Abstract: A biplanar joint distractor to be used in arthroplasty for reversibly separating two articulated bones joined by at least one ligament while preserving the latter. The joint distractor comprises a pair of pins each to be removably introduced transversally through one of the bones to be separated and a pair of mechanically adjustable means fixable onto the pins at a predetermined distance on both sides of the bones for forcing the latter apart. The adjustable means comprises a pair of at least partially threaded rods extending generally perpendicular to said pins; first means for rigidly fixing each rod by one of its ends to one end of said pins; second means slidably mounted on each of said rods, including means thereon for clamping the ends of the other pin; and a pair of operating wheels each threadably mounted on the threaded portion of one of said rods between said first and second means.

Abstract: A multipurpose template comprising: a Y-shaped element comprising a flat handle integrally extended at one end by two flat, elongated prongs, which elongated prongs are symmetrically arranged with respect to a vertical plane passing through the axis of the Y-shaped element perpendicularly to the general plane thereof; an alignment rod fixable onto the flat handle near its integrally extended end, which alignment rod is substantially perpendicular to the general plane of the Y-shaped element; and a set of provisional plateaus of different thicknesses for each prong, for determining the thickness of condylar bearing members to be used in the total knee prosthesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved total knee prosthesis of the non-hinged type which advantageously provide normal knee motion and stability during ambulation while substantially obviating loosening or cold flowing of the .ibial component. For this purpose, the total knee prosthesis substantially adopts the anatomical configuration of the natural knee and includes a tibial component comprising condylar bearing members with lower portions completely embedded in tray-shaped elongated sections, in which they are mounted with a predetermined clearance to mechanically absorb part of the natural stresses and torques. The condylar bearing members are also removable and replaceable to obviate any misalignment, natural or not.