Abstract: The invention relates to a medical prosthetic device having a metal material, such as titanium or an alloy thereof, where the surface parts of the metal material are coated with a layer of a corresponding hydroxide material, such as titanium hydroxide. Preferably, the hydroxide layer includes one or more biomolecule substances associated therewith. The invention also relates to an electrolytic process for the preparation of a medical prosthetic device.

Abstract: A replacement knee implant has a femoral implant and a tibial implant, each of which are inset in a bone surface. The tibial implant is generally elongated with one end rounded and an opposite end conforming to the shape of the tibia, and is made of a metal alloy or a ceramic. The upper surface is dished while the lower surface is planar and can be parallel or sloped relative to the upper surface, and can have a keel for fixation. The femoral implant for implementation in a femoral condyle is rounded such that, when implemented, the femoral implant is flush at the anterior and posterior sides and protruding away from the femur between the anterior and posterior ends. The femoral implant can have an elongated keel for extending into the femur, and can be made from a highly cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis for implantation to replace a portion of a knee joint. The knee joint prosthesis includes a tibial tray and a bearing member that engages the tibial tray. The prosthesis also includes an insert with a base that is fixed to the bearing member and an extension portion that extends away from the bearing member and the tibial tray. The extension portion has an axis, and the extension portion includes a threaded portion. The prosthesis further includes a post that is rotatably coupled to the extension portion, and the post is rotatable about the axis of the extension portion relative to the insert. Furthermore, the prosthesis includes a retention member that threadably couples to the threaded portion of the insert to limit movement of the post along the axis away from the bearing member and the tibial tray.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant system includes a set of provisional orthopaedic implants having different implant sizes. Each provisional implant facilitates an intraoperative selection of the next-smallest implant size without removing the provisional implant from the bone. All of the implant sizes share a common sagittal configuration of distal and anterior bone contacting surfaces, but have variable sagittal configurations only in the posterior bone contacting surfaces. Thus, where a relatively larger femoral provisional component is mounted to a femur, changing to a smaller provisional component (i.e., “downsizing”) can be accomplished by recutting only two of five original femoral cuts. Cut slots provided in each provisional implant are sized and positioned to correspond to the posterior bone contacting surface geometry of the next-smallest provisional implant size, so that the cut slots can be used to further resect posterior femoral surfaces to accept the next-smallest implant component size.

Abstract: An orthopedic joint implant component and implant component surface are disclosed. The implant component can have a resilient or compliant structure to distribute force loads. The implant component surface can be attached by one or more springs or other resilient or compliant elements to the remainder of the implant. Methods of using the component and component surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixed-bearing prosthesis includes a femoral component having a medial condyle surface and a lateral condyle surface. The knee prosthesis also includes a bearing having a medial bearing surface configured to articulate with the medial condyle surface of the femoral component, and a lateral bearing surface configured to articulate with the lateral condyle surface of the femoral component. A tibial tray is secured to the bearing. The tibial tray has a platform with an elongated stem extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof. A posterior buttress extends along a posterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform, and an anterior buttress extends along an anterior section of the perimeter of the tray's platform. Differently-sized tibial trays are interchangeable with differently-sized bearings.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic device having at least one pyrocarbon insert is provided. The prosthetic device can include a prosthetic component having an articulating surface and a bone engagement surface. The articulating surface can be formed of a material that is distinct from pyrocarbon and is arranged to receive the at least one pyrocarbon insert so as to position a pyrocarbon articulating surface of the at least one pyrocarbon insert relative to the prosthetic component articulating surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed of identifying the original femorotibial joint location in a revision knee replacement of a patient. The invention includes selecting a first reference point (H) relative to the femoral head of the patient. A second reference point (A) is selected relative to the adductor tubical of the femur of the patient. The femorotibial joint location (J) is calculated through a relationship between the first reference point (H) and the second reference point (A) of the patient. The method and apparatus defines a femur reference plane to assist in establishing the correct rotation of the femur in a revision knee replacement of a patient.

Abstract: A bicondylar implantable prosthesis resurfaces only the weight bearing portion of the patient's femur. The prosthesis includes a thin shell convexly curved outer articular surface including a medial condyle, a lateral condyle, and an intercondylar bridge, and a concave inner surface of the prosthesis that has at least one transverse ridge extending across the width of the prosthesis. When the prosthesis is implanted on the weight bearing portion of the femur, the entire outer surface of the curved articular surface is sized to resurface substantially only the weight bearing portion and no portion of the patello-femoral joint of the knee. The prosthesis is configured to be implantable by a lateral insertion through a direct lateral approach to a retropatellar region of the patient's knee joint, during which insertion the at least one transverse ridge guides the prosthesis along a laterally resected surface of the femur.

Abstract: An intracorporeal portion of a percutaneous device for a joint disarticulation prosthesis or joint replacement prosthesis, the intracorporeal portion having an extracorporeal portion or having means for rigidly coupling directly to an extracorporeal portion, the extracorporeal portion being for location exterior to the skin, the intracorporeal portion having an articulating component for articulating with an articulating surface, wherein the articulating component is intracorporeal when installed in a human or animal subject.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee system includes a tibial tray, a non-rotating tibial insert, and a rotating tibial insert. The non-rotating tibial insert and the rotating tibial insert are selectively coupleable to the tibial tray such that a fixed or a mobile orthopaedic prosthesis may be configured. In some embodiments, the tibial tray may be a fixed or mobile tibial tray. Additionally, in some embodiments, the prosthetic knee system may include a femoral component.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for treating an infected implant area of a knee joint comprises surgically accessing the implant area, and inserting a tibial component into the tibia using an antibiotic-impregnated material. A femoral component is formed that is configured to interact with the tibial component by stable knee joint articulation and motion. The femoral component is formed of an antibiotic-impregnated material using a mold. The femoral component is attached to the femur using an antibiotic-impregnated material, and the tibial component is interfaced with the femoral component to form a stable temporary knee joint capable of reducing the spread of infection while permitting movement of the knee joint.

Abstract: A surgical procedure for preparing a damaged area of a human knee to receive at least one graft according to which a moldable material is positioned over the damaged area and removed after it hardens. Cutting a tape in a configuration and dimension corresponding to the mold and forming at least one opening in the damaged area. Harvesting a graft from a biological sample that is configured to fit in the at least one opening, adhering the at least one graft to a surface of the tape and inserting the graft into each opening of the mold.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, arthroplasty of a knee joint comprising obtaining a desired spacing of the femur from the tibia by inserting a spacer into the knee joint between the femur and the tibia. The spacer is used as a reference for securing a guide jig in position about the knee joint for guiding resection of one or both of the femur and tibia for fitting of tibial and/or femoral prostheses. A method of resecting the femur while moving the tibia through an arc of motion to remove bone to the desired depth, a method of determining the position of the guide jig, the guide jog, an alignment device and the spacer are also described.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A method of repairing a meniscal tear of a subject includes providing a sheet of collagen membrane material having on one side thereof a smooth barrier face which inhibits cell adhesion thereon and inhibits passage of cells therethrough. The sheet has a fibrous face opposite the smooth barrier face, the fibrous face allowing cell growth thereon. The collagen is predominantly collagen I. The sheet of collagen membrane material is fixed over a meniscal tear so that the fibrous face is oriented toward the meniscal tear.

Abstract: A prosthesis for surgical implantation into a knee joint compartment between a femoral condyle and its corresponding tibial plateau includes a body including a bottom face, an opposed top face, and a peripheral edge extending between the top and bottom faces. The body has a first portion and at least one second portion, wherein at least one second portion is configured to store and release at least one active component into the knee joint compartment without degradation of the mechanical function of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A hybrid prosthetic femoral component has an outer bearing surface for engaging a tibial bearing and an inner surface for engaging a prepared distal femur. The inner surface having a distal surface, an anterior surface and a posterior surface, wherein said posterior surface has a first surface structure for allowing tissue ingrowth and the anterior and distal surfaces having a second surface structure for contacting bone cement. The first and second structure have different surface characteristics with different properties wherein the first surface structure is a porous surface and the second surface is a non-porous textured surface. The hybrid prosthetic femoral component further comprises an anterior chamfered surface and a posterior chamfered surface wherein the posterior chamfered surface includes the first surface structure and the anterior chamfered surface includes the second surface structure.

Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: New Bacillus licheniformis strain named V9T14 that produces a new biosurfactant composition that is effective against colonization and/or bio film formation from bacteria. The new biosurfactant composition can be used in combination with biocides for preventing formation and/or for eradicating bacteria grown planktonically and/or as a biofilm, preferably on biotic and/or abiotic surfaces.

Abstract: An assembly for use in fixing a first component of a joint prosthesis, having a bone facing surface and an exposed surface which faces towards a second component of the joint prosthesis when implanted on a patient's bone. The assembly includes a skirt which can be temporarily fixed to the edge of the first component extending along the edge thereof from a remote portion of the edge to an accessible portion of the edge. The skirt provides at least one opening through which cement located between the bone facing surface of the component and the surface of the bone can be displaced. The opening is located so that cement is prevented from being displaced at the remote portion of the edge and is instead displaced at the accessible portion of the edge.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint includes: (a) a femoral member comprising rigid material with a convex, wear-resistant femoral contact surface including a convex ridge; (b) a tibial assembly including: (i) at least one cup comprising rigid material with a body and a rim substantially thicker than the body defining a wear-resistant cup contact surface; (ii) a rigid base; and (iii) a spring support interconnecting the cup and the base, the spring support elastically deflectable permitting controlled pivoting of the at least one cup; (c) wherein the cup contact surface bears against the femoral contact surface, transferring axial and lateral loads between the cup and femoral member, while allowing pivoting between the cup and femoral member; and (d) wherein the at least one cup allows the rim to deform elastically, permitting the cup contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the femoral contact surface, when the knee joint is loaded.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

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

Abstract: Pathologies of joints arising from improper force distributions are addressed by displacement of targeted connective and muscle tissues surrounding the joint in order to realign force vectors and alter moment arms loading the joint.

Abstract: A modular device for coupling a stem to an end component of an implant. The device includes a plurality of rotatably interconnectable intermediate components for coupling the stem to the end component, such that each intermediate component can be rotated for selectively changing a total offset between the stem and the end component by a relative offset.

Abstract: A modular implant system operable to implant into a selected portion of the anatomy. The modular implant system may include an adaptor to allow for interconnection of disparate connection portions to allow for connecting a plurality of connection types. Expanding the modularity of an implant system by allowing interconnection of a plurality of modular implant systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial meniscus part for a knee-joint prosthesis that has on an upper side at least one femoral joint surface for the movable mounting of an artificial, natural or machined condyle of a femur, wherein the at least one femoral joint surface is configured in the form of a depression facing away from the meniscus part wherein the depression has an anterior and a posterior end region and a width of the depression has a minimum between the anterior and the posterior end region. An improved meniscus part set, an improved knee-joint prosthesis and an improved knee-joint prosthesis set are further proposed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a femoral component configured to be coupled to a surgically-prepared surface of the distal end of a femur and a plate having an aperture defined therein. The plate is configured to be coupled to the femoral component in one of a number of orientations such that the location of the aperture is adjustable based on the orientation of the plate. The orthopaedic prosthesis also includes a stem configured to be coupled to the femoral component via a bolt. The position of the stem relative to the femoral component is adjustable based on the orientation of the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing a knee joint, including customizable and/or highly selectable implants and/or implant components for each patient to provide optimal fit and function.

Abstract: An improvement in a trialing system and method for use in connection with the implant of a prosthetic joint component having a first part for engaging bone at an implant site to secure the component at the implant site, and a second part for enabling articulation of the prosthetic joint. A trial first member corresponds to the first part of the component, a trial second member corresponds to the second part of the component, and an offset adapter facilitates selective coupling and uncoupling of the trial first member and the trial second member with the trial second member offset from the trial first member and placed at a selected angular orientation relative to the offset adapter.

Abstract: The artificial knee joint includes a femoral component, a tibial tray and an insert plate fixed onto the top surface of the tibial tray. The femoral component includes a femoral articular surface and a cam that is provided on the rear end of the femoral articular surface and protrudes from the femoral articular surface, the insert plate includes a tibial articular surface that makes contact with the femoral articular surface and a cam-receiving slide surface that makes contact with the cam. When the knee is extended, the joint takes a first sliding state in which the femoral articular surface slides against the tibial articular surface. When the knee is bent at an angle in a range from 90 to 160 degrees, the joint shifts from the first sliding state to a second sliding state in which the cam slides on the cam-receiving slide surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an implant includes first and second components to replace a portion of each of a pair of opposed articulating bone ends. The second component has means for low friction articulation with the first component and means for engaging the first component to constrain the motion between the components. The means for low friction articulation includes a first material exhibiting low wear and having a predetermined toughness value. The means for engaging includes a second material having a predetermined toughness value higher than the means for low friction articulation.

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 prosthetic joint according to the present invention includes a first implant component for attachment to a first bone and a second implant component for attachment to a second bone. The first implant component has a condylar portion that includes first and second condylar bearing surfaces and similarly, the second implant component has bearing surfaces that receive and are complementary to the first and second condylar bearing surfaces. Each of the first and second condylar bearing surfaces and each of the bearing surfaces of the second implant component has a cross-section in a coronal plane that exhibits two different radii and a contact point is established between the first and second condylar bearing surfaces and the bearing surfaces of the second implant component. The bearing surfaces of the respective implant components are configured such that varus and valgus rotation of the first implant component relative to the second implant component causes the contact point to move outwardly.

Abstract: A medical implant for application in an articulating surface of a joint, comprising a plate-shaped structure having a first surface and a second surface facing mutually opposite directions, the first surface comprising a first biocompatible metal, metal alloy or ceramic and being devised to form a wear resistant articulate surface configured to face the articulating part of the joint; and the second surface comprising a bioactive ceramic or bioactive glass incorporated into a second metal, metal alloy or ceramic and being devised to form a bone contacting surface configured to face bone structure in the joint; wherein: the first surface and the second surface are adhered by means of a sintered material structure. Possibly the second surface is a sintered mixture having a homogenous microstructure comprising the bioactive ceramic or bioactive glass and the second metal, metal alloy or ceramic.

Abstract: A skeletal implant for replacing a human bone includes an inner reinforcing member and an outer plasticized and fluid resistant layer encasing the inner reinforcing member. A structurally rigid and foamable layer is disposed between the inner reinforcing member and the outer plasticized layer. An end of the outer layer is configured for receiving, in articulated engagement, an end of an adjoining bone. A plurality of ligaments are grafted between the implant and the adjoining bone and proximate the articulated engagement. Conduit passageways are also established between the inner reinforcing member and the end of the outer layer in order to communicate a fluid to an articulating engagement and ligament supporting location with an adjoining bone.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles.

Abstract: Implantable assemblies for manipulating energy transferred by members defining an anatomical joint, and methods of implanting and using. The members of the anatomical joint collectively define a path of motion. An assembly includes a first component configured to be attached to a first member of the anatomical joint; a second component configured to be attached to a second member of the anatomical joint; and a joint joining the first and second components. The first component includes a first flex member and the second component includes a second flex member. The first and second flex members are configured to flex to absorb energy transferred by the members of the anatomical joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dense-coverage, adherent phosphorous-based coating on the native oxide surface of a material. Disclosed phosphorous-based coatings include phosphate and organo-phosphonate coatings. The present invention also provides further derivatization of the phosphorous-based coatings to yield dense surface coverage of chemically reactive coatings and osetoblast adhesion-promoting and proliferation-promoting coatings on the native oxide surface of a titanium material.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for facilitating a surgical procedure on a knee, particularly, a revision total knee replacement procedure. Prior femoral and tibial prostheses are removed. A cut end of a distal femur is engaged with a femoral adjustment member, which will typically center itself about an intermedullary rod placed into the femur. The lateral and medial forces exerted by lateral and medial sides of the femoral adjustment member and the cut tibial plateau against each other are measured. The femoral adjustment member is adjusted to apply and/or adjust tension to the lateral collateral ligament and/or the medial collateral ligament based on the measured forces, for example, such that the measured lateral force and the measured medial force are matched. Based on the position of the adjusted femoral member, guided clean-up cuts for placement of a new femoral prostheses are made on the cut end of the distal femur.

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. Surfaces can be specially shaped using iterative automated techniques that allow testing and iterative design taking into account a manageable set of major forces acting on the knee during normal functioning, together with information that is known about natural knee joint kinetics and kinematics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant consisting of a first implant part and a second implant part for the connection of which there is provided a connecting device, wherein at least the first implant part comprises a connecting element receptacle, in which at least one connecting element of the connecting device can be disposed. In order to provide an implant of this type which is easier to handle, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that a securing device be provided for the purposes of securing the at least one connecting element in the connecting element receptacle. Moreover, the invention relates to a knee joint endoprosthesis having at least one implant of this type.

Abstract: A trial system for an implantable joint replacement includes a guide assembly having a baseplate and a guide plate, the guide plate rotatable relative to the base plate about a rotation axis extending through the guide plate and the baseplate while directly connected to the baseplate. An adjustment mechanism is actuable to selectively control the rotational juxtaposition of the guide plate relative to the baseplate. The rotation axis may be medially offset from the center of the guide assembly. A single instrument may be used to rotate the guide plate relative to the base plate and lock the plates in the selected juxtaposition. The guide plate provides in situ positionable cutting guidance for implantation of prosthetic joint components. The system may further include an articulating insert trial mounted on the guide assembly to determine preferred joint alignment and/or optimal positioning of the guide plate.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, means of assembly, and their method of use are presented.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a knee prosthetic component, adaptor, and stem extension. The adaptor includes a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The first mounting end is coupled to the knee prosthetic component, and the second mounting end is coupled to the stem extension. The first mounting end of the adaptor defines a first axis, and the second mounting end of the adaptor defines a second axis. The first axis is offset from and parallel to the second axis when viewed in a first anatomical plane. Additionally, the first axis and second axis define an angle therebetween when viewed in a second anatomical plane. In some embodiments, the second mounting end may be movable with respect to the first mounting end. In other embodiments, the adaptor may be integral with the stem extension. Additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptor may be embodied as multi-piece adaptor.

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 unicondylar femoral prosthetic implant component for implant at a prepared implant site within a natural knee joint provides a femoral articular surface having a convex surface contour configuration along a femoral condylar surface in a restored knee joint. A relief section is located adjacent the anterior end of the femoral condylar surface for placement contiguous with the patella track of the natural knee joint. The relief section has a surface contour configuration dimensioned and configured for providing an essentially continuous and smooth transition between the patella track along the natural bone adjacent the implant site and the femoral condylar surface of the implant component. The surface contour configuration of the relief section preferably is concave.