Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system in which a knee prosthesis is capable of conversion from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a system in which a knee prosthesis is converted from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method in which a knee prosthesis is capable of conversion from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method in which a knee prosthesis is converted from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of making a knee prosthesis that is capable of conversion from a cruciate retaining type prosthesis to a posterior stabilizing type prosthesis.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a knee prosthesis system with at least a first tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial) and a second tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial), wherein each of the first tibial portion element and the second tibial portion element has a different slope. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of implanting a knee prosthesis, wherein the method utilizes at least a first tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial) and a second tibial portion element (a tibial insert or a tibial insert trial), wherein each of the first tibial portion element and the second tibial portion element has a different slope.

Abstract: A modular hip prosthesis, comprising: (a) a proximal segment including a neck lockingly engageable with a femoral head component and a male tapered portion; (b) a distal segment having a proximal end and a distal tip, the distal segment further formed with a male tapered portion adjacent the proximal end thereof; and (c) a metaphyseal segment having a proximal end and a distal end, the metaphyseal segment preferably including a bone engaging outer surface portion, and further including an axial bore therethrough, the axial bore including first and second female tapered portions formed adjacent the proximal and distal ends thereof, respectively. The first female tapered portion of the metaphyseal segment is dimensionally configured to lockingly engage the male tapered portion of the proximal segment. The second female tapered portion of the metaphyseal segment is dimensionally configured to lockingly engage the male tapered portion of the distal segment.

Abstract: A composite bearing insert for a total knee joint or a unicondylar knee joint which minimizes or eliminates the production of wear debris resulting from relative motion at the interface between the endoskeleton and a tibial tray of a knee joint prosthesis. The composite bearing insert includes an endoskeleton and a polymer portion which is preferably molded into and locked within the endoskeleton. The endoskeleton is configured to be locked to a tibial component, such as a tibial tray or keel. The modularity of the assembly facilitates the interchangeability of various composite bearing inserts with various tibial components.

Abstract: A modular acetabular bearing assembly which minimizes or eliminates the production of wear debris resulting from relative motion at the interface between the acetabular shell and bearing insert portions of the modular acetabular bearing assembly. The modular acetabular bearing assembly includes an acetabular shell and composite bearing insert. The composite bearing insert includes an endoskeleton and a polymer layer which is preferably molded into and locked within the endoskeleton. The endoskeleton is configured to be locked within the acetabular shell. As such, the modular acetabular bearing assembly, and its method of manufacture, eliminate all contact between any polymer surface on the composite bearing insert and any metal surface on the acetabular shell. The modularity of the assembly facilitates the interchangeability of various composite bearing inserts within an acetabular shell which is fixed to the acetabulum of a patient.

Abstract: A modular hip prosthesis, comprising: (a) a proximal segment including a neck lockingly engageable with a femoral head component and a male tapered portion; (b) a distal segment having a proximal end and a distal tip, the distal segment further formed with a male tapered portion adjacent the proximal end thereof; and (c) a metaphyseal segment having a proximal end and a distal end, the metaphyseal segment preferably including a bone engaging outer surface portion, and further including an axial bore therethrough, the axial bore including first and second female tapered portions formed adjacent the proximal and distal ends thereof, respectively. The first female tapered portion of the metaphyseal segment is dimensionally configured to lockingly engage the male tapered portion of the proximal segment. The second female tapered portion of the metaphyseal segment is dimensionally configured to lockingly engage the male tapered portion of the distal segment.

Abstract: A modular hip prosthesis, comprising: (a) a proximal segment including a neck lockingly engageable with a femoral head component and a male tapered portion; (b) a distal segment having a proximal end and a distal tip, the distal segment further formed with a male tapered portion adjacent the proximal end thereof; and (c) a metaphyseal segment having a proximal end and a distal end, the metaphyseal segment preferably including a bone engaging outer surface portion, and further including an axial bore therethrough, the axial bore including first and second female tapered portions formed adjacent the proximal and distal ends thereof, respectively. The first female tapered portion of the metaphyseal segment is dimensionally configured to lockingly engage the male tapered portion of the proximal segment. The second female tapered portion of the metaphyseal segment is dimensionally configured to lockingly engage the male tapered portion of the distal segment.

Abstract: A modular acetabular bearing assembly which minimizes or eliminates the production of wear debris resulting from relative motion at the interface between the acetabular shell and bearing insert portions of the modular acetabular bearing assembly. The modular acetabular bearing assembly includes an acetabular shell and composite bearing insert. The composite bearing insert includes an endoskeleton and a polymer layer which is preferably molded into and locked within the endoskeleton. The endoskeleton is configured to be locked within the acetabular shell. As such, the modular acetabular bearing assembly, and its method of manufacture, eliminate all contact between any polymer surface on the composite bearing insert and any metal surface on the acetabular shell. The modularity of the assembly facilitates the interchangeability of various composite bearing inserts within an acetabular shell which is fixed to the acetabulum of a patient.