Abstract: A time-dependent decay behavior is incorporated into one or more joint actuator control parameters during operation of a lower-extremity, prosthetic, orthotic or exoskeleton device. These parameters may include joint equilibrium, joint impedance (e.g., stiffness, damping) and/or joint torque components (e.g., gain, exponent). The decay behavior may be exponential, linear, piecewise, or may conform to any other suitable function. Embodiments presented herein are used in a control system that emulates biological muscle-tendon reflex response providing for Reflex Parameter Modulation a natural walking experience. Further, joint impedance may depend on an angular rate of the joint. Such a relationship between angular rate and joint impedance may assist a wearer in carrying out certain activities, such as standing up and ascending a ladder.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an articular gasket prosthesis and an articular prosthesis with the articular gasket prosthesis. The articular gasket prosthesis includes an elastic gasket disposed between a first skeleton and second skeleton forming a joint, the elastic gasket including: an elastic matrix, having a first contact surface facing the first skeleton and a second contact surface facing the second skeleton; and multiple synovial fluid passages, distributed in the elastic matrix and communicating the first contact surface and the second contact surface, the multiple synovial fluid passages being disposed according to a predetermined manner to gradually increase hardness of the elastic matrix from a center to an edge and gradually decrease elasticity of the elastic matrix from the center to the edge.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient. The medical device comprises an inner and an outer surface, wherein a contacting portion of said inner surface is spherical and adapted to face a center of the hip joint when said medical device is implanted. The medical device is adapted to receive a caput femur or a prosthetic caput femur having a spherical portion. Said medical device comprises at least one extending portion adapted to clasp the caput femur, or prosthetic caput femur, for restraining said caput femur, or said prosthetic caput femur in said medical device. The extending portion comprises an elastic portion, and the medical device is adapted to release the caput femur or prosthetic caput femur from said medical device by deflecting said at least extending portion when a predetermined strain is placed on said medical device by abnormal movement of the hip joint caused by the patient.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device is adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone of the patient. The medical device comprises an inner and an outer surface, a contacting portion of the inner surface is spherical and adapted to face the center of the hip joint when said medical device is implanted, and said medical device is adapted to receive a caput femur or a prosthetic caput femur having a spherical portion. The medical device comprises at least one extending portion adapted to clasp the caput femur, or prosthetic caput femur, for restraining said caput femur, or prosthetic caput femur in said medical device. The medical device is adapted to release the caput femur or prosthetic caput femur from the medical device when a predetermined strain is placed on the medical device.

Abstract: A joint implant assembly including a spherical shaped component adapted to securing to an end of a first joint defining bone and a recess shaped component adapted to securing to an end of a second joint defining bone. Each of the components establishes an opposing wear surface, at which microscopic sized particles build up over time resulting from prolonged use of the joint. At least one of the spherical and recess shaped components exhibits a plurality of interior entrapment chambers, each of which including a narrow-most entranceway location communicating with the wear surface. The entrapment chambers further exhibit outwardly widening capture profiles extending within the associated component for securing volumes of the microscopic particles away from a zone defined between the wear surfaces.

Abstract: A pressurizable implant, comprising a cylindrical body and at least one porous arm extending from and interconnected to the cylindrical body, the at least one porous arm being configured to accommodate a pressure gradient that is created by a device removably connectable to the cylindrical body.

Abstract: Various embodiments of mosaicplasty constructs and methods for implanting the constructs into anatomical structures. The mosaicplasty constructs may be formed from artificial materials and may include a hard articulating portion and a relatively softer elastic, support portion. The mosaicplasty constructs may include bone ingrowth materials to facilitate ingrowth of bone and other tissues into the construct. The mosaicplasty constructs may also be at least partially formed of hydrogel materials.

Abstract: A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device comprises a first and second piece and a releasing member adapted to, in a first state hold the first piece attached to the second piece, and in a second state release the first piece from the second piece. The releasing member is adapted to change from the first state to the second state when a pre-determined strain is placed on the releasing member.

Abstract: Artificial joint prosthetic components including synovial fluid deflection structures are described. Embodiments of artificial joint prosthesis include those with: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; and at least one fluid deflection structure positioned on the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to deflect synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints. In some embodiments, a artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure positioned adjacent to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to deflect synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and a mechanism attached to the fluid deflection structure, the mechanism operable to move the fluid deflection structure to direct synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints.

Abstract: Artificial joint prostheses, including hip, knee and shoulder joints, are described. In some aspects, an artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of an artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure attached to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to direct a flow of synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and at least one particle retaining structure positioned to contact the directed flow of synovial fluid and configured to retain particles present within the synovial fluid.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for relieving damaged areas of the surfaces of hip or shoulder joints from stress. Said implant can be introduced into the space between the joint surfaces of the condyle and the socket cooperating in the natural joint. The inventive implant is cup-shaped or cap-shaped, rests in the socket by a convex external face, and sits on the condyle by a concave internal face in the implanted state. The implant comprises at least two articulation layers which are movable relative to each other and encompass articulation surfaces that face one another in the implanted state.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a resilient interpositional arthroplasty implant for application into joints to pad cartilage defects, cushion joints, and replace or restore the articular surface, which may preserve joint integrity, reduce pain and improve function. The implant may endure variable joint compressive and shear forces and cyclic loads. The implant may repair, reconstruct, and regenerate joint anatomy, and thereby improve upon joint replacement alternatives. Rather than using periosteal harvesting for cell containment in joint resurfacing, the walls of this invention may capture, distribute and hold living cells until aggregation and hyaline cartilage regrowth occurs. The implant may be deployed into debrided joint spaces, molding and conforming to surrounding structures with sufficient stability to avoid extrusion or dislocation.

Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis with a shaft fastened on the shaft head of which there is a ball head which in turn is inserted in a rotatable manner in the spherical recess of a socket insert and the socket insert is coupled with a hip socket wherein the shaft can be implanted in the femur and the hip socket can be implanted in the pelvic bone. To avoid transmission of vibrations, damping elements of a vibration-damping material are arranged at the coupling points of the shaft head with the ball head and/or of the socket insert with the hip socket.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint assembly that includes a shell including an inner surface. The assembly also includes a bearing member including an outer surface. The bearing member is received by the shell such that the outer surface of the bearing member is adjacent the inner surface of the shell. Furthermore, the joint assembly includes a compressible member that is rigidly fixed to the inner surface of the shell or the outer surface of the bearing member to only cover a portion thereof. The compressible member is made of a material that is different from the shell or the bearing member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inlay which is suitable for an endoprosthesis, in particular a joint prosthesis. This inlay essentially comprises a flexible pad 5, a first flexible membrane 2 resting on the pad, and a second membrane 3, extending parallel to and above said membrane, in which support elements 5 are clipped. The support elements 4 rest with their undersides 4e on the first membrane 2, and with their surfaces 4a form a sliding and bearing surface for the joint head which is to be connected to the bone. The pad 5, composed of a liquid or gel-like medium, is situated in a well 1, and the two membranes 2 and 3 are fixed to the lateral walls 1a of the well by means of screws 6 and nuts 7.

Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis with a shaft fastened on the shaft head of which there is a ball head which in turn is inserted in a rotatable manner in the spherical recess of a socket insert and the socket insert is coupled with a hip socket wherein the shaft can be implanted in the femur and the hip socket can be implanted in the pelvic bone. To avoid transmission of vibrations, damping elements of a vibration-damping material are arranged at the coupling points of the shaft head with the ball head and/or of the socket insert with the hip socket.

Abstract: The invention provides an acetabular prosthesis comprising an outer portion having a substantally concave inner surface and a substantially convex outer surface. An inner portion within and spaced from the outer portion and having a substantially concave inner surface defining a cavity and a substantially convex outer surface. Flexible connecting means, such as vanes, connect the outer convex surface of the inner portion to the concave inner surface of the outer portion. Such an acetabular prosthesis can exhibit matched compliance between the outer portion and the patient's pelvis while the inner portion accommodates idealised rigidity for artificial articulation components.

Abstract: Skeletal implant of the type to be used for connecting at least two elements of the skeleton. The implant has two parts. Each of the parts is capable of being connected to one of the elements. The implant also uses at least one shock-absorbing device located between the at least two parts. The shock-absorbing device has an adjustable coefficient of resistance.

Abstract: A hip joint prosthesis has an external metal shell, an internal socket insert in which a ball head can rotate. The ball head is joined to a metal prosthesis shaft of the femoral shaft component and the movement of the prosthesis shaft is limited by abutting against the margin of the socket insert. A soft, biocompatible cushioning element is applied to the socket insert on the circumferential surface of the prosthesis shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hip joint prosthesis with an outer metal shell (5), an inner socket insert (4) in which a spherical head (3) can rotate, the spherical head (3) is joined to a metal prosthesis shaft (2) of the femoral shaft component, and the movement of the prosthesis shaft (2) is limited by abutment against the edge of the socket insert (4).