United States Patent [19]
Walston et al.
[54] METHOD OF MAKING JOINT PROSTHESIS HAVING PTFE CUSHION
[76] Inventors: D. Kenneth Walston, 10225 Placita
Cresta Feliz, Tucson, Ariz. 85749;
Lawrence M. Haas, 5468 Gleneagles
Dr., Tucson, Ariz. 85718
[21] Appl. No.: 304,935
[22] Filed: Sep. 13,1994
Related U.S. Application Data
[62] Division of Ser. No. 173,979, Dec. 28, 1993, abandoned.
[51] Int. CI.6 B23P 17/00
[52] U.S. CI 29/419.1; 29/450; 264/296
[58] Field of Search 29/419.1,450;
264/127, 296
[56] References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 3,482,012 12/1969 Baklor 264/296
HI: II IIMM
US005491882A
[ii] Patent Number: 5,491,882
[45] Date of Patent: Feb. 20,1996
3,745,590 7/1973 Stubstad .
4,187,390 2/1980 Gore .
4,313,232 2/1982 Habal et al. .
4,531,916 7/1985 Scantlebury et al. .
4,576,608 3/1986 Homsy .
5,011,497 4/1991 Persson et al. .
5,062,851 11/1991 Branemark.
5,098,779 3/1992 Kranzler et al. .
5,152,782 10/1992 Kowligi et al 623/1
Primary Examiner—David P. Bryant
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Cahill, Sutton & Thomas
[57] ABSTRACT
A joint prosthesis for interconnecting the ends of adjoining bones includes a cushion of expanded PTFE having at least two facets for attachment to the bones. The cushion may or may not include stems for insertion into the bones. An optional sheath surrounds the non-facet surfaces of the cushion for preventing adherence of tissue. The motion of the prosthesis is defined or limited by the orientation of the facets and/or by the porosity of the cushion and/or by an insert within the cushion.
4 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
