Abstract: The invention relates to a knee endoprosthesis comprising a femoral component (1) which has two condylar surfaces (1a, 1b) for anchoring on the distal femur, comprising a tibial component (2) for anchoring on the proximal tibia, and comprising sliding surfaces between the two components (1, 2). It is proposed according to the invention that the entire femoral component (1), but at least its condylar surfaces (1a, 1b) are made of a solidly sintered ceramic for articulation with the tibial component (2), so that the knee endoprosthesis will have the least possible amount of abrasion with optimal reproduction of the anatomical and kinematic properties of the natural knee joint, in particular through suitable combinations of materials and by reducing the abrasion-generating surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee endoprosthesis comprising a femoral component (1) which has two condylar surfaces (1a, 1b) for anchoring on the distal femur, comprising a tibial component (2) for anchoring on the proximal tibia, and comprising sliding surfaces between the two components (1, 2). It is proposed according to the invention that the entire femoral component (1), but at least its condylar surfaces (1a, 1b) are made of a solidly sintered ceramic for articulation with the tibial component (2), so that the knee endoprosthesis will have the least possible amount of abrasion with optimal reproduction of the anatomical and kinematic properties of the natural knee joint, in particular through suitable combinations of materials and by reducing the abrasion-generating surfaces.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention a knee joint endoprosthesis comprises a femoral component and a meniscal component mounted for movement relative to and on said femoral component. Said femoral component comprises a medial and a lateral condyle having a medial and a lateral condylar surface. Said meniscal component comprises a medial and a lateral joint surface on which the medial and lateral condylar surfaces bear at least partially. Said medial condyle and said medial joint surface are shaped so as to form a rotary joint with a rotary joint center. Moreover, a rolling motion guiding device is provided for defined rolling of the lateral condylar surface and the lateral joint surface on each other along a curved path which is defined in dependence upon an angle of flexion between femoral component and meniscal component and extends around the rotary joint center.

Abstract: The invention is related to an implant, in particular a bone replacement implant for insertion into a bone cavity, or an intervertebral implant for insertion between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human or animal spine. The implant can be brought from a normal position, in which the implant encompasses a maximum total volume, into an insertion position, in which the implant encompasses an insertion volume, which is smaller than the maximum total volume. Moreover, the implant has a plurality of cavities in fluidic connection with one another, and a net volume encompassed in the normal position by the plurality of cavities in fluidic connection with one another is smaller than the maximum total volume, which allows insertion of the implant through as small as possible an opening in a human or animal body while maintaining a high inherent stability.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for contact with adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The implant includes a first carrier plate including a front edge, a middle, a rear edge, and a concave, crowned joint surface comprising a lowest point. The implant further includes a second carrier plate including a front edge, a middle, a rear edge, a center line extending between said front edge and said rear edge, and a convex, crowned joint surface comprising a highest point. The joint surfaces are positioned flatly in contact with one another and are configured to support the carrier plates pivotably with respect to one another. The highest and lowest points of the joint surfaces are positioned between the rear edges and the middles of the carrier plates. The convex joint surface projects farther away from the second carrier plate at its end facing the rear edge than at its end facing the front edge.

Abstract: In an implant in the form of a plug for closing an opening in the annulus fibrosus, in order to ensure as reliable a fixing of the plug as possible and a secure closure, it is proposed that the plug have rigid anchoring elements for the end plates of adjacent vertebrae on its upper face and on its lower face, and a deformable structure in the area between upper face and lower face.

Abstract: In order to improve an implant, in particular a bone replacement implant for insertion into a bone cavity, or an intervertebral implant for insertion between two adjacent vertebral bodies of a human or animal spine, which can be brought from a normal position, in which the implant encompasses a maximum total volume, into an insertion position, in which the implant encompasses an insertion volume, which is smaller than the maximum total volume, such that the implant can be inserted through as small as possible an opening in a human or animal body and nevertheless have a high inherent stability, it is proposed that the implant has a plurality of cavities in fluidic connection with one another, and that a net volume encompassed in the normal position by the plurality of cavities in fluidic connection with one another is smaller than the maximum total volume.

Abstract: An intervertebral implant for contact with adjacent vertebral bodies is provided. The implant includes a first carrier plate including a front edge, a middle, a rear edge, and a concave, crowned joint surface comprising a lowest point. The implant further includes a second carrier plate including a front edge, a middle, a rear edge, a center line extending between said front edge and said rear edge, and a convex, crowned joint surface comprising a highest point. The joint surfaces are positioned flatly in contact with one another and are configured to support the carrier plates pivotably with respect to one another. The highest and lowest points of the joint surfaces are positioned between the rear edges and the middles of the carrier plates. The convex joint surface projects farther away from the second carrier plate at its end facing the rear edge than at its end facing the front edge.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating spinal stenosis by pedicle distraction. The vertebral segment is cut so that the pedicles are separated from the main portion of the vertebral segment. After being cut, each pedicle is separated from the main portion and fixed at a distance from the main portion using screws. For example, two-component compression screws or stenosis screws may be used to fix the pedicles from the main portion. The screws may be inserted through bores drilled into the vertebral segment. The bores are preferably drilled prior to the cutting. As a result of fixing the cut portion at a distance from the main portion, there will be a gap between the main portion and the two pedicles, thereby enlarging the cross-section of the spinal column.