Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component having a first condylar bearing surface and a second condylar bearing surface. Each of the first and second condylar bearing surfaces has a cross-section in a coronal plane that exhibits at least two different radii. The prosthesis also includes a tibial component and an insert component associated with the tibial component. The insert component has bearing surfaces that are complementary to the first and second condylar bearing surfaces, wherein a contact point is established between the bearing surfaces of the insert component and the first and second condylar bearing surface. In accordance with the present invention and as a result of the above construction, varus and valgus rotation of the femoral component relative to the insert component causes the contact point to move laterally as the knee is rotated. By shifting the contact pointy laterally/outwardly, the knee stability (i.e., stiffness) gradually increased.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component having an anterior side, a posterior side, a pair of laterally spaced condylar portions, and an intercondylar portion joining the condylar portions and including a recess. A cam surface is located adjacent the intercondylar recess on the anterior side of the femoral component and has a saddle shape that is defined by an at least substantially concave first radius of curvature and a convex third radius of curvature that is perpendicular to the concave first radius of curvature. The prosthesis also includes a tibial component including a platform having an upper surface that includes first and second laterally spaced concavities. Each concavity is adapted for receiving one condylar portion of the femoral component. The tibial component has a tibial post for reception in the intercondylar recess of the femoral component.

Abstract: An artificial joint as an endoprosthesis for a human joint, including a first joint part having two first functional surfaces, a second joint part having two second functional surfaces, the two first and second functional surfaces of each joint part being convex-concave, concave-convex, or convex-convex in a proximal-distal direction, a projection associated with the first joint part; and a recess associated with the second joint part. The recess is configured to engage with the projection so as to determine a relative position of the first and second joint parts in a transverse plane of the joint and to form a stop for a sliding movement of the first and second joint parts relative to each other. The two first functional surfaces are pivotable about a pivot axis with respect to the second functional surfaces.

Abstract: The invention presents a total knee arthroplasty endoprosthesis having: a) a femoral component with a lower-radius lateral condyle, a larger-radius medial condyle and between them, a third condyle located posteriorly, superiorly and nearest the medial side, b) a tibial component with a central protruding spigot for the rotating polyethylene insert, and c) a rotating polyethylene insert, with three cavities for articulation of the femoral condyles. For initial and moderate flexion the joint functions with load bearing onto the lateral and medial articular cavities, and in advanced and final flexion with load bearing on the third articular cavity. The advantages of this endoprosthesis are enhanced maximum flexion, improved femoral axis alignment, significant posterior stabilization, favourable accommodation of tibial rotation with consequent relief of materials and fixations, and preservation of more articular fluid for lubrication and reduction of polyethylene wear.

Abstract: A trial system for an implantable joint replacement includes an articular insert having an insert body and an insert post captive to the insert body. The insert post is translatable relative to the insert body while remaining captive to the insert body. An aperture on the insert body forms a path, which may be arcuate, along which the insert post can translate. An axis of rotation about which the insert post translates passes through the insert body, and may be medially offset from the center of the body. A flexible element may connect the insert post to the insert body. In one method of use, the trial system is engaged with a femoral component and a tibial component during a prosthetic total knee joint implantation procedure to determine selection of an implantable articular insert which provides knee joint articulation closely matching the articulation of a natural knee.

Abstract: A trial system for an implantable joint replacement includes a guide assembly having a baseplate and a guide plate, the guide plate translatable relative to the base plate along a straight path while directly connected to the baseplate. A first adjustment mechanism may selectively control the translational juxtaposition of the guide plate relative to the baseplate. The guide plate may further be rotatable relative to the baseplate around a rotation axis. A second adjustment mechanism may selectively control the rotational juxtaposition of the guide plate relative to the baseplate, and can lock the plates together. The rotation axis may be medially offset from the center of the guide assembly. 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: A knee prosthesis including a femoral implant, a tibial implant, a tibial insert and a cam post. The femoral implant is secured to a femur and has a cam feature and condyles. The tibial implant is secured to a tibia. The tibial insert comprises a medial cavity with a rotational axis. The tibial insert has articulating surfaces that match the contours of the condyles of the femoral implant. The tibial insert has a medial boss that aligns with the medial cavity allowing it to rotate about the rotational axis. A cam post is secured to the tibial implant and passes through a channel of the tibial insert providing anterior and posterior stops for the rotation of the tibial insert about the rotational axis. The cam post interacts with the femoral implant cam feature and, with the tibial insert, allows more anatomically correct rollback and femoral external rotation during knee flexion.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component having an anterior side, a posterior side, a pair of laterally spaced condylar portions, and an intercondylar portion joining the condylar portions and including a recess. A cam surface is located adjacent the intercondylar recess on the anterior side of the femoral component and has a saddle shape that is defined by an at least substantially concave first radius of curvature and a convex third radius of curvature that is perpendicular to the concave first radius of curvature. The prosthesis also includes a tibial component including a platform having an upper surface that includes first and second laterally spaced concavities. Each concavity is adapted for receiving one condylar portion of the femoral component. The tibial component has a tibial post for reception in the intercondylar recess of the femoral component.

Abstract: Knee prosthesis for implanting in a knee joint has a femoral component, a tibial component and a hinge connecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The femoral component rotates around the transverse axis passing through center of the hinge and the center of rotation of the femoral component moves substantially along proximal-distal axis upon flexion of the knee joint.

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: A knee prosthesis comprises a femoral component, a tibial component and a bearing component between the femoral and tibial components. The femoral component defines medial and lateral condyles and an intercondylar box, and the bearing component has respective surfaces matching the condylar surfaces and engaging therewith when the knee is extended over a first range of flexion. The femoral component defines at the area of the intercondylar box a cam and a follower is defined by the bearing component, the cam and following engaging over a second range of flexion.

Abstract: In an orthopaedic knee joint prosthesis, an intercondylar fossa of a femoral component cooperates with a spine formed in a tibial component to reproduce the screw home mechanism of a natural knee. When the femoral component and tibial component are positioned to correspond with slight flexion of the knee, the components are mutually rotationally locked against internal or external rotation. At higher degrees of flexion, such as greater than about 10-20 degrees of flexion, internal/external rotation of the tibia is permitted. The tibia is in an externally rotated position when locked, thereby reproducing the screw home mechanism and providing high stability.

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: A posterior stabilized mobile bearing knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial tray, and a bearing. The femoral component is configured to be implanted in a surgically prepared femur, with the tibial tray being configured for implantation in a prepared tibia. The bearing is supported on a platform of the tibial tray and rotates relative to the tray.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint including a femoral component and a tibial component which are in relation of making relative rotation, in which the tibial component has a post that has an outwardly curving posterior surface and is disposed approximately in the longitudinal center between the articular surfaces so that the post is inside an intercondylar groove that is between the medial and lateral condyles and extends from the posterior end to the anterior end of the femoral component; and the femoral component has a cam that is disposed at the posterior portion of the intercondylar groove and comes into contact with the posterior surface of the post when the above-described rotation proceeds; and the post and the cam are shaped so that the femoral component is turned outwardly when the cam comes into contact with the post as a result of the rotation and as the rotation proceeds.

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 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.

Abstract: A new class of total knee replacement includes a posterior cruciate ligament retaining anterior cruciate ligament substituting apparatus and method. Particular design considerations include: 1) a specific extension surface separate from the flexion surface, 2) rotational control in full extension to create the so-called screw-home mechanism, 3) translation restraints that will substitute for ACL function including a CAM-post or other abutment mechanism while allowing normal PCL function which should improve natural proprioception, 4) a modified femoral component with separate radii of curvature for the flexion and extension arcs of at least one condyle, and 5) a tibial component with slope built into the posterior aspect of its bone contacting surface on both sides of the PCL.

Abstract: A knee replacement system includes a femoral component including a lateral condylar articulating portion and a medial condylar articulating portion, a tibial tray including an upper articulating surface, and a tibial insert including (i) a first articulating portion for articulating with the lateral condylar articulating portion with a first condylar dwell point, (ii) a second articulating portion for articulating with the medial condylar articulating portion with a second condylar dwell point, (iii) a lower articulating surface for articulating with the upper articulating surface, and (iv) a coupling member for coupling with the tibial tray and defining an axis of rotation about which the tibial insert rotates with respect to the tibial tray, the axis of rotation intersecting the upper articulating surface at a location posterior to a dwell axis including the condylar dwell points when the dwell axis is projected onto the upper articulating surface.

Abstract: A posterior stabilized knee orthopaedic prosthesis includes a tibial bearing and a femoral component configured to articulate with the tibial bearing. The tibial bearing includes a spine having a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. The femoral component includes a posterior cam having a concave cam surface and a convex cam surface. During flexion, the concave cam surface of the posterior cam contacts the convex cam surface of the spine and the convex cam surface of the posterior cam contacts the concave cam surface of the spine.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis which comprises a tibial component (4, 6) and a femoral component (2). The femoral component has condyles (14, 16) which act against the tibial component, directly or indirectly, during flexing of the knee. A cam (20) on the femoral component acts against a post (26) on the tibial component at high flex angles. The surface of the post which is contacted by the cam at high flex angles is convex when the post viewed generally perpendicular to the tibial bone contact and bearing surfaces, and the femoral bearing surface which is provided by the cam, where it contacts the convex surface of the post at high flex angles, is locally concave (32) when viewed along the surface of the post which contacts the cam so that the area of contact between the post and the cam is greater at high flex angles than at lower flex angles.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint is described that includes a femoral component with a specially shaped bearing surface and a tibial component, whose surface interacts with the femoral surfaces. The interaction provides for the required motion and stability characteristics. The interaction between the femoral and tibial surfaces is such that as the knee is flexed to maximum, the femoral component moves posteriorly on the tibial surface, by an amount similar to that in the anatomic knee. The opposite motion, roll forward of the femur from a fully flexed to a more extended position, is accomplished by varying the outward radii of the lateral and medial femoral bearing surfaces, together with a ramp on the postero-lateral and postero-medial regions of the tibial surfaces.

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: A method for preparing at least a first bone for receiving a prosthesis can include positioning an IM member in a bone. A scaffold, skeleton or frame can be located onto the bone at a desired location. An alignment assembly can be coupled to the frame. The alignment assembly can be moved relative to the IM member to position the frame at a desired location relative to the bone. The frame can be fixed to the bone at the desired location. A cavity can be reamed into the bone using at least a portion of the alignment assembly as a guide. The alignment assembly can be removed from the frame. A cutting block can be coupled to the first attachment portion. Cuts can be prepared in the bone using the cutting block as a guide.

Abstract: Knee prosthesis for implanting in a knee joint has a femoral component, a tibial component and a hinge connecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The femoral component rotates around the transverse axis passing through center of the hinge and the center of rotation of the femoral component moves substantially along proximal-distal axis upon flexion of the knee joint.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis includes a tibial bearing, a femoral component, and a hinge post coupled to the tibial bearing and the femoral component. The hinge post includes a medial and lateral axle. A pair of bushings are coupled to the axles and received in an internal chamber of the femoral component. The prosthesis may also include a plug received in the internal chamber and positioned to secure the hinge post to the femoral component. The femoral component is configured to rotate about an axis defined by the axles. In some embodiments, the femoral component may include a housing and a patella bearing separate from the housing.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis including a femoral component for attachment to a femur. The femoral component includes an anterior portion, first and second condylar portions extending from the anterior portion and having first and second bearing surfaces, the first and second condylar portions having first and second posterior ends, and a third condylar portion defined between the first and second condylar portions and extending anteriorly beyond the first and second posterior ends.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis is disclosed. The prosthesis has a femoral component and a tibial component. The tibial component has a tibial plateau element fitted in a tibial tray element. A hemi capstan shaped bridge member is provided between replicated condyles on the femoral component. A specially shaped post is provided between kidney shaped meniscal depression on the tibial plateau element. The bridge member and the post act together to form an additional joint for load transfer during deep flexion of the prosthesis in its operative configuration.

Abstract: An improvement in a total stabilized knee prosthesis wherein stabilization against uncontrolled relative rotation between a femoral component and a tibial component about a longitudinal axis, during articulation of the knee prosthesis, is attained by the engagement of a femoral stabilizing compartment with a tibial stabilizing post, the improvement including profile contour configurations on inner surface portions of condylar surfaces and on corresponding outer surface portions of tibial articular surfaces, the profile contour configurations being flared outwardly, in directions away from an intermediate sagittal plane, along posterior aspects of the condylar surfaces and the tibial articular surfaces engaged through deep flexion for providing an engagement between the profile contour configurations sufficient to establish a desired level of constraint against relative rotational movement between the femoral component and the tibial component about the longitudinal axis enabling a decrease in the level of con

Abstract: A modular knee prosthesis can include a femoral component having a superiorly extending portion, a first femoral bearing surface and a second femoral bearing surface. The superiorly extending portion can define a first tapered augment receiving surface. A tibial component can have an inferiorly extending portion and a tibial bearing surface. The inferiorly extending portion can define a second tapered augment receiving surface. A first augment can define a first receiving bore and a first stepped surface. A second augment can define a second receiving bore and a second stepped surface. The first and second augments are adapted to mate at the first and second stepped surfaces in a first position at the first tapered augment receiving surface of the femoral component and in a second position at the second tapered augment receiving surface of the tibial component.

Abstract: A plurality of knee joint prostheses comprise a first femoral implant and a second femoral implant. The first femoral implant has a first maximum interior anterior to posterior dimension, a first maximum overall exterior anterior to posterior dimension, a first lateral condyle, and a first medial condyle. The second femoral implant has a second maximum interior anterior to posterior dimension that is substantially the same as the first maximum interior anterior to posterior dimension, a second maximum overall exterior anterior to posterior dimension that is different than the first maximum overall exterior anterior to posterior dimension, a second lateral condyle having a medial to lateral dimension that is substantially the same as a medial to lateral dimension of the first lateral condyle, and a second medial condyle having a medial to lateral dimension that is different than a medial to lateral dimension of the first medial condyle.

Abstract: A bicondylar knee resurfacing prosthesis for limited knee resurfacing procedure inserted through a direct mini lateral approach, which avoid disruption of the extensor mechanism or damage to the quadriceps tendon. The inventive device includes a reduced femoral component, a metallic tibial tray and a polyethylene tibial insert. A metallic reduced femoral component having a thin polished convex articular surface in a form of two condyles, medial and lateral, connected with an intercondylar bridge. The concave surface having a metallic dovetail transverse ridge across the entire width of the femoral component precisely positioned at the level of maximum weight bearing contact in full extension. The concave surface provides fine asperities and voids to allow bone ingrowth or can be cemented using conventional methyl methacrylate bone cement. The tibial tray provides a dovetail recess along the superior surface and transversely across its entire width, which will slidingly receive the polyethylene tibial insert.

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint prosthesis may include a first component, a bearing component, and a third component. The first component has a base and a keel protruding from the base to extend into a first bone. The keel's longitudinal axis is offset from a geometric center of the base. The base has a first articular surface and the bearing component has a second articular surface shaped to articulate with the first articular surface. A feature unitary with the first component reversibly attaches to the bearing component. The bearing component has a third articular surface shaped to articulate with a fourth articular surface on the third component. A distraction feature of the bearing component is shaped to provide alignment and/or distraction between the first articular surface and the fourth articular surface during insertion of the bearing component into a joint space between the first and second bones.

Abstract: A prosthesis whose condyles (3) have a spiral form, viewed in the saggital plane and the femoral element (1) has a medial lobe (6) with a curved surface. The medial plateau (2) has glenoid cavities (2b) for the condyles (3) and a medial prominence (5) which forms a posterior support surface (5a) against which the lobe (6) is supported in the course of movement of the joint. The glenoid cavities (2b) on the medial plateau (2) and the condyles (3) are congruent in extension and in the first part of the flexion movement of the joint. The posterior sections of the condyles (3) and the medial lobe (6) inscribe circles with the same centres and the medial lobe (6) contacts against the posterior support surface (5a) at the end of the first part of movement and then rests against the posterior support surface (5a) to perform a “roll-back”.

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 postereolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a selected portion of the anatomy is disclosed. Also disclosed is an exemplary method and apparatus for performing a procedure. The procedure can be minimally or less invasive.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component for engaging the femur having an articular surface and a recess within the articular surface, and a tibial component for engaging the tibia with a bore, and a meniscal component comprising a rotation pin configured for rotatable mounting within the bore of the tibial component. The meniscal component also includes a bearing surface for sliding contact with the articular surface of the femoral component and an elongated channel defined amid the bearing surface. A stabilizing post is provided that includes a base slidably mounted with the elongated channel and a spine post projecting from the base through the channel and into the recess when the articular surface is in contact with said bearing surface. The stabilizing post thus slides within the channel when contacted by the interior of the recess in the femoral component.

Abstract: Tibial insert (1) of a so-called postero-stabilised prosthesis, having a tibial stud (2) projecting perpendicularly from the base of the insert, and having a face (6) turned towards the posterior side, characterised in that in transverse cross-section in the sagittal, or antero-posterior, plane, the posterior face (6) defines a curve, a so-called contact curve, which is, at least partially, in the from of a concave curve with its concavity turned towards the posterior side, a point (22) on the curve, in particular the summit, remote from the base, being more posterior than other points (25) on the curve, in particular most of the other points on the curve.

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 postereolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes femoral and tibial components, a bearing and a control arm. The bearing includes an inferior surface in sliding bearing engagement with the tibial component and a superior surface in articular bearing engagement with the femoral component. A notch extends into the posterior end of the bearing and a groove extends anteriorly from the notch in the inferior surface of the bearing. The posterior portions of the femoral component define a cam box having medial and lateral walls and a cam extending therebetween. The control arm is slidably engaged in the groove of the bearing and pivotally engage on the tibial component. The control arm further includes a post that extends into the cam box. The post includes a cam surface that engages the femoral cam to generate roll back of the femoral component on the bearing during flexion.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component for engaging the femur having an articular surface and a recess within the articular surface, and a tibial component for engaging the tibia with a bore, and a meniscal component comprising a rotation pin configured for rotatable mounting within the bore of the tibial component. The meniscal component also includes a bearing surface for sliding contact with the articular surface of the femoral component and an elongated channel defined amid the bearing surface. A stabilizing post is provided that includes a base slidably mounted with the elongated channel and a spine post projecting from the base through the channel and into the recess when the articular surface is in contact with said bearing surface. The stabilizing post thus slides within the channel when contacted by the interior of the recess in the femoral component. In a method of the invention, a plurality of stabilizing posts can be provided for temporary mounting within the channel.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes femoral and tibial components, a bearing and a control arm. The bearing includes an inferior surface in sliding bearing engagement with the tibial component and a superior surface in articular bearing engagement with the femoral component. A notch extends into the posterior end of the bearing and a groove extends anteriorly from the notch in the inferior surface of the bearing. The posterior portions of the femoral component define a cam box having medial and lateral walls and a cam extending therebetween. The control arm is slidably engaged in the groove of the bearing and pivotally engage on the tibial component. The control arm further includes a post that extends into the cam box. The post includes a cam surface that engages the femoral cam to generate roll back of the femoral component on the bearing during flexion. Roll back substantially avoids climb of the femoral component on the bearing during flexion and hence reduces shearing forces on the post.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prosthetic knee joints having femoral and tibial components. More particularly, in one embodiment the knee joint prosthesis of the present invention includes an auxiliary pair of load bearing surfaces in addition to other load bearing surfaces of the tibial and femoral components, which are the medial tibial and femoral condyles, the lateral tibial and femoral condyles, and the central tibial and femoral cam surfaces. The auxiliary pair of load bearing surfaces are located on the tibial component, posterior (i.e, on the rear side of the knee joint) to the central cam, centered between the tibial condyles, and on the femoral component, posterior to the femoral central camming surface, centered between the femoral condyles.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis and method for use are provided, in which the knee prosthesis provides anterior and posterior stability and controlled femoral roll-back, while also providing rotational kinematics. The femoral component has a pair of convexly shaped condyles which are spaced apart to form an intercondylar notch. Anterior and posterior cams are provided within the notch. The tibial component comprises a platform upon which a tibial bearing is mounted to provide for rotational movement about the tibial axis. The tibial bearing is provided with surfaces to engage the condyles and has an upwardly extending spine which is positioned to engage the anterior and posterior femoral cams. At full extension, the spine engages the anterior femoral cam to provide a 3° hyperextension stop. Between full extension and approximately 50° of flexion, the spine is free to translate between the anterior and posterior femoral cams.

Abstract: A femoral component of a knee prosthesis has spaced condyle surfaces defining a notch therebetween. The notch defines an elongated cam housing having an anterior cam and a posterior cam at opposite ends of the housing. The tibial component of the knee prosthesis includes a platform and a bearing supported on the platform, the bearing defining bearing surfaces configured to articulate with the condyle surfaces. The tibial component includes a spine projecting superiorly from the bearing that defines an anterior face and a posterior face. The posterior face and the posterior cam define complementary curved surfaces configured for cooperative engagement when the femoral component and the tibial component are at a predetermined flexion angle. The cam housing is configured to form a gap between the posterior cam and the spine when the knee is normally extended. In another feature, the spine includes a stiffening pin extending therethrough.

Abstract: A prosthesis, such as a knee prosthesis, for the lower limb including a femur prosthetic element having a block presenting a lug running into the trochlea and adjacent to a notch from which a convex bearing surface extends, and a tibia prosthetic element having an insert with a sagittally oriented elevation defining a projection for antero-postero stabilization engaged in the notch when the prosthesis is in the extended position and which runs into a concave sliding ramp that extends to the rear edge of the insert.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component for engaging the femur having an articular surface and a recess within the articular surface, and a tibial component for engaging the tibia with a bore, and a meniscal component comprising a rotation pin configured for rotatable mounting within the bore of the tibial component. The meniscal component also includes a bearing surface for sliding contact with the articular surface of the femoral component and an elongated channel defined amid the bearing surface. A stabilizing post is provided that includes a base slidably mounted with the elongated channel and a spine post projecting from the base through the channel and into the recess when the articular surface is in contact with said bearing surface. The stabilizing post thus slides within the channel when contacted by the interior of the recess in the femoral component. In a method of the invention, a plurality of stabilizing posts can be provided for temporary mounting within the channel.

Abstract: A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action to facilitate a more normal rollback while inhibiting initial translation which could lead to increased wear and sub-optimal patella femoral mechanics. The inventive component preferably includes additional points of cam action, useable separately or together, to prevent early translation at the initiation of flexion, and a distinct point of cam action to prevent a dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which often occurs in cruciate-substituting designs. The preferred embodiment includes three distinct point of cam action. The first is preferably located substantially where existing cams are found, namely, at a point spaced apart a slight distance posteriorly relative to the post in full extension. A second point of cam action is located immediately adjacent the posterior aspect of the superior post to minimize and, ideally, prevent anterior translation at the initiation of flexion.

Abstract: Total prosthesis of a knee including a femoral element fitted with two condyles, a first of the condyles being external, a second of the condyles being internal, and a tibial plateau fitted with custom-made recesses to hold the condyles, wherein at least one of the condyles is integral on one of its sides with a convex cam ensuring posterior stability of the prosthesis. The tibial plateau has at least one track placed in the immediate vicinity of the recess holding the condyle integral with the cam, the at least one track being circumscribed by at least one curved abutment and at least one horizontal recess between posterior and anterior extremities of the tibial plateau. Provision is made between the condyles of the femoral element and the recesses of the tibial plateau for a free space and a notch for passage of a posterior cruciate ligament of a knee.

Abstract: A distal femoral knee-replacement component provides additional points of cam action to facilitate a more normal rollback while inhibiting initial translation which could lead to increased wear and sub-optimal patella femoral mechanics. The inventive component preferably includes additional points of cam action, useable separately or together, to prevent early translation at the initiation of flexion, and a distinct point of cam action to prevent a dislocation of the femoral component over the tibial post which often occurs in cruciate-substituting designs. The preferred embodiment includes three distinct point of cam action. The first is preferably located substantially where existing cams are found, namely, at a point spaced apart a slight distance posteriorly relative to the post in full extension. A second point of cam action is located immediately adjacent the posterior aspect of the superior post to minimize and, ideally, prevent anterior translation at the initiation of flexion.