US Patent 7218232 Orthopaedic components with data storage element

An implantable orthopaedic component includes an information storage device that contains information related to the component. In the preferred embodiment, the information storage device is an RFID tag that is embedded within the component or within a housing that is configured to be removably engaged to the component. The RFID tag can be pre-loaded with information related only to the implant, or can be configured to allow additional surgery or patient specific information to be added by the caregiver at the time and point of surgery.