Abstract: Methods of implanting a prosthesis to repair a joint include displacing a first bone from the joint formed by an intersection between the first bone and a second bone. An end portion of the first bone is resected to define a resected end. A concavity is formed into the resected end using a shaping tool. The bone is compacted to form a support layer lining the concavity. The prosthesis is implanted in the concavity against the support layer without attaching the prosthesis to the support layer. The joint is reformed with the prosthesis such that the prosthesis remains unattached to the support layer and the first and second bones articulate about the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly and a method of assembling same. The prosthetic assembly includes a base component with at least one engagement surface. A pyrolytic carbon component includes at least one engagement surface. The pyrolytic carbon component is elastically deformed to mechanically interlock with the engagement surface on the base component. The pyrolytic carbon component retains at least a portion of the deformation stress created during coupling with the base component.

Abstract: An implant couples a first bone of a hand to a second bone of the hand. The implant includes a body that defines a median plane. The body also defines a first joint surface having a first central region that articulates with the first bone. The body further defines a second joint surface having a second central region that articulates with the second bone, and the second central region is disposed on an opposite side of the median plane of the body relative to the first central region. The first and second central regions correspond to profiles of first and second axial segments, respectively, the first and second axial segments are each one of a cylinder, a cone and a torus and are centered on first and second axes, respectively, and the first and second axes, as projected on the median plane, are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly and a method of assembling same. The prosthetic assembly includes a base component with at least one engagement surface. A pyrolytic carbon component includes at least one engagement surface. The pyrolytic carbon component is elastically deformed to mechanically interlock with the engagement surface on the base component. The pyrolytic carbon component retains at least a portion of the deformation stress created during coupling with the base component.

Abstract: An implant for metatarsal hemiarthroplasty according to embodiments of the present invention includes a resurfacing body configured to at least partially resurface distal and dorsal surfaces of an articular head of a metatarsus, the resurfacing body including a first side and a second side, the first side configured to articulate against a phalange associated with the metatarsus, the first side including a convex surface formed of ceramic, the second side configured to be fixed to the metatarsus, the second side including a concave surface from which protrude at least two immobilization elements, the at least two immobilization elements configured to interface with the articular head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing an articular surface of a bone. The implant includes at least one head with a bore and a lateral articular surface generally perpendicular to an axis of the bore. A holding element includes a stem at a proximal end adapted to attach to the bone. A member at a distal end of the holding device is adapted to engage with the bore in the head so that the lateral articular surface is positioned to engage transverse loads. The bore permits limited lateral translation of the head in at least one direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the member.

Abstract: Methods of implanting a prosthesis to repair a joint include displacing a first bone from the joint formed by an intersection between the first bone and a second bone. An end portion of the first bone is resected to define a resected end. A concavity is formed into the resected end using a shaping tool. The bone is compacted to form a support layer lining the concavity. The prosthesis is implanted in the concavity against the support layer without attaching the prosthesis to the support layer. The joint is reformed with the prosthesis such that the prosthesis remains unattached to the support layer and the first and second bones articulate about the prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articular resurfacing implant which is characterized in that it is composed of a sheet (1) of pyrolytic carbon deposited on a graphite substrate and a layer (8) composed of an adhesive elastomer or polymer material adherent to the inner surface of the sheet (1) on the substrate side. The adhesive elastomer or polymer material layer (8) allows the implant to be adherent to bone (3) and acts as a shock absorber layer. In one embodiment the implant further comprises a hard material, e.g. metallic, sheet (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartilage resurfacing implant for replacing all or some of the articular cartilage, characterised in that it is made of a biocompatible material (1) of which the modulus of elasticity is between 20 and 25 GPa, said implant matching the shape of the articular bone end on which it is arranged and comprising at least one aperture (2) enabling at least one plug (3) to be arranged and fixed in place. The invention also relates to a cartilage resurfacing kit comprising at least one implant and at least one plug (3) for treating cartilage lesions.

Abstract: A trapeziometacarpal joint implant includes a body defining a median plane, a metacarpal joint surface, and a trapezium joint surface. A first central region of the metacarpal joint surface is situated on an opposite side of the median plane from a second central region of the trapezium joint surface. The first and second central regions correspond to profiles of a first axial segment and a second axial segment, respectively. The first and second axial segments are one of a cylinder, a cone and a torus and are centered on a first axis and a second axis, respectively, where the first and second axes, as projected on the median plane, are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly and a method of assembling same. The prosthetic assembly includes a base component with at least one engagement surface. A pyrolytic carbon component includes at least one engagement surface. The pyrolytic carbon component is elastically deformed to mechanically interlock with the engagement surface on the base component. The pyrolytic carbon component retains at least a portion of the deformation stress created during coupling with the base component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing an articular surface of a bone. The implant includes at least one head with a bore and a lateral articular surface generally perpendicular to an axis of the bore. A holding element includes a stem at a proximal end adapted to attach to the bone. A member at a distal end of the holding device is adapted to engage with the bore in the head so that the lateral articular surface is positioned to engage transverse loads. The bore permits limited lateral translation of the head in at least one direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the member.

Abstract: The implant comprises a stem (10) terminating in a head (20). The stem is adapted to be inserted in the metacarpus of the thumb and the head to be disposed in a space obtained particularly by removing at least a portion of the trapezium. The surface of the head is constituted by a base (201) connected to the stem and adapted to rest on the proximal end of the metacarpus, a distal surface portion (202) opposite the base and serving as a contact surface with the bone located facing the proximal end of the metacarpus, and a connecting portion (203) connecting the base and the distal surface portion of the head. The distal surface portion (202) of the head is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis (104) of the stem by a predetermined angle (?), such that, when the stem (10) is mounted straight in the metacarpus, the distal surface portion (202) of the head can be located in varus.

Abstract: The implant includes a stem terminating in a head. The stem is adapted to be inserted in the metacarpus of the thumb and the head to be disposed in a space obtained particularly by removing at least a portion of the trapezium. The surface of the head is constituted by a base connected to the stem and adapted to rest on the proximal end of the metacarpus, a distal surface portion opposite the base and serving as a contact surface with the bone located facing the proximal end of the metacarpus, and a connecting portion connecting the base and the distal surface portion of the head. The distal surface portion of the head is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the stem by a predetermined angle, such that, when the stem is mounted straight in the metacarpus, the distal surface portion of the head can be located in varus.

Abstract: A conical coupling of a male member (10) and a female member (11), the male member (10) comprising a cone (12) ensleeved in a truncated conical portion (15) of a corresponding recess (14) formed in the female member (11), is characterized in that the female member (11) is made of a material having a Young's modulus at most equal to about 35 GPa and at most equal to that of the material from which the male member (10) is made, and in that a surface (13) of the male member perpendicular to the axis (A1) of the coupling is in contact with a surface (17) of the female member also perpendicular to the coupling axis such that the male and female members (10, 11) are in axial abutment against each other. The female member (11) is for example of pyrocarbon and the male member (10) of metal, ceramic or pyrocarbon.

Abstract: The implant includes a stem terminating in a head. The stem is adapted to be inserted in the metacarpus of the thumb and the head to be disposed in a space obtained particularly by removing at least a portion of the trapezium. The surface of the head is constituted by a base connected to the stem and adapted to rest on the proximal end of the metacarpus, a distal surface portion opposite the base and serving as a contact surface with the bone located facing the proximal end of the metacarpus, and a connecting portion connecting the base and the distal surface portion of the head. The distal surface portion of the head is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the stem by a predetermined angle, such that, when the stem is mounted straight in the metacarpus, the distal surface portion of the head can be located in varus.

Abstract: A conical coupling of a male member (10) and a female member (11), the male member (10) comprising a cone (12) fitted in a truncated conical portion (15) of a corresponding recess (14) formed in the female member (11), is characterized in that the female member (11) is made of a material having a Young's modulus at most equal to about 35 GPa and at most equal to that of the material from which the male member (10) is made, and in that a surface (13) of the male member perpendicular to the axis (A1) of the coupling is in contact with a surface (17) of the female member also perpendicular to the axis of the coupling such that the male and female members (10, 11) are in axial abutment against each other. The female member (11) is for example of pyrocarbon and the male member (10) of metal, ceramic or pyrocarbon.

Abstract: The implant has at least one contact surface portion, made of pyrolytic carbon, designed to be in mobile contact with at least one bony surface when the implant is implanted in a patient. Furthermore, the implant is free from any attaching means, so that it remains free with respect to the at least one bony surface when implanted in the patient.

Abstract: A prosthesis for treating ailments of the scaphoid consists of an implant shaped and sized to serve as a partial replacement of the scaphoid. The prosthesis consists of an element made of a material whose Young's modulus is approximately in the range 10-35 GPa, such as pyrolytic carbon, and having an external surface with a first curved portion having a small radius of curvature corresponding to the conjugated profile of the scaphoid between the head of the capitate and the radius, and a second curved portion having a large radius of curvature corresponding to the profile of the scaphoid facing the radius. Preferably, the partial scaphoid implant is elliptical in each of three mutually perpendicular planes. A method for treating ailments of the scaphoid consists in the surgical removal of a proximal portion of the scaphoid, while leaving the distal fragment thereof in place, and replacing the removed fragment by a prosthesis as described above.

Abstract: An activating system is provided for a heart valve having a seat (1) and at least one pivoting flap (2a, 2b) mounted on the seat (1). The activating system includes at least one mobile magnetic element (4) connected with said flap (2a, 2b) and at least one fixed magnetic element (3) on the seat (1), with the magnetic elements (3, 4) producing interacting fields that create a force which is exerted on said flap (2a, 2b) during its opening and/or closing movements.