Abstract: A variable position acetabular cup assembly for replacing a natural hip socket includes a symmetrical base cup, a symmetrical polymer bearing, and a nonsymmetrical adapter ring situated between the base cup and the bearing. The base cup is designed to be affixed to the acetabulum to replace the natural socket. The bearing provides a bearing surface for receiving a femur ball. The adapter ring can be mounted on the base cup in a plurality of positions to change the position of the symmetrical bearing after the base cup is secured to the acetabulum.

Abstract: A fixation system is disclosed for an elongated prosthesis such as a prosthetic ligament. Opposed ends of the ligament are attached to spaced apart bones such that the connections are external of the bones so as to permit a maximum of relative movement between the ligament and the bones while assuring requisite strength in tension. The design enables pretensioning of the ligament, guards against abrasion of the ligament by reason of moving contact with the bones, and is adjustable to accommodate a variety of required sizes.

Abstract: A modular knee prosthesis assembly for the replacement of a portion of the knee joint is provided. The assembly has a femoral component that is formed to include first bearing surfaces and first means for demountably receiving an optional femoral stem member. The assembly also has a tibial component that is formed to include a platform and second means for demountably receiving an optional tibial stem member. The assembly includes a separate tibial insert that is configured to be supported by the tibial component platform. The tibial insert is formed to include second bearing surfaces that are configured to mate with the first surfaces on the femoral component to permit pivotal movement between the femoral component and the tibial component.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the art of orthopaedic prostheses, and more particularly to the type of prosthesis which is adapted to promote the ingrowth of bone and/or tissue into the portion of the prosthesis surface in contact with the bone surface. The prosthesis is comprised of a bottom base layer of porous fiber metal material an intermediate metal reinforcing layer including at least one opening therein and a top non-metal surface which is molded to the base layer. The portion of the polyethylene layer that is in contact with the base layer penetrates into the interstices of the porous metal material, hence securing the non-metal layer to the porous metal base layer.

Abstract: A humeral member and an ulnar member are joined by an intermediate insert which functions as an ulnar bushing. A radial member may also be employed with the prosthesis. The ulnar member includes a curved surface from which a support projects. Preferably, the curved surface is in concave cylindrical form from which a flat support radially projects. The support terminates in a cylindrical member which has an axis located at the center of the curvature of the curved surface. The ulnar bushing is of generally cylindrical configuration and is mounted about the cylindrical member for rotation. The humeral member engages the intermediate insert allowing relative rotation between the ulnar member and the intermediate insert along with the humeral member. A spherical portion projects from the side of the humeral member and has an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the ulnar member. The spherical portion is for contact with the radius or radial member.

Abstract: The prosthesis disclosed is an unrestrained or hingeless elbow prosthesis including a humeral implant component and an ulnar implant component. The metal humeral component is comprised of an elongated stem with a substantially cylindrical articulating surface on the distal end of said stem wherein said cylindrical articulating surface is convex such that the diameters of the end surfaces of the cylindrical shape are smaller than the diameter about the midportion of the cylindrical shape. The ulnar component is comprised of a metal retainer and a polyethylene bearing. The metal retainer includes an elongated stem attached to a metal base such that the stem depends from the base and anatomically curves slightly outward or laterally from the base.The polyethylene bearing is slidably engaged to the metal retainer and locks into position on the retainer. The polyethylene bearing contains a concave cylindrical cavity for receiving the convex cylinder of the humeral component.

Abstract: A fixation device adapted for use within the medullary canal of a fractured tubular bone is characterized by having a gripper unit with a plurality of outwardly concave, springy gripper fingers which can be placed under an increased force to cause the fingers to securely engage the osseous tissue surrounding the medullary canal when the device is used to maintain the fracture in compression. Force is applied to the fingers of the gripper unit by a threaded rod extending within the canal, and the rod carries a nose piece which serves both as an aid to travel of the rod through the canal and as a means for embracing the fingers of the gripper unit to disengage the fingers from the osseous tissue of the canal.

Abstract: A surface replacement knee joint prosthesis is provided which restrains axial and lateral rotation of the knee joint when the leg is fully extended, and superior-inferior dislocation at all times. The prosthesis has femoral and tibial members articulated by spaced spheroidal load-sharing condylar surfaces with substantially matching radii of curvature. The femoral member defines a tapering channel positioned between the spaced condylar surfaces. A stem having a truncated head projects superiorly from the tibial member and progressively engages the tapering channel during extension, for restraining the rotation and dislocation of the knee joint when the leg is fully extended. When the leg is in flexion, the clearance between the stem and the diverging arms which define the channel allows axial and lateral rotation as in a natural knee joint.