Abstract: The invention relates to an endoprosthesis for replacement of a joint, in which slide surfaces that have different contours and correspondingly define movement planes for bearing are formed by an intermediate part. According to the invention, the intermediate part has a projection, preferably a convex projection, on at least one side face, in order to avoid fibrosis.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for monitoring and assessing the orthopaedic performance of a patient are described. The method can comprise implanting at least a first and second RF wirelessly detectable markers in first and second bones associated with a site. A procedure can be carried out on the site and the positions of the first and second markers can be detected after the procedure has been completed. The detected positions can be used to assess the orthopaedic performance of the patient. An orthopaedic monitoring system comprises a monitoring station including a tracking system for RF wirelessly detecting the positions of markers within a working volume of the monitoring station. A computer control system is configured to determine a marker position for each of a plurality of markers implanted in a patient located in the working volume. The computer control system also generates an indication of the orthopaedic performance of the patient from the marker positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base platform (11) for an artificial joint, in particular for an artificial shoulder joint, wherein the platform can be anchored on the bone and serves as a support for an artificial joint component (15, 17) that can be provided both in the form of a shell component (15) for an anatomical configuration and also in the form of a ball component (17) for an inverse configuration, and wherein different joint components can be mounted on the platform.

Abstract: An orthopaedic skeletal joint demonstration aid for demonstrating surgical orthopaedic techniques comprises a first facsimile bone portion (2), a second facsimile bone portion (3), and adjustable holding mechanism (5) for holding the first facsimile bone portion (2) in a required anatomical orientation with respect to the second facsimile bone portion (3) for the purposes of a surgical orthopaedic procedure. The holding mechanism (5) is capable of being locked in position so as to orientate the first facsimile bone portion (2) at the required angle. This enables the facsimile bone portions (2) and (3) to be correctly aligned for carrying out a required surgical procedure, and for the alignment to be subsequently changed for a further surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for determining an orientation of an artificial joint, in particular for planning an implantation of at least one artificial joint in a human or animal body, wherein a first part of the artificial joint and a second part of the artificial joint are designed to be able to form an artificial joint connection with each other, wherein the first part is provided for implantation in a first body structure of the human or animal body, and the second part is provided for implantation in a second body structure of the human or animal body, in order to replace an anatomical joint which connects or connected the first body structure to the second body structure, wherein the method comprises the following steps: body structure data are provided which describe a mobility of the first body structure relative to the second body structure; an orientation which is suitable for implanting the artificial joint is determined on the basis of the body structure data.

Abstract: A biomedical member having high strength, high toughness and high hardness and an artificial joint that uses the same are provided. In addition, a biomedical member that exhibits high wear resistance even in in vivo environment and an artificial joint are provided. Such a composite ceramic is used that contains 65% by weight or more Al2O3, 4 to 34% by weight of ZrO2 and 0.1 to 4% by weight of SrO, while Sr forms a solid solution with part of the ZrO2 grains. The composite ceramics further contains TiO2, MgO and SiO2 as sintering additives, while controlling the amounts to 0.20% by weight or more SiO2, 0.22% by weight or more TiO2 and 0.12% by weight or more MgO, and the total amount of SiO2, TiO2 and MgO within a range from 0.6 to 4.5% by weight.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: Textured nanostructured surfaces are described which are highly resistant to cell adhesion. Such surfaces on medical implants inhibit fibroblast adhesion particularly on titanium treated silicone. The surfaces can also be engineered so that other cell types, such as endothelial and osteoblast cells, show little if any tendency to attach to the surface in vivo.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: Prosthetic or orthotic joint with at least two joint segments that are mounted rotatably to each other around a joint axis, and a pivotal piston mounted in torque-proof fashion in one of the upper or lower joint segments. The pivotal piston is received in a displacement chamber containing a fluid, with the pivotal piston subdividing the displacement chamber into two partial chambers that are connected with each other via a connecting channel at least across a selected pivoting angle range of the pivotal piston. At least one flow section determining contour is formed between the pivotal piston and one selected displacement chamber wall, which is in a fluidic connection with the connecting channel and the displacement chamber across a selected rotation angle. The contour also provides a varying free flow section for the passage of the fluid dependent on the rotational position of the pivotal piston.

Abstract: A method of distributing a load to a cartilage defect repair plug is provided. A load is applied to a first articulation layer. The load is distributed to a second layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to the first density of subchondral bone. The load is distributed to a third layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to a second density of subchondral bone. The load is then distributed to a fourth layer and the load is transferred in the normal direction to a third density of subchondral bone.

Abstract: An orthopedic device adapted for implantation into a body where it contacts bone tissue is disclosed which has at least one spaced apart polarized magnetic element, at least one piezoelectric element or a combination of a polarized magnetic element and a piezoelectric element which are in direct contact with one another or are separately mounted on the implant. The piezoelectric element being at least partially embedded in a surface of the device which contacts bone tissue for the promotion of osteogenesis or osseointegration.

Abstract: A kit and associated method is for implanting a prosthetic device in a resected bone such as a humerus. The kit includes a trial assembly including a trial body portion having a trial bore defined therein, and a trial head portion having (i) a trail head member which includes a trial offset indicia, and (ii) an eccentrically located trial stem extending from the trial head member, the trial head stem being configured to be received within the trial bore. The kit also includes a final prosthesis assembly including a final body portion having a final bore defined therein, and a final head portion having (i) a final head member which includes a final offset indicia, and (ii) an eccentrically located final head stem extending from the final head portion, the final head stem being configured to be received within the final bore.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed and procured components, adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. In a preferred embodiment, component(s) can be partially cured and generally formed ex vivo and further and further formed in vivo at the joint site to enhance conformance and improve long term performance. In another embodiment, a preformed balloon or composite material can be inserted into the joint site and filled with a flowable biomaterial in situ to conform to the joint site. In yet another embodiment, the preformed component(s) can be fully cured and formed ex vivo and optionally further fitted and secured at the joint site.

Abstract: The method of designing and manufacturing the artificial joint stem, comprising steps of performing analysis of the internal stress of the artificial joint stem and bone and the adhesive stress of the artificial stem and bone, using the computer, based on the three dimension data indicating the structure of the bone formed by using plural tomographic images of the bone, the design condition involving the form and stiffness of the artificial joint stem configured by using at least one of the tomographic images and the three dimension data, wherein if the result of the analysis does not satisfy the design condition, the condition is changed to have the computer reanalyze and if the result of the analysis satisfies the design condition, the artificial joint stem is designed and manufactured with the stem data based on the result of analysis and the design condition.

Abstract: Each of an osteochondral plug graft and a kit comprises a trapezoid shaped construct configured for osteochondral implanting. An osteochondral regeneration method comprises forming a recipient socket in a chondral area of an articular joint in need of repair; harvesting a trapezoid shaped graft from another chondral area; and implanting the trapezoid shaped graft into the recipient socket.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an implantable medical device comprising a surface coated with a polyelectrolyte multilayer, wherein said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass. Another aspect of the present invention involves a method of preparing a PEM-coated implantable medical device, comprising the step of applying a film to a surface of an implantable medical device, wherein said film comprises a polyelectrolyte multilayer and said surface is glass, metal, plastic, polymer, or fiberglass.

Abstract: A first carpometacarpal joint implant. One embodiment of the invention includes proximal and distal components. The proximal component includes a fixation portion for attachment to one or more elements of a patient's distal carpal row, a ball-type joint portion cantilevered off the fixation portion, and a skid having a concave surface opposite the ball-type joint for engaging a patient's scaphoid bone. The distal component has a fixation portion for attachment to a patient's thumb metacarpal, and a socket-type joint portion that cooperates with the ball-type joint portion of the proximal component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable joint prosthesis configured to replace a natural joint, and methods for implantation. The prosthesis may include a first component implantable in a first bone, having a first bearing surface, and a second component implantable in a second bone, having a second bearing surface which corresponds to the first bearing surface. Each bearing surface may include a flattened section such that when the bearing surfaces are placed in cooperation with one another in a preferred orientation, the flattened sections are aligned. Alternatively, the bearing surfaces may have and asymmetric configuration, with non-congruent surfaces that may enable correction of deformity. Several types of implantable joint prostheses are disclosed, including: carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, metatarsophalangeal, distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, ankle, knee, shoulder, and hip.

Abstract: The invention provides fabricated tough hydrogels, hydrogel-containing compositions, and methods of making the same. The invention also provides methods of implanting or administering the tough hydrogels, or the hydrogel-containing compositions to treat a subject in need. Methods of cross-linking pre-solidified or pre-gelled hydrogel particles and making cross-linked tough hydrogels, and crosslinked tough hydrogel-containing compositions also are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A knee implant includes a femoral component having first and second femoral component surfaces. The first femoral component surface is for securing to a surgically prepared compartment of a distal end of a femur. The second femoral component surface is configured to replicate the femoral condyle. The knee implant further includes a tibial component having first and second tibial component surfaces. The first tibial component surface is for contacting a proximal surface of the tibia that is substantially uncut subchondral bone. At least a portion of the first tibial component surface is a mirror image of the proximal tibial surface. The second tibial component surface articulates with the second femoral component surface.

Abstract: In the field of biocompatible Co—Cr—Mo alloys for use in artificial joints or the like, the formation of wear debris in a living body is a matter of concern. The purpose of the invention is to provide a technique for improving the wear resistance of a Co—Cr—Mo alloy for use in an artificial joint to thereby prevent the formation of wear debris in a living body. The improvement in wear resistance of a Co—Cr—Mo alloy for use in an artificial joint can be achieved by finely dividing the crystal particles of the alloy, by preparing an alloy composition having a higher Mo content than any known standard Co—Cr—Mo alloy (e.g., Co-29Cr-6Mo alloy), by increasing the proportion of the ? phase that is dispersedly precipitated, by sintering an alloy powder produced by gas atomization technique to form pores on the surface of the alloy material, or the like.

Abstract: A prosthetic for use in an interphalangeal joint including a body portion and a weave portion. The body portion may be manufactured from a hydrogel material. The body portion includes an pair of stems and an intermediate section located in between the two stems. The intermediate section includes a recess allowing for flexing of the body portion.

Abstract: An artificial toe joint utilizes a ball in socket joint structure and arms or side walls which are exterior to the bone. The resulting joint provides improved strength and durability, and may be used to repair joints which are not suitable for installation of a prior art artificial joint.

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: A first articulating member for use with a second articulating member to form a prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty for a joint formed between adjacent first and second bones in which a bone fragment having an exterior surface has separated from the first bone is provided. The first articulating member includes an articulating portion having an articulation surface for articulation with the second articulating member and an attaching portion connected to the articulating portion for attachment to the first bone. The first articulating member also includes a fragment portion connected to at least one of the articulating portion and the insertion portion. The fragment portion includes a surface for contact with the external periphery of the bone fragment.

Abstract: The prosthetic joint has at least two members having each a cooperating articulating surface layer on a substrate material. At least one of said articulating surface layers comprises amorphous diamond-like carbon; or Titanium Nitrate (TiN) on a bonding layer bonded to the substrate material. The prosthetic joint provides a reduction of the number of wear debris and shows enhanced dry run properties.

Abstract: A novel and improved elbow prosthesis and method of implanting same including a novel aggregate prosthesis having a retaining system in conjunction with a set plate.

Abstract: A component made from a crosslinked polymeric material, wherein the crosslinked polymeric material has a reduced crystallinity is described. An associated method for fabricating such a component is also described.

Abstract: An artificial joint including a main body and a lower portion adapted to pivotally engage the main body about a control axis while having a locking means that is integral with the lower portion. An upper portion adapted to pivotally engage the main body about a flexing axis and has an engagement means adapted to engage and disengage the locking means upon the pivoting rotation of the upper portion relative the main body. A biasing means is adapted to engage both the main body and the lower portion thereby biasing the locking means to engage the engagement means, and at least one stopping surface adapted to limit motion between the main body and the lower portion. The locking means is activated when a load is imposed on the artificial joint and passes through a line posterior to the control axis, and is de-activated when the load passes through a line anterior to the control axis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers by crosslinking them, especially before irradiation sterilization. In particular, this invention presents the use of chemically crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in in vivo implants.

Abstract: A system improves the design of artificial implant components for use in joint replacement surgeries. The system includes an anthropometric static image data analyzer, an implant model data generator, a kinematic model simulator, and a dynamic response data analyzer. The implant model data generator may also use image data of a joint in motion for modification of the implant model data used in the kinematic simulation. Dynamic response data generated by the kinematic model simulation is analyzed by the dynamic response data analyzer to generate differential data that may be used to further refine the implant model data.

Abstract: The present invention provides partial and complete shielding approaches to alter the cross-linking characteristics of irradiated polymers, such as polyethylene. Irradiated polymers and fabricated articles, such as medical prosteses, comprising irradiated polymers also are provided.

Abstract: A prosthesis to be implanted within a bone comprises a shell and a liner that fits within the shell. The shell comprises a bone engaging region which terminates at a first plane, and a non-bone engaging region which extends out of the first plane and at least partially defines an open mouth of the shell.

Abstract: An artifieial joint includes a condyle and a jointzsocket having a socket eleinent and an inlay whose associated functional surfaces functionally interlinked. The functional surface facing the joint socket has circular, concave section contours. the orbital radii of the joint deviating fromn each other in a main fltnetional plane relative to a secondary fuinctional plane.

Abstract: A single drive shaft simulator and method is disclosed that allows up to four independent actions to be imposed on a test specimen such as an artificial joint specimen. These motions about mutually orthogonal axes are provided, and a constant compressive force and/or dynamic force may also be applied. The mechanical simulator is simple, accurate, and robust. The simulator assures synchronous movement where amplitude and profiles of the motion can be independently adjusted.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the repair of articular cartilage in joints and includes an articular cartilage graft, a method of producing the articular cartilage graft, and a method of repairing an articular cartilage defect using the articular cartilage graft. In its preferred embodiment, the articular cartilage graft of the present invention comprises a collagen portion with structure or architecture similar to, or substantially the same as, native human articular cartilage.

Abstract: A rotation-symmetrical articulation chamber is formed in the shaft head of an endoprosthesis. An axial articulation member is disposed in this chamber. The articulation member axis and the axis of rotation are perpendicular relative to each other. A joint neck can be pivoted about the axis of rotation and the articulation member axis at any selected angle of inclination or rotation. Clamping surfaces that are disposed at an angle to the axis of rotation are rotation-symmetrical or planar and interact with articulation surfaces of the articulation member that can also be rotation-symmetrical.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Joint prostheses are provided which may be used to replace, for example, knee, elbow or ankle joints. A knee prosthesis comprises a pin and a pivoting member. The pin bridges a gap between a medial condyle and lateral condyle of a femur. The pivoting member is positioned in the gap and the pin passes through the pivoting member to secure it in position and to allow it to pivot about the pin. The pin and pivoting member of the prosthesis represent a mechanically convenient system which is able to replace the function of a joint and can be positioned with less trauma to the joint whose function they replace than prostheses according to the prior art.

Abstract: A cartilage implant for replacing a portion of the cartilage adjacent to a skeletal joint is presented.

Abstract: A prosthetic trial for a joint prosthesis includes a stem having a proximal section and a distal section for implantation in a bone. A body includes a channel receiving at least the proximal section of the stem. A locking mechanism is at least partially disposed within the body. The locking mechanism is biased into a locking position in which the mechanism locks the stem within the first channel of the body. The locking mechanism is accessible outside said body to be pulled into a releasing position to unlock the stem from the body.

Abstract: An acellular matrix implant for treatment of defects and injuries of articular cartilage, bone or osteochondral bone and a method for treatment of injured, damaged, diseased or aged articular cartilage or bone, using the acellular matrix implant implanted into a joint cartilage lesion in situ and a bone-inducing composition implanted into an osteochondral or bone defect. A method for repair and restoration of the injured, damaged, diseased or aged cartilage or bone into its full functionality by implanting the acellular matrix implant between two layers of biologically acceptable sealants and/or the bone-inducing composition into the osteochondral bone or skeletal bone defect. A method for fabrication of the acellular matrix implant of the invention. A method for preparation of bone-inducing composition.

Abstract: A joint endoprosthesis system has first and second prosthetic components. The second prosthetic component has a bearing surface. The interface of the bearing surface and the first prosthetic component defines the joint articulation. A signal source and sensor are affixed on opposite sides of the joint articulation. The signal source generates a first signal that is received by the sensor. The sensor generates a second signal that has a characteristic that varies depending on the distance between the sensor and the signal source. A transmitter transmits a signal. The signal has a characteristic that varies depending on the characteristic of the second signal. This system can be used to measure a dimension of the joint space and to determine whether a dimension of the joint space has changed over time. The system may alternatively use magnets and magnetic sensors.

Abstract: Arthroplasty devices having improved bone in growth to provide a more secure connection within the body. Different embodiments disclosed include devices having threaded intramedullary components, devices configured to receive bone growth promoting substances, devices with resorbable components, and devices configured to reduce shear stress.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device exhibiting improved wear resistance is fabricated by sealing at least one polyolefinic material in an airtight container and providing an inert atmosphere within the airtight container. The polyolefinic material is exposed to an irradiation source to yield a cross-linked irradiated polyolefinic material. At least one non-irradiated polyolefinic material is blended with the irradiated polyolefinic material, and the prosthetic medical device is formed from the blended material. Selectively cross-linked polymeric compositions may be created by blending a specific amount of cross-linked resins with a specific amount of uncross-linked resins then cured into a polymeric matrix whereby the desired degree or percentage of overall cross-linking is obtained. The polymeric material may then be formed directly into a finished article by injection molding the polymeric material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for treating a non-weight bearing arthritic joint involves resecting at least one of the opposed joint surfaces to expose a cancellous bone surface. A bioresorbable implant is mounted to one of the joint surfaces so that the resected joint surface rubs against the surface of the implant. This causes the fibroblast to change into fibrocartilage at the resected bone surface as the implant is resorbed thereby effectively replacing the implant with fibrocartilage during such resorption.

Abstract: An orthopedic component comprising a first element and a second element, with the first element and the second element being secured to one another with a modular connection, wherein the modular connection comprises a taper junction and an engaged-fit junction.