Abstract: Improved polymeric orthopaedic compositions are disclosed wherein sized, functional fibers are incorporated into a physiologically acceptable matrix. The compositions of the invention can be fabricated in the form of particulate powders adapted for reinforcment of bone cements, continuous media for such cements, and orthopaedic implant coatings. A complete implant attachment system is also provided, made up of a fiber reinforced implant coating, and a compatible fiber-reinforced cement. In preferred forms, the fibers have a layer of sizing thereover which is chemically joined both to the surface of the fibers and to the surrounding matrix, and the fibers are present at a level of at least about 6 volume percent. If desired, sized radiopaque particles may be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. The fibers are advantageously polymeric in nature and of intermediate stiffness, whereas the matrix fraction is preferably polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: Improved polymeric orthopaedic compositions are disclosed wherein sized, functional fibers are incorporated into a physiologically acceptable matrix. The compositions of the invention can be fabricated in the form of particulate powders adapted for reinforcment of bone cements, continuous media for such cements, and orthopaedic implant coatings. A complete implant attachment system is also provided, made up of a fiber reinforced implant coating, and a compatible fiber-reinforced cement. In preferred forms, the fibers have a layer of sizing thereover which is chemically joined both to the surface of the fibers and to the surrounding matrix, and the fibers are present at a level of at least about 6 volume percent. If desired, sized radiopaque particles may be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. The fibers are advantageously polymeric in nature and of intermediate stiffness, whereas the matrix fraction is preferably polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical implant apparatus includes an elongated intramedullary rod assembly 10 for use in uniting a pair of bone segments wherein each of the bone segments includes a medullary cavity. The elongated intramedullary rod assembly 10 defines a central longitudinal axis when assembled and includes first and second points of attachment 26, 48, the rod assembly 10 being adapted to be positioned within the medullary cavities of the bone segments and secured to the first bond segment at the first point of attachment 26 and to the second bone segment at the second point of attachment 48. Structure 18, 52 is provided for shortening the predetermined distance between the first and second points of attachment 26, 48 of the rod assembly in the direction of the longitudinal axis after the rod assembly has been connected to the first and second bone segments so that the first and second bone segments are brought into contact with and press against one another.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant comprises a flexible main body portion, having tissue-facing surfaces and a thin layer of pure titanium covering the tissue-facing surfaces. A method of promoting tissue adhesion of a soft tissue host to the tissue-facing surfaces of a soft tissue implant comprising a strip of polyethylene terephthalate velour comprises the steps of cleaning the strip with a low-residue detergent and rinsing same with fresh distilled water; refluxing the strip in distilled water for one hour at a temperature of less than 30.degree. C.; drying the strip in a room-temperature desicator for several days; sterilizing the strip and packaging same; degasing the strip and storing same in a dust-free environment; removing the strip from the packaging and mounting the strip in the vacuum evaporator at an approximate angle of incidence of 90.degree. from a pure titanium metal evaporant; evacuating the vacuum evaporator to a vacuum of about 2.times.10.sup.

Abstract: A soft tissue implant comprises a flexible main body portion, having tissue-facing surfaces and a thin layer of pure titanium covering the tissue-facing surfaces. A method of promoting tissue adhesion of a soft tissue host to the tissue-facing surfaces of a soft tissue implant comprising a strip of polyethylene terephthalate velour comprises the steps of cleaning the strip with a low-residue detergent and rinsing same with fresh distilled water; refluxing the strip in distilled water for one hour at a temperature of less than 30.degree. C.; drying the strip in a room-temperature desicator for several days; sterilizing the strip and packaging same; degasing the strip and storing same in a dust-free environment; removing the strip from the packaging and mounting the strip in a vacuum evaporator at an approximate angle of incidence of 90.degree. from a pure titanium metal evaporant; evacuating the vacuum evaporator to a vacuum of about 2.times.10.sup.

Abstract: An improved hip prosthesis designed to simulate forces on a femur like those experienced by a normal, healthy femur. A ball is located atop the prosthesis at a proper anatomical angular relationship with a neck and collar therebelow. The prosthesis stem extends from the collar to a distal tip and includes a buttress section, a middle section and tip section. An inner surface of the buttress section is relieved and a compressible material is located thereat. The middle and tip sections of the stem are smooth, of common cross section, without any significant taper and the tip is adapted to avoid transmission of significant axial forces to the femur therebelow. When implanted with a luting agent, the majority of forces are axial compressive forces applied to the calcar and there is little or no wedging of the prosthesis in the medullary canal; little or no shear forces across the prosthesis - luting agent interface; and little or no axial stresses from the prosthesis tip distal to same.