Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a first member operably associated with the first component and defines a first member longitudinal axis thereof. A second member is operably associated with the second component and defines a second member longitudinal axis thereof. A washer system is coupled to the second member. A drive mechanism is coupled to washer system, such that as the drive mechanism is activated, the washer system rotates about the second member longitudinal axis and expands along the second member longitudinal axis, wherein such movement further causes the second member to move relative to the first member along the second member longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty. The tool includes a first member operably associated with the first component and defines a first member longitudinal axis thereof. A second member is operably associated with the second component and defines a second member longitudinal axis thereof. A washer system is coupled to the second member. A drive mechanism is coupled to washer system, such that as the drive mechanism is activated, the washer system rotates about the second member longitudinal axis and expands along the second member longitudinal axis, wherein such movement further causes the second member to move relative to the first member along the second member longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of crosslinked polymer such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, whereas the second layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of polymer such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene that is either non-crosslinked or crosslinked to a lesser degree than the first layer. In such a manner, the first layer possesses mechanical properties which are advantageous in regard to the articulating surface (e.g., enhanced wear and oxidation resistance), whereas the second layer possesses mechanical properties which are advantageous in regard to the engaging surface (e.g., high ductility, toughness, and creep resistance).

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of crosslinked polymer such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, whereas the second layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of polymer such as Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene that is either non-crosslinked or crosslinked to a lesser degree than the first layer. In such a manner, the first layer possesses mechanical properties which are advantageous in regard to the articulating surface (e.g., enhanced wear and oxidation resistance), whereas the second layer possesses mechanical properties which are advantageous in regard to the engaging surface (e.g., high ductility, toughness, and creep resistance).

Abstract: An implantable orthopaedic device having a bearing component made from a crosslinked polymeric material which is substantially free of free radicals and a backing component having a plurality of pores defined therein, the bearing component (i) is made from a material that has a greater modulus of elasticity than the bearing component and (ii) is attached to the polymeric bearing component by a mass of the crosslinked polymeric material interdigitated within the pores of the backing component. An associated method of preparing an implantable orthopaedic device.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a polymer such as polyethylene or UHMWPE, whereas the second layer is constructed of a copolymer of ethylene and an acrylate. The ethylene portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to the polymer of the first layer, whereas the acrylate portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to commonly utilized bone cements. A method of making a prosthetic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable orthopaedic device having a bearing component made from a crosslinked polymeric material which is substantially free of free radicals and a backing component having a plurality of pores defined therein, the bearing component (i) is made from a material that has a greater modulus of elasticity than the bearing component and (ii) is attached to the polymeric bearing component by a mass of the crosslinked polymeric material interdigitated within the pores of the backing component. An associated method of preparing an implantable orthopaedic device.

Abstract: A process for forming an oriented orthopaedic implant prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing, or near net-shape bearing includes the step of placing an irradiated UHMWPE preform or puck of a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing in a compression mold and compression molding the irradiated preform. The molding is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired shape. The compression molding induces biaxial orientation in the formed bearing.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing, near net-shape bearing or plastic stock from which such a bearing can be formed. The method includes the steps of providing plastic resin in powdered form, subjecting the powdered resin to irradiation to cross-link the resin, and molding the irradiated powder. The irradiated powder is molded by applying heat and pressure to form the powder into a desired solid plastic shape, the heating being sufficient to melt the powder.

Abstract: A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing or near net-shape bearing is provided. The method includes providing a cross-linked plastic resin preform in a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing and molding the cross-linked preform. The molding is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired solid plastic shape. The heating and pressure is sufficient to melt the plastic resin so that the plastic resin flows under pressure and quench remaining free-radicals.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a polymer such as polyethylene or UHMWPE, whereas the second layer is constructed of a copolymer of ethylene and an acrylate. The ethylene portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to the polymer of the first layer, whereas the acrylate portion of the copolymer provides for adhesion to commonly utilized bone cements. A method of making a prosthetic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of a composite material having a first layer and second layer. The first layer has an articulating surface defined therein, whereas the second layer has a engaging surface defined therein for engaging either another prosthetic component or the bone itself. The first layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of crosslinked polymer such as UHMWPE, whereas the second layer of the implantable prosthetic bearing is constructed of polymer such as UHMWPE that is either non-crosslinked or crosslinked to a lesser degree than the first layer. In such a manner, the first layer possesses mechanical properties which are advantageous in regard to the articulating surface (e.g., enhanced wear and oxidation resistance), whereas the second layer possesses mechanical properties which are advantageous in regard to the engaging surface (e.g., high ductility, toughness, and creep resistance). A method of making a prosthetic bearing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming an oriented orthopaedic implant prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing, or near net-shape bearing includes the step of placing an irradiated UHMWPE preform or puck of a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing in a compression mold and compression molding the irradiated preform. The molding is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired shape. The compression molding induces biaxial orientation in the formed bearing.

Abstract: A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing or near net-shape bearing is provided. The method includes providing a cross-linked plastic resin preform in a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing and molding the cross-linked preform. The molding is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired solid plastic shape. The heating and pressure is sufficient to melt the plastic resin so that the plastic resin flows under pressure and quench remaining free-radicals.

Abstract: A method for forming a plastic prosthesis bearing, net-shape bearing or near net-shape bearing is provided. The method includes providing a cross-linked plastic resin preform in a volume sufficient to accommodate the bearing and molding the cross-linked preform. The molding is accomplished by applying heat and pressure to form the preform into a desired solid plastic shape. The heating and pressure is sufficient to melt the plastic resin so that the plastic resin flows under pressure and quench remaining free-radicals.

Abstract: An alignment guide for positioning a saw guide at a predetermined position on the distal femur is placed on the femur and receives an intramedullary rod inserted in the femur. The guide has an arm for coupling the saw guide block. The guide includes an intercondylar saddle that engages the intercondylar notch of the femur to align the saw guide at a predetermined position proximal to the intercondylar notch.

Abstract: A sizing assembly for determining the optimum size of a femoral component of a knee prosthesis is placed against the resected distal end of a femur. The assembly includes a body with a flat surface for contacting the resected surface of the femur and feet for engaging the femoral condyles. The assembly further includes a pivoted stylus that slides in the body and engages the anterior femoral cortex. Once the size of the femoral component is determined, a drill bushing corresponding to the femoral component is supported on the body. The drill bushing includes two apertures for guiding a drill to bore pilot holes in the resected femur.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for replacing a bone surface. The prosthesis includes an implant having a surface for abutting a bone, and an augment configured to be attached to the surface of the implant by bone cement to compensate for bone loss. The augment is formed to include an aperture therein defined by an inner wall. The prosthesis also includes a plastic peg coupled to the implant. The peg is configured to enter the aperture formed in the augment and to engage the inner wall of the augment to retain the augment in a spaced apart relation relative to the implant to permit the implant to be installed onto the bone before the bone cement cures. Alternately, the surface of the implant is formed to include an aperture therein, and a plastic retaining ring located in the aperture formed in the surface of the implant. A metal peg is coupled to the augment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reconstructing a femoral portion of a knee in a total knee replacement, the distal end of which has medial and lateral condyles and an intercondylar notch therebetween defining a distal patellar groove for the articulation of the patella with the femur during flexion of the knee.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for replacing a bone surface. The prosthesis includes an implant having a surface for abutting a bone, and an augment configured to be attached to the surface of the implant by bone cement to compensate for bone loss. The augment is formed to include an aperture therein defined by an inner wall. The prosthesis also includes a plastic peg coupled to the implant. The peg is configured to enter the aperture formed in the augment and to engage the inner wall of the augment to retain the augment in a spaced apart relation relative to the implant to permit the implant to be installed onto the bone before the bone cement cures. Alternately, the surface of the implant is formed to include an aperture therein, and a plastic retaining ring located in the aperture formed in the surface of the implant. A metal peg is coupled to the augment.