Abstract: A femoral knee implant includes a fourth compartment of articulation. The superior posterior articulating surface is achieved by first increasing the thickness of the superior posterior condylar portion of the femoral component to widen the superior posterior edge of the posterior condyle. Second, the newly created surface at the superior posterior condyle is smoothly rounded to provide an articular surface with no sharp changes in the surface contours. In one embodiment, the fourth articular compartment of this invention is provided in a one piece femoral design. In another embodiment, it is provided as a modular addition to an existing prior art femoral component. In another embodiment, the fourth compartment is combined with a posterior stabilized (PS) TKR design that includes a tibial post and cooperating femoral cam characterized by low engagement of the cam on the spine.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing for use in an orthopaedic implant, comprises the steps of: providing a radiation source; positioning a bearing material at a distance away from the radiation source; installing a shield over at least a portion of the bearing material; irradiating the bearing material through the shield using the radiation source; and forming a bearing surface on the bearing material.