Abstract: A joint prosthesis has a first component for cooperation with a first long bone, a second component for cooperation with a second long bone, and a bearing component positionable between the first component and the second component. The bearing component includes a reinforcing component and a polymeric material completely encapsulating the reinforcing component and molded thereto. The bearing component may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis has a first component for cooperation with a first long bone, a second component for cooperation with a second long bone, and a bearing component positionable between said first component and said second component. The bearing component includes a reinforcing component and a polymeric material completely encapsulating the reinforcing component and molded thereto. The bearing component may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a joint prosthesis (10) having a first component (12) for cooperation with a first long bone (14) and a second component (16) for cooperation with a second long bone (20). The joint prosthesis (10) further includes a bearing component (22) positionable between the first component (12) and the second component (16) and cooperable with the first component (12) and the second component (16). The bearing component (22) includes a reinforcing component (36) having a first portion (54) defining a first centerline (50) and having a second portion (56) defining a second centerline (52). The first centerline (50) and the second centerline (52) are non-coincidental. The bearing component (22) includes a polymeric material (112) surrounding the reinforcing component (36) and molded to the reinforcing component (36).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing component for use in arthroplasty for cooperation with a first and a second component includes the step of providing a non-linear support of a durable material having. The method further includes providing a molding die for manufacturing the bearing component having first and second mold portions. The first mold portion provides a first surface for cooperation with the first joint component and the second mold portion provides a second surface for cooperation with the second joint component. The method includes positioning the support in a desired position within the molding die with the first end or the second end located in the first mold portion, adding moldable material into the molding die, surrounding the support with the moldable material, heating and pressurizing the moldable material, permitting the moldable material to cool, and removing the component from the molding die.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis (10) including a first component (12)for cooperation with a first long bone (14) and a second component (16) for cooperation with a second long bone (20) is provided. The joint prosthesis (10) also includes a bearing component (222) positionable between the first component (12) and the second component (16) and cooperable with the first (12) and second (16) components. The bearing component (222) has a reinforcing component (236) having a first end (286) and a second end (294) and a polymeric material (207). The polymeric material (207) surrounds at least 99% of the surface area of the reinforcing component (236) and is molded to the reinforcing component (236) so that the material may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology. The bearing component (222) defines a first peripheral region (271) and a second peripheral region (282).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a polymeric bearing component (22) for use in joint arthroplasty for cooperation with a first joint component (12) and a second joint component (16). The method includes the step of providing a non-linear reinforcing support (36) of a durable material having a first end (86) and a second end (94). The method further includes the step providing a molding die (62) adapted for manufacturing the bearing component (22) for use in total joint arthroplasty and having a first mold portion (66) and a second mold portion (76). The first mold portion (66) is adapted to provide a first surface (70) of the bearing component (22) for cooperation with the first joint component (12) and the second mold portion (76) is adapted to provide a second surface (80) of the bearing component (22) for cooperation with the second joint component (16).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a joint prosthesis (10) having a first component (12) for cooperation with a first long bone (14) and a second component (16) for cooperation with a second long bone (20). The joint prosthesis (10) further includes a bearing component (22) positionable between the first component (12) and the second component (16) and cooperable with the first component (12) and the second component (16). The bearing component (22) includes a reinforcing component (36) having a first portion (54) defining a first centerline (50) and having a second portion (56) defining a second centerline (52). The first centerline (50) and the second centerline (52) are non-coincidental. The bearing component (22) includes a polymeric material (112) surrounding the reinforcing component (36) and molded to the reinforcing component (36).