(19)

(11)

EP 1 838 226 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 03.10.2007 Bulletin 2007/40 (21) Application number: 05705775.4 (22) Date of filing: 18.01.2005

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/15(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2005/001354 (87) International publication number: WO 2006/078236 (27.07.2006 Gazette 2006/30)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (71) Applicant: Smith and Nephew, Inc. Memphis, TN 38116 (US)	(72) Inventors: TERRILL-GRISONI, Lauralan Cordova, TN 38016 (US) SHAW, Richard Southaven, MS 38672 (US) MC COMBS, Daniel, L. Paw Paw, Michigan 49079 (US) POTHIER, Albert San Diego, California 92106 (US) (74) Representative: Connors, Martin L.H.  Smith & Nephew Plc Research Centre York Science Park Heslington, York YO10 5DF Heslington, York YO10 5DF (GB)