Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system in which a knee prosthesis is capable of conversion from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a system in which a knee prosthesis is converted from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method in which a knee prosthesis is capable of conversion from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method in which a knee prosthesis is converted from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of making a knee prosthesis that is capable of conversion from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis.

Abstract: An improved sliding patellar replacement component is provided. Various combinations of translational and/or rotational degrees of freedom are provided by boss and channel configurations between the base subcomponent of the replacement component and the articulating subcomponent of the patellar replacement component. In one embodiment, spin about one axis is restricted by a spin stop that may be movable to allow for ease of assembly. Alternatively, the boss and channel are configured to function as a spin stop. Assembly of the patellar replacement component in one embodiment is simplified by the provision of a boss assembly region.

Abstract: An implantable, adjustable prosthesis includes a first component which may be moved relative to a second component by use of a transcutaneous control signal. A method of operating such a prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component and a bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component. The assembly further includes a tibial tray. Furthermore, the assembly includes a ligament link operably coupled to the tibial tray or the femoral component via a coupling component. The ligament link extending through the other of the tibial tray or the femoral component to couple to the respective one of the femur or tibia. The ligament link extends between first and second ends and includes an outer wall defining an interior longitudinal passage portion. First and second apertures extend through the wall. The first end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a first adjustable loop, and the second end extends through the first and second apertures and the longitudinal passage portion to define a second adjustable loop.

Abstract: Implants, and processes for installing them, which replace the medial condyle and portions of the patellofemoral channel but preferably not portions of the lateral condyle that articulate relative to the tibia. Processes are provided which allow proper location and orientation of an anterior resection and a distal resection on the femur, which make use of a transition point which can be designated on the bone, for navigating proper positioning of such implants. Proper positioning of the implant relative to the femur for insuring a smooth transition between lateral portions of the implant and the lateral condyle is thus reduced to determining proper medial/lateral location of the implant on the anterior and distal resections.

Abstract: Knee prosthesis instrumentation including an insertion tool and a removal tool. The insertion tool may include an offset to provide clearance from a femoral component of the knee prosthesis. The removal tool may be wedge shaped to at least partially encircle a post of the knee prosthesis for removal. A mallet may be used with the instruments to provide additional force for prosthesis insertion or removal. A slide hammer may be incorporated into the instruments themselves.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant includes a first portion including at least one feature modified to be patient-specific and match the anatomy of a specific patient from a three-dimensional digital image of a patient's joint using computer modeling. The orthopedic implant includes a non-custom inner bone-engaging surface including a plurality of planar surfaces configured for engagement with non-custom bone cuts.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for arthroscopic elbow surgery which include a humeral component. The humeral component is installed in a trough formed in the humeral condyle. The trough may be formed by using a plurality of drill pins and a plurality of corresponding cutters (and optionally a template). The two drill pins are passed through the template and drilled into the humerus, and cutters are advanced over the corresponding drill pins to form the trough. The humeral component may be employed in conjunction with an ulnar implant.

Abstract: A femoral knee prosthesis system for resurfacing a resected articular surface at the distal end of a femur includes a femoral component adapted to mate with the resected articular surface; and an attachment member. The interior surface of the femoral component is configured to connect to the first attachment member when the femoral component is mated on the resected articular surface of the femur and when the first attachment member is passed through the medial side or the lateral side of the resected articular surface. The femoral component is available in one-piece and two-piece systems. Mating femoral components (e.g., tapered or with lips that interlock with grooves) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Positioning instruments and related methods are described for implanting an joint unloading system for treating joints. The positioning instruments and methods allow the joint unloading system to be positioned at a joint such that the desired motion will occur for the particular design of a particular joint unloading system which is to be implanted. The positioning instruments include a locating instrument for locating an anatomical feature and a target location for implantation of the joint unloading system, a verification instrument for verification of the target location, an alignment guide, a placement guide for guiding placement of a part of the joint unloading system, and positioning device for aligning portions of the joint unloading system.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an orthopedic implant comprising different distinct sections, wherein each section comprises a different polymeric material and the polymeric materials are at the contact surfaces of the sections attached to each other by chemical bonds and/or physical interaction and to a method for the production of an orthopedic implant wherein multi-component molding is used.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: A surgical implantation approach for preparing a patient and precisely and effectively placing an energy absorbing apparatus relative to the patient's anatomy. Various surgical implantation apparatus and methods for achieving proper device-to-anatomy juxtapositional relationships are employed in the implantation approach.

Abstract: A replacement device for resurfacing a joint surface of a femur and a method of making and installing such a device is provided. The custom replacement device is designed to substantially fit the trochlear groove surface, of an individual femur, thereby creating a “customized” replacement device for that individual femur and maintaining the original kinematics of the joint. The top surface is designed so as to maintain centrally directed tracking of the patella perpendicular to the plane established by the distal end of the femoral condyles and aligned with the center of the femoral head.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: Knee prosthesis includes a femoral component adapted to fit on a distal end of the femur and a tibial insert component. The femoral component includes a measured anterior/posterior dimension defined by the posterior condyle surface and the interior surface of the anterior flange and a distal peg provided on a distal bone facing surface of each of the lateral and medial condylar structures, wherein the distal pegs are positioned at a midpoint of the measured anterior/posterior dimension. The implant system provides two distinct sizing segments and the tibial insert has a medial tibial aspect ratio of 0.74 and a lateral tibial aspect ratio of 0.65 to 0.68 for all sizes.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: A cutting block for use in a bone osteotomy procedure is disclosed, and includes a first cutting guide surface, a second cutting guide surface, and a third cutting guide surface. The first, second, and third cutting guide surfaces are adapted to be temporarily affixed to a bone having a first side and a second side such that the first cutting guide surface is disposed on the first side of the bone, and such that the second cutting guide surface and third cutting guide surface are disposed on the second side of the bone forming an angle therebetween.

Abstract: A method for detecting biometric parameters includes the steps of performing a bone graft procedure on a knee, providing a biometric sensor at the knee, and measuring a biometric parameter at the knee with the sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring parameters in an adjacent surrounding including pressure, tension, shear, relative position, and vascular flow. Data relating to the biometric parameter is transmitted to an external source and the data are analyzed to evaluate a biometric condition of the knee. A set of the sensors can be placed on the knee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an implant system in anatomy is disclosed. The apparatus can include an alignment member operable to contact an implant portion, a bone, or other appropriate portion. The method can include using the apparatus to assist in positioning a single or multi-piece implant member. Also, a method of aligning a first implant position relative to another implant position is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: One or both of the condyles in a femoral component for a partial or total knee prosthesis includes a J-curve with a plurality of distinct radii, such as 5 or more radii. The centers of the radii are arranged along an arcuate path extending anteroposteriorly so that successively larger radii are serially arranged along the arcuate path from the posterior side of the femoral component to the anterior side. The femoral component provides a high degree of stability throughout the range of motion of the knee prosthesis, and facilitates a close approximation to the motion of a natural knee.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint assembly includes a femoral component that engages a femur and at least one bearing that supports articulation of the femoral component thereon. Also, the assembly includes a tibial tray that engages a tibia and that supports the bearing. A ligament link coupling component is included on the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link coupling component is operable to couple to a ligament link to couple the ligament link to the femoral component or the tibial tray. Moreover, the assembly includes an opening included on the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray. The ligament link is received in the opening to bypass the other of the femoral component or the tibial tray to operably couple to the respective one of the femur or the tibia.

Abstract: A provisional femoral component, in one embodiment, including at least one first visual indicator and at least one second visual indicator, the first and second visual indicators providing indicating means for simultaneously visually representing a first profile of a first femoral prosthesis and a second profile of a second femoral prosthesis. In another embodiment, a provisional femoral component including a patellofemoral flange having two sulci and a central ridge between the two sulci. In this manner, the provisional femoral component can be positioned on a resected distal femur surface of both a right and left knee joint.

Abstract: An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a component that is configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared bone. A fixation side of the component includes a fixation surface that has an angled cement pocket formed therein.

Abstract: A total knee arthroplasty (TKA) set that includes a universal cutting jig for shaping the distal femur is disclosed. The universal cutting jig may be used to create a shaped femur that can be receive multiple and different TKA implant designs. A universal high flexion knee system adapted for left-right use is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical implant device or component thereof comprising a metal substrate, an intermediate coating, and an outer coating of aluminum oxide, as well as a method of making such a medical implant device or component thereof.

Abstract: An implant (10) for anchoring on a bone (1) has a plurality of anchoring pins (20) which extend away from a fastening side of the implant and are provided for anchoring the implant in the bone. In different areas of the fastening side of the implant, the pin arrangement and/or the geometry of the pins are chosen differently. In particular, in different areas of the fastening side of the implant, the volume of the anchoring pins (20) per unit of surface area of the fastening side of the implant is different, preferably in such a way that the geometry and/or arrangement of the pins (20) is chosen according to the proportion of bone tissue in the total tissue of the bone substance, opposite which the area of the fastening side is provided, in such a way that, in areas where there is a relatively higher proportion of bone tissue as a whole, less tissue is displaced by the anchoring pins than in areas where there is a relatively smaller proportion of bone tissue.

Abstract: Joint replacement spacers that fully seat against the cut surface of a bone while remaining free to move on the cut surface within prescribed limits; methods of joint replacement using such spacers.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly in a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the effect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy. Planning therapy may include generating one or more physical models.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a composition of at least two components, comprising the steps of: providing at least one first fluid component; providing at least one second solid component and processing it so that the first component can diffuse into the second component; and diffusing the first component into the second component. A composition prepared by such a method.

Abstract: An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component that is configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared distal femur. The femoral component has an articular side that includes a posterior femoral condyle surface. A fixation side is opposite the articular side, and it includes a posterior fixation surface that extends generally in the superior/inferior direction. The posterior fixation surface has an angled posterior cement pocket formed therein.

Abstract: This surgical apparatus comprises, on the one hand, means for spatial marking-out of the kneecap and femur of a patient to be operated on, and, on the other hand, means for simultaneous and relative representation of this kneecap provided virtually with a patellar implant of the prosthesis, and of this femur provided virtually with a femoral implant of the prosthesis, in a sagittal plane passing both through the kneecap and through the trochlea of the aforementioned femoral implant. Using this apparatus, the surgeon can easily and quickly check the antero-posterior size of the prosthesis in order to reduce the risks of subsequent dislocations of the kneecap fitted with the prosthesis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an implant system in anatomy is disclosed. The apparatus can include an alignment member operable to contact an implant portion, a bone, or other appropriate portion. The method can include using the apparatus to assist in positioning a single or multi-piece implant member. Also, a method of aligning a first implant position relative to another implant position is disclosed.

Abstract: A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action by either distinct bars or interconnected structural elements such as cam extensions to prevent early translation of the knee or dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which can occur in cruciate-substituting designs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities, more physiologic load bearing and improved patellar tracking for knee prosthesis patients. Such systems and methods include (i) adding more articular surface to the antero-proximal posterior condyles of a femoral component, including methods to achieve that result, (ii) modifications to the internal geometry of the femoral component and the associated femoral bone cuts with methods of implantation, (iii) asymmetrical tibial components that have an unique articular surface that allows for deeper knee flexion than has previously been available and (iv) asymmetrical femoral condyles that result in more physiologic loading of the joint and improved patellar tracking.

Abstract: The invention concerns article having a surface oxide layer up to 20 nm thick, the surface oxide layer comprising chromium and cobalt oxides where the atomic ratio of Cr/Co is more than 3. The invention also concerns methods for treating a chromium containing material, said method comprising contacting said material with a gas plasma under conditions effective to oxidize at least a portion of the material; and contacting said material with an acid. The treated surface is corrosion resistant and can be used in orthopedic implants, especially the wear surface of the orthopedic implant to reduce wear, and other corrosive environment.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an implant for use with a joint defining bone having a three dimensional shape and including a first exposed and joint surface defining layer and an inner most and bone mounting layer. The body further has at least one intermediate layer exhibiting a hardness less than either of the exposed layer and the inner most layer such that, upon mounting the body to a conditioned end of a joint defining bone, it provides the dual features of dynamic cushioning support and external wear resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-polymer hydrogel article having a first polymeric, water-swellable material and a second polymeric material, organized such that a first region substantially comprises the first polymeric, water-swellable material, a second region adjacent the first region comprises a mixture of the first polymeric, water-swellable material and the second polymeric material, and a third region adjacent the second region substantially comprises the second polymeric material. The article exhibits an increasing concentration gradient of the second polymeric material moving from the first region, through the second region, to the third region.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyribonucleotide with a sequence that codes a protein or protein fragment, wherein the polyribonucleotide comprises a combination of unmodified and modified nucleotides, wherein 5 to 50% of the uridine nucleotides and 5 to 50% of the cytidin nucleotides are modified uridine nucleotides or modified cytidin nucleotides.

Abstract: A patello-femoral joint prosthesis is provided which allows smooth tracking of the articulating surfaces through a full range of joint motion. A novel configuration of a femoral implant component that facilitates superior adhesion to bone is also provided. Also provided is a patello-femoral joint replacement system, which permits precise, reproducible bone preparation techniques that uniquely permit later revision and full knee joint replacement procedures with minimal complications. Also provided are a drill guide and a cutting guide, each being configured to provide three point stabilization during operation.

Abstract: A prosthetic bone implant, the bone implant forming one side of a joint and including a prosthesis and a soft tissue attachment component. The soft tissue attachment component is connected to the bone implant and extends outwardly therefrom and towards a joint line. The soft tissue attachment component is moveable with respect to the prosthesis while connected thereto.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis for a knee joint with a medial ball-like femoral condyle and with a width “w” is characterized on the lateral compartment by:—a trace-line “Lt1” of contact points “Pt1” for the tibia component (2) as a predetermined curve (15) on a spherical surface “Sc1”, which has its centre at the centre Mb of the medial ball 1 and which has a radius in the range “Rc1”=0.65w+/?0.25w—a trace-line “Lt2” of common contact points “Pt2” at given flexion angles ? for a similar spherical surface “Sc2” attached to the femoral component with radius “Rc2”=Rc1, whereby at a given flexion angle ? there exists a plane “E1” through the centre Mb and the common contact point Pt1/Pt2, which contains the same guiding curves “Bi”, “Be” on the tibial and on the femoral components, “Bi” towards medial and “Be” towards lateral, both of which stay in a geometrically fixed relation to the common contact point Pt1/Pt2, and—guiding curves “Bi” and “Be”, which generate an enforced gliding and rolling movement in both directions.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant assembly includes a plurality of commonly-sized dome patella components. Each of the commonly-sized dome patella components may be provided in various thicknesses and/or peak surface diameters.

Abstract: A knee replacement system includes a proximal tibial posterior camming portion defined by a first radius of curvature with a first origin in a first medio-lateral plane, a distal tibial posterior camming portion defined by a second radius of curvature with a second origin in a second medio-lateral plane, an anterior femoral camming portion of a posterior cam defined by a third radius of curvature with a third origin in the first medio-lateral plane, and a posterior femoral camming portion of the posterior cam and defined by a fourth radius of curvature with a fourth origin in the second medio-lateral plane, wherein the second origin is closer to the lateral tibial portion than the first origin, or the fourth origin is closer to the medial femoral portion than the third origin.