Abstract: The vertebrae implant has a stabilizing element which is articulated to a pair of bone screws so as to accommodate skew positions of the bone screws relative to each other. A slotted clamp is provided to secure the stabilizing element to each bone screw. In addition, each clamp is disposed between a shoulder having a spherical surface and a clamping nut. A washer is also disposed between the clamping nut and the clamp. The clamping nut and/or washer is provided with a spherical surface to provide for pivoting of the clamp relative to the bone screw prior to tightening of the clamping nut.

Abstract: The joint socket consists of two parts, namely an outer split sleeve and a conical insert. The conical insert contains a hemispherical socket for receiving a joint head.The outer surface of the sleeve is in the form of a truncated cone and is provided with depressions and ribs as well as longitudinal grooves. The ribs serve to penetrate into an artifically created socket bearing of a bone to insure a secure primary fixation in a cement-free anchorage. A firm securement of the socket is insured by the expansion of the sleeve and the penetration of the ribs into the bone.

Abstract: A total ankle prosthesis is formed of two parts, the upper part of which has a concave lower surface in saggital section while the lower part has a convex upper surface in sagittal section slidingly guided on the upper part. Each of these surfaces is of wave form in frontal cross-section with one surface having a raised central portion while the other has a guide groove receiving the raised portion. The side walls of the upper part extend downwardly past the bottom surface of the lower part to protect and avoid excess rubbing of the bottom ends of the tibia and fibula on the bottom part of the prosthesis and to discourage scar tissue between the surfaces.