Abstract: An apparatus including a prosthetic glenoid component for use in shoulder arthroplasty for articulation with a humeral head. The prosthetic glenoid component includes a bearing body, which is shaped so as to define (a) a concave bearing surface for articulation with the humeral head, and (b) a convex glenoid-contacting surface; and one or more superior cantilevers, which (a) jut out from a periphery of the bearing body, (b) are more flexible than the bearing body, and (c) resist, without preventing, superior migration of the humeral head. In shoulder arthroplasty, providing a prosthetic glenoid component for articulation with a humeral head, and implanting the prosthetic glenoid component such that the convex glenoid-contacting surface contacts a glenoid cavity, and the one or more superior cantilevers resist, without preventing, superior migration of the humeral head.

Abstract: Expandable prosthetic devices used for treating a variety of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, broken and/or depressed bone fractures, infection and/or inflammation in the body. In one embodiment, a prosthesis includes an implant having a pressure regulating valve. The implant is capable of being positioned between a first tissue and an opposing second tissue in a void space and of deforming under pressure in response to articulation of a joint. The pressure regulating valve is configured to open based on a predetermined pressure in the implant.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the instant invention is a method that includes at least providing a prosthesis that includes at least an implant capable of deformation under pressure; inserting the implant in a void space in a joint; inflating the implant by adding a first amount of a filler to the implant, where the first amount of the filler is X; articulating the joint; releasing a second amount of the filler from the implant through a pressure regulating valve based on a predetermined pressure in the implant, where the second amount of the filler released from the implant is Y; and sealing the implant, where X is greater than Y.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a shoulder implant, for example, for the glenohumeral joint. The implant is expandable and deflatable during implantation. The implant is sized for the glenoid fossa. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the selection and/or implantation of the implant include adapting the implant by size and function to a particular patient's need.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a shoulder implant, for example, for the glenohumeral joint. Optionally, The implant is expandable and deflatable during implantation. Optionally the implant is sized for the gelnoid fossa. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the selection and/or implantation of the implant include adapting the implant by size and function to a particular patient's need.

Abstract: An expandable implantable device sized for occupying space in a cavity formed between small bones in a human hand or foot. Comprising a first smooth surface on which a first small bone may slide. May include an opening extending through the device for promoting fibrotic development through the opening from a direction from both thumb metacarpal and trapezium. An inflation cannula and/or needle may be attached to inflation port and inflation valve for introducing expansion fluid into the device. In some embodiments, an implant is inserted in a deflated mode and positioned so that a thumb metacarpal abuts distal side of the device when expanded, and trapezium abuts a proximal side thereof. At least one of distal side and proximal side include a smooth surface for allowing relative movement of thumb metacarpal or/and trapezium with respect to the device.

Abstract: A soft, expandable, implantable device sized for spacing between small bones comprising a first smooth surface on which a first small bone may slide. Implant (700) includes an opening (704) (passage) extending through the device for promoting fibrotic development through the opening from a direction from both thumb metacarpal (202) and trapezium (204). Passage (704) is optionally distally positioned from a one-way inflation valve (706) included inside an inflation port (702) substantially limiting possible damage to the device due to the insertion pressure of an expansion fluid. An inflation cannula and/or needle may be attached to inflation port (702) and inflation valve (706) for introducing the expansion fluid into the device. Implant (700) is inserted in a deflated mode and is positioned so that thumb metacarpal (202) abuts distal side (703) of the device when expanded and trapezium (704) abuts proximal side (701).

Abstract: A prosthesis for reducing injury to soft tissues of the body, comprising an implantable member adapted to simulate at least one of a size or a shape of a naturally occurring bursa, where the member may be inflatable or otherwise expandable, flexible or rigid, and may be composed of a biocompatible, biodegradable, or non-biodegradable material. The member is adapted to be implanted at a musculoskeletal attachment site or at a site between a muscle and a bone, and is shaped and sized to reduce injury to the site. The prosthesis may also include a plug which seals the prosthesis automatically upon removal of an inflation tube.