Systems and Methods for Manufacturing, Preparation and Use of Blanks in Orthopedic Implants

Abstract

Methods, system, devices, processes and techniques are disclosed for manufacturing orthopedic implants utilizing blanks and/or fixtures.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A blank for use in manufacturing a surgical implant, the blank comprising:
 a shape based, at least in part, on one or more features common to a set of patient-adapted knee implants; and   dimensions that are equal to or larger than corresponding dimensions of each patient-adapted implant included in the set of patient-adapted knee implants.   
     
     
         2 . The blank of  claim 1 , wherein the blank is symmetrical about a first axis and is able to accommodate manufacturing the surgical implant in a first orientation or a second orientation, wherein the second orientation is rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation with respect to the first axis. 
     
     
         3 . The blank of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more features common to the class of patient-adapted implants comprise integrally formed pegs.