Abstract: A total knee arthorplasty in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is accomplished by surgically removing the meniscus and adjacent joint end portions of the femur and tibia and then replacing the first one of the removed joint end portions with a first prosthetic component. Thereafter a flexible protector shim is temporally inserted between the first prosthetic component and the other of the joint end portions. Then the other of the removed joint end portions is replaced with a second prosthetic component while the protector shim is maintained in position between the prosthetic components for thereby preventing scarring, scratching and minimizing movement during the cement curing phase of the insertion process. The protector shim is thereafter removed and a prosthetic meniscus is inserted between the two prosthetic components.

Abstract: A total knee arthorplasty in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is accomplished by surgically removing the meniscus and adjacent joint end portions of the femur and tibia and then replacing the first one of the removed joint end portions with a first prosthetic component. Thereafter a flexible protector shim is temporally inserted between the first prosthetic component and the other of the joint end portions. Then the other of the removed joint end portions is replaced with a second prosthetic component while the protector shim is maintained in position between the prosthetic components for thereby preventing scarring, scratching and minimizing movement during the cement curing phase of the insertion process. The protector shim is thereafter removed and a prosthetic meniscus is inserted between the two prosthetic components.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an orthopedic device for immobilizing an appendage of a patient. The orthopedic device includes a linkage and a first member fixedly secured to the linkage. The first member has a side and an open region defined in the side. The orthopedic device also includes a second member which is slidingly secured to the linkage. The second member is capable of sliding along the linkage to be positioned adjacent the first member. The second member has a first side and a first open region defined in the first side. The first open region of the second member communicates with the open region of the first member when the second member is adjacent to the first member such that the first and second members are capable of being positioned about the appendage through the open regions of the first and second members.