Abstract: Apparatus for performing a multidirectional tibial tubercle transfer, comprising a jig for positioning against the anterior portion of the tibia, the jig comprising first and second guide surfaces which simultaneously converge towards one another as they extend distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia; a medial extender for attaching to the jig, wherein the medial extender comprises a third guide surface which is directed towards a point distal to the point of convergence of the first and second guide surfaces as the third guide surface extends distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia; and a lateral extender for attaching to the jig, wherein the lateral extender comprises a fourth guide surface which is directed towards a point distal to the point of convergence of the first and second guide surfaces as the fourth guide surface extends distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a multidirectional tibial tubercle transfer, comprising a jig for positioning against the anterior portion of the tibia, the jig comprising first and second guide surfaces which simultaneously converge towards one another as they extend distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia; a medial extender for attaching to the jig, wherein the medial extender comprises a third guide surface which is directed towards a point distal to the point of convergence of the first and second guide surfaces as the third guide surface extends distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia; and a lateral extender for attaching to the jig, wherein the lateral extender comprises a fourth guide surface which is directed towards a point distal to the point of convergence of the first and second guide surfaces as the fourth guide surface extends distally down, and posteriorly towards, the tibia.

Abstract: A kit (10) for removal of bone (12) from a patient to prepare a bone cavity (14) for receiving a joint prosthesis (16) is provided. The kit (10) includes a guide (20) for cooperation with the bone (12) and a rotatable tool (22). The tool (22) is constrainable by the guide (20) for removal of the bone (12). The guide (20) includes a first portion (24) thereof cooperable with the tool (22) and a second portion (24) thereof cooperable with the bone (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a multidirectional tibial tubercle transfer, comprising: positioning a jig against the anterior portion of the tibia, the jig comprising first and second cutting guides which simultaneously converge towards one another as they extend distally down the tibia and posteriorly towards the tibia; cutting first and second saw cuts into the tibia; attaching an extender to the jig, wherein the extender comprises a third cutting guide which simultaneously converges towards the first cutting guide as the third cutting guide extends distally down the tibia and posteriorly towards the tibia; cutting a third saw cut into the tibia; freeing a first and second bone block from the tibia; freeing a second bone block from the tibia; and transferring the position of the first bone block relative to the tibia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a multidirectional tibial tubercle transfer, comprising: positioning a jig against the anterior portion of the tibia, the jig comprising first and second cutting guides which simultaneously converge towards one another as they extend distally down the tibia and posteriorly towards the tibia; cutting first and second saw cuts into the tibia; attaching an extender to the jig, wherein the extender comprises a third cutting guide which simultaneously converges towards the first cutting guide as the third cutting guide extends distally down the tibia and posteriorly towards the tibia; cutting a third saw cut into the tibia; freeing a first and second bone block from the tibia; freeing a second bone block from the tibia; and transferring the position of the first bone block relative to the tibia.

Abstract: A patellar bearing having extended, rounded contours on the superior and inferior edges of its articulating surface.

Abstract: A kit (10) for removal of bone (12) from a patient to prepare a bone cavity (14) for receiving a joint prosthesis (16) is provided. The kit (10) includes a guide (20) for cooperation with the bone (12) and a rotatable tool (22). The tool (22) is constrainable by the guide (20) for removal of the bone (12). The guide (20) includes a first portion (24) thereof cooperable with the tool (22) and a second portion (24) thereof cooperable with the bone (12).

Abstract: A trochlear implant for a prosthetic knee, a prosthetic knee system and a method for using the prosthetic knee system are disclosed. The trochlear implant mounts to the knee end of a femur and cooperates with a patellar implant mounted to the back side of a patella. The patellar implant is a component of a prosthesis including a femoral implant for replacing the knee end of the femur. The trochlear implant has an articulation surface shaped to slidably receive a portion of the patellar implant. The articulation surface is substantially similar in shape to a portion of a surface of the femoral implant such that the patellar implant is capable of being used with the femoral implant and the trochlear implant.

Abstract: A prosthetic patellar component includes a base and a bearing element that includes first and second femoral engaging surfaces disposed between first and second (superior/inferior) edge surfaces The edge surfaces are curved to provide a gradual transition from a posterior facing portion to a nearly vertical superior or inferior facing portion. Moreover, the inferior-superior dimension of the component is at least approximately 90% of the medial-lateral dimension. The relative height and gradually transitioning edges significantly reduce the likelihood of sudden posterior rotation during deep flexion movement. The edge surfaces extend from a substantially posterior facing portion proximate to the first and second femoral engaging surfaces and a substantially vertical facing portion proximate the base.

Abstract: A prosthetic patellar component includes a base and a bearing element. The base is operable to be affixed to an outer patellar surface. The bearing element includes first and second femoral engaging surfaces disposed between first and second edge surfaces and separated by a convex peak. The first and second edge surfaces include a gradual, or rounded, transition from a nearly posterior facing portion to a nearly superior or inferior facing portion, with adjacent surface portions having a relative angular displacement of less than about 30 degrees. The inferior-superior dimension is at least approximately 90% of the or medial-lateral dimension. The additional relative height and the gradually transitioning edges significantly reduce the likelihood of sudden posterior rotation during deep flexion movement. The patellar component may be employed in a PFJ system that engages a prosthetic femur implant that includes a trochlear groove.

Abstract: A patellar bearing having extended, rounded contours on the superior and inferior edges of its articulating surface.

Abstract: A frame which holds the legs, knees, and x-ray film cassette in proper alignment to one another would allow an accurate, easily reproducible, and comfortable technique for obtaining an improved axial x-ray view of the kneecaps and patellofemoral joints. (Axial views are those obtained when the x-ray beam is projected in line with the limb, rather than perpendicular to it.)Heretofore all other techniques to x-ray the knees in axial projection have had significant deficiencies singly or in combination: distortion of the x-ray image, discomfort for the patient with an acutely injured knee, complicated technology applicable to research but not clinical practice, obsolescence due to the larger present-day x-ray tubes and collimators, and improper positioning which masks abnormalities actually present. This frame was developed to allow a technique which avoids these deficiencies. This method has never been described before in the medical literature.