(19)

(11)

EP 1 865 867 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 05.04.2007 (43) Date of publication: 19.12.2007 Bulletin 2007/51 (21) Application number: 06735731.9 (22) Date of filing: 22.02.2006

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 17/88(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2006/006190 (87) International publication number: WO 2006/093736 (08.09.2006 Gazette 2006/36)

(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 LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 25.02.2005 US 67438 (71) Applicant: Synthes GmbH 4436 Oberdorf (CH)	(72) Inventors: KERR, Sean H. Oreland, Pennsylvania 19075 (US) WEIKEL, Stuart Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026 (US) DWYER, James W. West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380 (US) (74) Representative: Rosenich, Paul et al Patentbüro Paul Rosenich AG BGZ 9497 Triesenberg 9497 Triesenberg (LI)