(54) POLYMERIC PLATE BENDABLE WITHOUT THERMAL ENERGY AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE
(75) Inventors: Randolf von Oepen, Los Altos Hills, CA (US); Alexander Tschakaloff,
Pinneberg (DE)
(73) Assignee: Degima GmbH, Pinneberg (DE)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 356 days.
(21) Appl.No.: 11/146,454
(22) Filed: Jun. 6, 2005
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2005/0273104 Al Dec. 8, 2005
Related U.S. Application Data
(60) Provisional application No. 60/577,638, filed on Jun. 7, 2004.
(51) Int. CI.
A61B 17/80 (2006.01)
(52) U.S. CI 606/298; 264/323; 606/76;
606/907
(58) Field of Classification Search 606/69 71,
606/76, 280-299, 902-907; 623/23.58, 23.59;
264/294; 156/156; 433/176 See application file for complete search history.
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,690,631 A * 11/1997 Duncanetal 606/69
5,981,619 A * 11/1999 Shikinami et al 523/113
6,221,075 Bl 4/2001 Tormalaetal.
6,352,667 Bl * 3/2002 English 264/328.17
6,692,498 Bl* 2/2004 Niiranenetal 606/69
An implantable plate for providing support to a bone of a subject when affixed thereto includes a polymeric body of a biocompatible polymer having a desired amount of polymer molecule orientation in a first direction so that the plate can be bent to conform with a contour of the bone of the subject. The polymeric body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one fastener portion. The fastener portion includes a recess and a fastener hold that is configured for receiving a fastener when affixed to the bone of the subject. A method of manufacturing the implantable plate includes: (1) injection molding a biocompatible polymeric composition into a polymeric body within an injection mold; (2) removing the polymeric body from the injection mold; and (3) forming at least one fastener hole within polymeric body.
17 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
