(19)

(11)

EP 1 043 963 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.10.2000 Bulletin 2000/42 (21) Application number: 98965015.5 (22) Date of filing: 30.12.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61F 2/28 (86) International application number: PCT/US9827/808 (87) International publication number: WO 9933/415 (08.07.1999 Gazette 1999/27)

(84) Designated Contracting States: CH DE FR GB IE IT LI (30) Priority: 31.12.1997 US 70246 P (71) Applicant: Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Warsaw, IN 46581-0988 (US)	(72) Inventors: PETERSON, Dale, R. Carmel, IN 46032 (US) NOUSEK-GOEBL, Nancy Fairmount, IN 47928 (US) GLANCY, Todd, P. Fairmount, IN 47928 (US) (74) Representative: Belcher, Simon James  Urquhart-Dykes & LordTower HouseMerrion Way Leeds LS2 8PA Leeds LS2 8PA (GB)