiment of the acetabular plug 10 of the invention is shown in cross-section. The plug 10 is made of metal and is itself substantially in the shape of a cup, and has a hollow portion 12, a substantially flat bottom portion 14, and a side portion 15 which has a taper 16 on at least a portion thereof. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the side portion 15 has a taper 18 along the entire side thereof. in Fig. 1A, in another preferred embodiment the taper 18 extends only along a portion of side portion 15 (sometimes referred to as a "leader"). The taper 18 is tapered at an angle a (alpha) with respect to a line which is perpendicular (or normal) to the substantially flat bottom portion 14 of the plug 10.
In Fig. 2, is shown a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of an acetabular cup for use with the plug of the invention. The acetabular cup is referred to generally as 24 and has a substantially hemispherical shape, has a hollowed out portion 26, in which the ball portion (not shown) of a hip implant will be free to rotate within a polyethylene shell (not shown) within the acetabular cup 24 when the cup 24 is positioned within a patient's acetabulum. The outer surface 28 of the acetabular cup 24 will contact the acetabulum bone of the patient when the acetabular cup 24 is implanted within the patients acetabulum. Ridges 29 in the cup 24 are present for holding a polyethylene insert (not shown) within the cup 24.
In order to properly seat the acetabular cup 24 within the acetabulum of the patient, a bore 30 will preferably be drilled through the outer surface 28 of acetabular cup 24. Preferably, bore 30 will be positioned such that the centeriine 32 through bore 30 passes through the center 34 of the hemisphere which makes up acetabular cup 24. Bore 30 has a total height H, 36, which is the sum of two parts, height h, 38 plus height h2 40. Bore 30 is made up of a first bore portion 42 and a second bore portion 44. First bore portion 42 has a diameter 46 and second bore portion has a diameter 48, such that diameter 48 of second bore portion 44 is larger than diameter
46 of first bore portion 42. Hence, a shoulder 50 results. This shoulder 50 (also shown in Fig. 4) serves the function of preventing plug 10 from passing through bore 30 beyond shoulder 50. In the practice of the invention, it is required that acetabular plug 10 have a taper 16 along at least a portion of side portion 15 so that an interference fit between side portion 15 and second bore portion 44 results.
Preferably, second bore portion 44 and first bore portion 42 will be formed as cylinders with straight sides having no taper for ease of manufacture of the bore (used for visualizing placement of the acetabular cup 24).
If desired, side portion 15 of acetabular plug 10 can be tapered along only a portion thereof, that is, near the top edge 52 of side portion 15 which lies farthest from substantially flat bottom portion 14 of plug 10. Top edge 52 can extend inwardly to be a lip 53 (as shown in Fig. 3) for ease in removal of the plug 10 if removal is desired. In Fig. 3, acetabular plug 10 is shown just prior to its being inserted into second bore portion 44 of bore 30. Corresponding parts are numbered correspondingly in
Figs. 1 , 1A, 2, 3, and 4.
In Fig. 4, acetabular plug 10 is shown seated within second bore portion 44 of bore 30, such that the progress of plug 10 is stopped by shoulder 50. The plug 10 of the invention will be made of a biocompatible material, for example cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, stainless steel, or titanium.

Claims

1. An acetabular plug comprising a piece of metal substantially in the shape of a hollow cup with a bottom and a threadless side portion which is at least partially tapered.
2. A plug according to claim 1 , wherein said plug has a top edge with an inwardly extending lip.
3. A plug according to claim 1 wherein said cup side portion is tapered along its entire length.
4. A plug according to claim 1 , wherein said cup side portion is tapered only along a portion of its length.
5. A kit comprising a metal plug and an acetabular cup prosthesis wherein
(a) said acetabular cup prosthesis has a first substantially cylindrical taperless, threadless bore and a second substantially cylindrical tapertess, threadless bore therewithin, wherein said first bore and said second bore have unequal diameters and are concentric, such that a shoulder is formed between said first bore and said second bore, and
(b) a plug comprising a piece of metal substantially in the shape of a hollow cup with a bottom, a threadless side portion, and a taper on at least a portion of said side portion, wherein said plug and said second bore are shaped relative to each other such that an interference fit results between said metal plug and said second bore and wherein said shoulder prevents said metal plug from moving through said acetabular cup.
6. A kit according to claim 5 wherein said plug has a taper along the entire length of said side portion.
7. A method for inserting an acetabular cup into a patient, such that the cup is property seated within the patients acetabulum and such that polymeric wear debris is prevented from coming into contact with the patient's bone, said method comprising: (a) inserting the acetabular cup of the kit of claim 5 into the acetabulum of a patient, using the observation hole to property seat the acetabular cup and (2) then inserting the plug of the kit of claim 5 into the observation hole so as to close the observation hole and so as to prevent debris from passing through the observation hole into the bone of the patient.
PCT/IB1995/001114 1995-01-31 1995-12-11 Acetabular plug WO1996023457A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP95937152A EP0806919A1 (en) 1995-01-31 1995-12-11 Acetabular plug
JP8523367A JPH10502853A (en) 1995-01-31 1995-12-11 Acetabular obturator
MXPA/A/1997/005822A MXPA97005822A (en) 1995-01-31 1997-07-30 Tapon acetabu

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US38178895A 1995-01-31 1995-01-31
US08/381,788 1995-01-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996023457A1 true WO1996023457A1 (en) 1996-08-08

Family

ID=23506360

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB1995/001114 WO1996023457A1 (en) 1995-01-31 1995-12-11 Acetabular plug

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0806919A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH10502853A (en)
CA (1) CA2208744A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1996023457A1 (en)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0767635A1 (en) * 1994-07-25 1997-04-16 Joint Medical Products Corporation Acetabular prosthesis
US5925077A (en) * 1997-04-02 1999-07-20 Biomet, Inc. Apparatus and method for plugging holes in an acetabular shell component
DE19755246C1 (en) * 1997-12-12 2000-03-30 Aesculap Ag & Co Kg Hip joint prosthesis socket has cup section and cap connected by tongue and groove fastenings
EP1163891A1 (en) * 2000-06-17 2001-12-19 Biomet Merck Deutschland GmbH Closure element for endoprostheses system
US6413259B1 (en) 2000-12-14 2002-07-02 Blackstone Medical, Inc Bone plate assembly including a screw retaining member
WO2003039410A1 (en) * 2001-11-07 2003-05-15 Xaver Kuoni Artificial joint prosthesis with closing element
US6610097B2 (en) 2000-03-15 2003-08-26 Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Prosthetic cup assembly which includes components possessing self-locking taper and associated method
US7326253B2 (en) 2001-11-16 2008-02-05 Depuy Products, Inc. Prosthetic cup assembly having increased assembly congruency
US7951151B2 (en) 2006-02-21 2011-05-31 Life Spine, Inc. Structure for joining and retaining multi-part orthopedic implants
US8182518B2 (en) 2003-12-22 2012-05-22 Life Spine, Inc. Static and dynamic cervical plates and cervical plate constructs
US8348949B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2013-01-08 Life Spine, Inc. Single-sided dynamic spine plates
US9445903B2 (en) 2008-11-24 2016-09-20 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Multi-bearing acetabular prosthesis
US9445904B2 (en) 2009-07-14 2016-09-20 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Multiple bearing acetabular prosthesis
US9649198B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2017-05-16 Life Spine, Inc. Spinal interbody implant with bone screw retention
US9877759B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2018-01-30 Life Spine, Inc. Foot implant for bone fixation
US9889014B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2018-02-13 Life Spine, Inc. Implant for bone fixation

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4517045B2 (en) * 2005-04-01 2010-08-04 独立行政法人産業技術総合研究所 Pitch estimation method and apparatus, and pitch estimation program
DE102007031666A1 (en) * 2006-08-04 2008-02-14 Ceramtec Ag Innovative Ceramic Engineering Asymmetric design of pans and / or cup inserts for manipulation and suppression of natural frequencies

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4180873A (en) * 1976-12-06 1980-01-01 Fixel Irving E Implanted acetabular prosthesis
EP0244720A1 (en) * 1986-05-05 1987-11-11 GebràœDer Sulzer Aktiengesellschaft Recesses in orthopaedic or surgical implants for containing a medication
US4955325A (en) * 1989-06-14 1990-09-11 Osteonics Corp. Acetabular cup component cement spacer system
EP0444381A1 (en) * 1990-03-01 1991-09-04 GebràœDer Sulzer Aktiengesellschaft Metal hip socket which can be fitted without cement
WO1994005234A1 (en) * 1992-08-31 1994-03-17 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Acetabular cup body prosthesis
EP0666067A1 (en) * 1994-02-07 1995-08-09 SULZER Medizinaltechnik AG Acetabular cup of a hip joint prothesis having at least two shells and hip joint prosthesis with such an acetabular cup
EP0666068A1 (en) * 1994-02-07 1995-08-09 SULZER Medizinaltechnik AG Outer shell a hip joint prosthesis acetabular cup having at least two shells and hip joint prosthesis with such an outer shell

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4180873A (en) * 1976-12-06 1980-01-01 Fixel Irving E Implanted acetabular prosthesis
EP0244720A1 (en) * 1986-05-05 1987-11-11 GebràœDer Sulzer Aktiengesellschaft Recesses in orthopaedic or surgical implants for containing a medication
US4955325A (en) * 1989-06-14 1990-09-11 Osteonics Corp. Acetabular cup component cement spacer system
EP0444381A1 (en) * 1990-03-01 1991-09-04 GebràœDer Sulzer Aktiengesellschaft Metal hip socket which can be fitted without cement
WO1994005234A1 (en) * 1992-08-31 1994-03-17 Smith & Nephew Richards Inc. Acetabular cup body prosthesis
EP0666067A1 (en) * 1994-02-07 1995-08-09 SULZER Medizinaltechnik AG Acetabular cup of a hip joint prothesis having at least two shells and hip joint prosthesis with such an acetabular cup
EP0666068A1 (en) * 1994-02-07 1995-08-09 SULZER Medizinaltechnik AG Outer shell a hip joint prosthesis acetabular cup having at least two shells and hip joint prosthesis with such an outer shell

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0767635A1 (en) * 1994-07-25 1997-04-16 Joint Medical Products Corporation Acetabular prosthesis
EP0767635A4 (en) * 1994-07-25 1998-11-18 Joint Medical Products Corp Acetabular prosthesis
US5925077A (en) * 1997-04-02 1999-07-20 Biomet, Inc. Apparatus and method for plugging holes in an acetabular shell component
DE19755246C1 (en) * 1997-12-12 2000-03-30 Aesculap Ag & Co Kg Hip joint prosthesis socket has cup section and cap connected by tongue and groove fastenings
US6610097B2 (en) 2000-03-15 2003-08-26 Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Prosthetic cup assembly which includes components possessing self-locking taper and associated method
EP1163891A1 (en) * 2000-06-17 2001-12-19 Biomet Merck Deutschland GmbH Closure element for endoprostheses system
DE10029637A1 (en) * 2000-06-17 2002-01-03 Biomet Merck Deutschland Gmbh endoprosthesis
DE10029637C2 (en) * 2000-06-17 2002-04-11 Biomet Merck Deutschland Gmbh endoprosthesis
US6413259B1 (en) 2000-12-14 2002-07-02 Blackstone Medical, Inc Bone plate assembly including a screw retaining member
WO2003039410A1 (en) * 2001-11-07 2003-05-15 Xaver Kuoni Artificial joint prosthesis with closing element
US7326253B2 (en) 2001-11-16 2008-02-05 Depuy Products, Inc. Prosthetic cup assembly having increased assembly congruency
US8182518B2 (en) 2003-12-22 2012-05-22 Life Spine, Inc. Static and dynamic cervical plates and cervical plate constructs
US7951151B2 (en) 2006-02-21 2011-05-31 Life Spine, Inc. Structure for joining and retaining multi-part orthopedic implants
US8348949B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2013-01-08 Life Spine, Inc. Single-sided dynamic spine plates
US9445903B2 (en) 2008-11-24 2016-09-20 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Multi-bearing acetabular prosthesis
US9445904B2 (en) 2009-07-14 2016-09-20 Biomet Manufacturing, Llc Multiple bearing acetabular prosthesis
US9649198B2 (en) 2011-04-29 2017-05-16 Life Spine, Inc. Spinal interbody implant with bone screw retention
USD789839S1 (en) 2011-04-29 2017-06-20 Life Spine, Inc. Screw retention for interbody implant
US9877759B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2018-01-30 Life Spine, Inc. Foot implant for bone fixation
US9889014B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2018-02-13 Life Spine, Inc. Implant for bone fixation
US10117750B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2018-11-06 Life Spine, Inc. Implant for bone fixation
US10117691B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2018-11-06 Life Spine, Inc. Implant for bone fixation
USD855184S1 (en) 2014-02-06 2019-07-30 Life Spine, Inc. Implant for bone fixation
USD857201S1 (en) 2015-02-06 2019-08-20 Life Spine, Inc. Implant for bone fixation

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX9705822A (en) 1997-10-31
JPH10502853A (en) 1998-03-17
CA2208744A1 (en) 1996-08-08
EP0806919A1 (en) 1997-11-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4944759A (en) Porous-coated artificial joints
EP0806919A1 (en) Acetabular plug
US8728168B2 (en) Prosthetic implant support structure
US6709462B2 (en) Acetabular shell with screw access channels
AU770466B2 (en) Prosthesis system
AU2002336155B2 (en) Modular acetabular cup, and anchoring screw for fixing a prosthetic implant such as said acetabular cup
US5197989A (en) Two stage joint prosthesis
EP0329854B1 (en) Modular shoulder prothesis
US4840632A (en) Hip prosthesis
US9295556B2 (en) Minimally invasive total hip replacement
US4851006A (en) Acetabulum
AU2009202793B2 (en) Humeral shoulder prosthesis
US5989259A (en) Femoral calcar stop for use with femoral stem inserter
US7485148B2 (en) Prosthesis
US4976740A (en) Anchored femoral dome
US5782929A (en) Acetabular shell having sintered screw hole plugs
US7918896B2 (en) Unitary acetabular cup prosthesis with extension for deficient acetabulum
US5609648A (en) Acetabular cup assembly
DE10360390B4 (en) Joint socket for a hip endoprosthesis
JP2997681B2 (en) Thigh of hip prosthesis
AU611939B2 (en) Two stage joint prosthesis
EP1588677B1 (en) Acetabular prosthesis
DE10120331A1 (en) Endoprosthesis of two femur implant elements, with sleeve and medullar rod, hip joint head, conical adapter and ellipsoid metal plate
US20030163205A1 (en) Arthroplasty-prothesis cement restrictor
MXPA97005822A (en) Tapon acetabu

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CA DE JP MX

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2208744

Country of ref document: CA

Ref country code: CA

Ref document number: 2208744

Kind code of ref document: A

Format of ref document f/p: F

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1995937152

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: PA/a/1997/005822

Country of ref document: MX

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1995937152

Country of ref document: EP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 1995937152

Country of ref document: EP