Abstract: The present invention is a specialized orthopedic implant having an exterior surface for engaging bone. The surface comprises arrayed projections having at least one forward facing facet directed at least in part toward the leading end of the implant and at least one rearward portion directed at least in part toward the opposite trailing end of the implant. Each of the forward facet and rearward portion has a length and a slope. The length of the forward facet is longer than the length of the rearward facet. The slope of the rearward facet is steeper than the slope of the forward facet. The surface projections also have opposed side facets directed generally toward the sides of the implant. The side facets are located between the forward facet and rearward facet and converge toward each other in a direction away from the base of the surface projections. The surface may also include projections having left and right forward side facets and a rearward facet.

Abstract: An acetabular prosthesis generally consists of an acetabular component and an acetabular shell. The acetabular component includes an acetabular articulating component and an acetabular constraining component. The articulating component has a hemispherical or dome shape that defines a hemispherical cavity for receiving a femoral ball of a femoral hip stem. The constraining component has a ring-shape body with extensions for locking the femoral ball in the cavity of the articulating component.

Abstract: In a joint prosthesis with a base piece for anchoring in the bone, a collar piece articulated thereon and defining a collar axis, and a collar extension on the collar piece situated on the collar axis, an articulation space is formed on the base piece. An articulation head of the collar piece is disposed therein. The joint prosthesis further includes a head cap disposed on the collar extension and at least one pressure piece for pressing the articulation head against the base of the articulation space. The pressure piece and the base piece can be connected. In a joint prosthesis of this kind, the pressure piece includes a pressure disc with a passage opening for the collar extension.

Abstract: A device for providing in vivo diagnostics of loads, wear, and infection in orthopedic implants having at least one load sensor associated with the implant, at least one temperature sensor associated with the implant, at least one vibration sensor associated with the implant, and at least one signal processing device operatively coupled with the sensors. The signal processing device is operable to receive the output signal from the sensors and transmit a signal corresponding with the output signal.

Abstract: A prosthesis replaces all or a portion of a natural facet joint on a vertebral body. The prosthesis has a prosthesis body that accommodates fixation to the vertebral body at or near a pedicle and without support by a lamina. The prosthesis also has an artificial facet joint structure carried by the prosthesis body. The artificial facet joint structure is adapted and configured to replace all or a portion of a natural facet joint.

Abstract: Prosthetic joints, components for prosthetic joints, superhard bearing and articulation surfaces, diamond bearing and articulation surfaces, substrate surface topographical features, materials for making joints, bearing and articulation surfaces, and methods for manufacturing and finishing the same, and related information are disclosed, including prosthetic knee joint having at least one diamond articulation surface.

Abstract: A system for repairing an intervertebral disc by delivering and curing a biomaterial in situ within the disc. The system includes both a device, having an insertable balloon and related lumen, controls and adapters, as well as an in situ curable biomaterial (and related biomaterial delivery means). The system can allow the doctor to determine a suitable endpoint for biomaterial delivery, by controlling distraction and/or biomaterial delivery pressure, and in turn, to deliver a desired quantity of biomaterial to the balloon in order to achieve improved polymer cure and implant characteristics. Also provided is a related method for repairing an intervertebral disc by using such a system to deliver and cure the biomaterial in situ. The system can be used to implant a prosthetic total disc, or a prosthetic disc nucleus in a manner that leaves the surrounding disc tissue substantially intact.

Abstract: A spacer member (1) is intended to be placed between the ends of the bones which are to be connected, one end of the spacer member being designed to form a joint surface against one of the bone ends (6,7). A joint-stabilizing connection (2,3) is arranged to connect the bones. The spacer member (1) is made of at least one tissue-compatible material.

Abstract: Joint endoprostheses are provides which respectively have a joint part with a metallic core, wherein the metallic core is coated, in regions that roll and/or slide on another joint part during execution of the joint function, with a glass-ceramic composite mixture. In one embodiment, the glass-ceramic has the following composition with approximate amounts in wt. %: Component Amount (wt %) SiO2 45–50% Al2O3 15–20% ZrO2 ?8–12% K2O 0–8% Na2O ??0–7.5% CaO ??0–2.5% TiO2 ??0–1.5% and furthermore a residual amount of up to about 12.5% of MnO2 and/or Fe2O3 and/or Co2O3.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component for engaging the femur having an articular surface and a recess within the articular surface, and a tibial component for engaging the tibia with a bore, and a meniscal component comprising a rotation pin configured for rotatable mounting within the bore of the tibial component. The meniscal component also includes a bearing surface for sliding contact with the articular surface of the femoral component and an elongated channel defined amid the bearing surface. A stabilizing post is provided that includes a base slidably mounted with the elongated channel and a spine post projecting from the base through the channel and into the recess when the articular surface is in contact with said bearing surface. The stabilizing post thus slides within the channel when contacted by the interior of the recess in the femoral component.

Abstract: A prosthetic medical device exhibiting improved wear resistance is fabricated by irradiating at least one polyolefinic material in the presence of an inert atmosphere to yield a cross-linked irradiated polyolefinic material; blending at least one non-irradiated polyolefinic material with the at least one irradiated polyolefinic material, and forming the prosthetic medical device 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: Modular orthopedic implants for joint reconstruction and methods of use therein are described that comprise base, body, and stem components. The base receives an articulating portion on a first end and has a connector on a second end that mates with the body and stem. The tubular body has a tissue engaging external portion, and an internal bore. The stem has an elongated shaft configured to be situated inside of a bone, and a top end having a connector. In a group of two-connection embodiments, the base mates with the body to form a first connection and the base mates with the stem to form a second connection. In a group of three connection embodiments, the stem and body also mate to form a third connection. The connections are combinations of interference fit connections such as press fits, multiple press fit and tapered fit connections.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint has two load-bearing surfaces that are slidingly disposed relative to each other and define a region of frictional contact. The joint is thermally managed as heat is removed from the region of frictional contact during joint use by thermal conduction so that the surfaces are maintained approximately at or below specified temperatures. Embodiments of femoral ball members and acetabular cup members to be used in thermally managed prosthetic hip joints are provided.

Abstract: Modular orthopedic implants for joint reconstruction and methods of use therein are described that comprise base, body, and stem components. The base receives an articulating portion on a first end and has a connector on a second end that mates with the body and stem. The tubular body has a tissue engaging external portion, and an internal bore. The stem has an elongated shaft configured to be situated inside of a bone, and a top end having a connector. In a group of two-connection embodiments, the base mates with the body to form a first connection and the base mates with the stem to form a second connection. In a group of three connection embodiments, the stem and body also mate to form a third connection. The connections are combinations of interference fit connections such as press fit, multiple press fit and tapered fit connections.

Abstract: An easily assembled provisional orthopaedic implant having first and second components. The first component may include a stem which can be inserted into an intramedullary canal and may be a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis. The second component has a body and a sliding retention member. The retention member can be manually engaged with a groove on the stem of the first component to lock the two components together. The second component may form of an intercondylar box and have a projecting tab engageable with a recess on the femoral component to properly orient the two components when they are placed in registry with each other.

Abstract: An implantable device for stabilizing joints is provided. The stabilizing device, or implant, includes an elongated body and at least two bone cutting surfaces. The bone cutting surfaces are adapted to cut bone upon rotation of the body about its longitudinal axis between two bones. The device is adapted to promote bone fusion. In one embodiment, a device to initiate bony fusion between two adjacent vertebral bodies in the spine is provided. Methods of stabilizing joints and promoting bone fusion are also provided.

Abstract: In a joint prosthesis the head cap is connected via a collar piece to the shaft piece which may be anchored in the bone. The collar piece is coupled to the shaft piece by a joint head in a ball-jointed manner. The articulation surfaces between the joint cavity in the shaft piece and the articulation head on the collar piece are embodied such that on pressing the articulation head to the base of the joint cavity, edges or projections on the one articulation surface digs into the other articulation surface lying on a virtual spherical surface. It is thus possible to achieve a ball-joint like articulation, whereby the spherical surfaces may have a relatively large production tolerance without the above affecting the clamping connection between the articulation surfaces.

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the steps of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed contained by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin in transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial joint which can be rapidly, securely and easily fixed while being suited to an inner surface of a bone marrow hole by a novel structure absolutely different from the conventional one. An artificial joint is provided with a stem base portion (10) in which a desired head (2) and a desired socket (5) are in slidably contact with each other in a freely bending manner, stems (9, 16) are fitly attached to free ends of the head (2) and the socket (5) respectively, and the respective stems (9, 16) have therein locking screws (14) freely screwing to move along axial directions thereof, and a pair of stem pieces (15) having an elasticity provided to protrude on both front portions of the stem base portion (10), and the locking screws (14) are forcedly inserted within the stem pieces (15) so as to expand them outward, thereby making them tightly contact with and fix to inner surfaces of bone marrow holes (19, 21).

Abstract: A polymeric implantable orthopaedic device that includes a first layer and a second layer where the first layer has a porosity that is different from the second layer is described. An associated method of producing a polymeric implantable orthopaedic device that includes a first layer and a second layer where the first layer has a porosity that is different from the second layer is also described.

Abstract: A surgical method for loading ligament grafts into a joint. A longitudinal socket formed in a bone is intersected by a transverse pin. A flexible strand is drawn with the pin through the bone. A looped portion of the strand is diverted so as to protrude out of the entrance to the longitudinal socket. The ends of the strand remaining accessible on either side of the bone. The ligament graft is captured within the strand loop protruding from the entrance to the socket. The strand is retracted into the socket, drawing the graft into the socket by pulling on the accessible ends of the flexible strand. The graft is fixed in the socket using a transverse implant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for enhancing the wear-resistance of polymers, the resulting polymers, and in vivo implants made from such polymers. One aspect of this invention presents a method whereby a polymer is irradiated, preferably with gamma radiation, then thermally treated, such as by remelting of annealing. The resulting polymeric composition preferably has its most oxidized surface layer removed. Another aspect of the invention presents a general method for optimizing the wear resistance and desirable physical and/or chemical properties of a polymer by crosslinking and thermally treating it. The resulting polymeric compositions is wear-resistant and may be fabricated into an in vivo implant.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within a body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radial. Preferred prosthesis exhibits reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacturing wear resistant medical prosthesis and materials used therein are also provided.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis, comprising at least one femoral component and at least one tibial component. The femoral component having a first portion adapted for fixable attachment to a distal end of a femur and a second portion formed with a bearing surface. The femoral component is sized so as to permit attachment to the femur of a patient without severing at least one the cruciate ligaments. The tibial component has a first surface that is adapted to cooperate with a patient's tibia, while a second surface of the tibial component is adapted to cooperate with the femoral component. The tibial component is sized so as to permit attachment to the patient's tibia without severing at least one of the cruciate ligaments.

Abstract: A two piece humeral component for use in shoulder arthroplasty which is adapted to be implanted into a humerus and engaged by a glenoid component of a scapula. The humeral component includes a body having a first articulating surface and a second medial surface opposite the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to be engaged by the glenoid component and the second medial surface is adapted to be secured to mounting portion. The mounting portion has a first surface and a second medial surface. The first surface is adapted to be fixably engaged to the second mounting portion of the humeral component. The second medial surface is adapted to be secured to the humerus. A peg which has a first end adapted to engage a cavity found in the humerus is disposed on the mounting portion's second medial surface.

Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for fabricating devices from polymer precursors, along with devices so fabricated. The methods of the invention include the steps of plasma treating a polymer based resin, paste, preform billet, or extrudate, and employing the treated polymer in the fabricated device. According to one embodiment, the fabricated device can include implantable prosthetics such as heart valves, sutures, vascular access devices, vascular grafts, shunts, catheters, single layered membranes, double layered membranes, and the like. Devices fabricated according to one embodiment of the invention include regions having selected porosity, permeability and/or chemistry characteristics.

Abstract: This invention is directed to orthopedic implants and systems. The invention also relates to methods of implant design, manufacture, modeling and implantation as well as to surgical tools and kits used therewith. The implants are designed by analyzing the articular surface to be corrected and creating a device with an anatomic or near anatomic fit; or selecting a pre-designed implant having characteristics that give the implant the best fit to the existing defect.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an articulating orthopedic implant for implantation into a bone at a joint. The orthopedic implant includes a bearing component and a backing component. The bearing comprises an articulating surface for mating with a complementary implant such that rotational and translational movement is allowed therebetween. The backing of the implant includes a base, wherein the base is attached to the back of the bearing component such that the base of the bearing component is surrounded by “lip” of bearing component material.

Abstract: A device for determining the aperture angle of a joint includes a detection device for detecting positions of joint components and/or positions of structures connected to or to be connected to the joint and a computational unit for ascertaining the aperture angle of the joint based on the detected positions.

Abstract: Modular orthopedic implants for joint reconstruction and methods of use therein are described that comprise base, body, and stem components. The base receives an articulating portion on a first end and has a connector on a second end that mates with the body and stem. The tubular body has a tissue engaging external portion, and an internal bore. The stem has an elongated shaft configured to be situated inside of a bone, and a top end having a connector. In a group of two-connection embodiments, the base mates with the body to form a first connection and the base mates with the stem to form a second connection. In a group of three connection embodiments, the stem and body also mate to form a third connection. The connections are combinations of interference fit connections such as press fit, multiple press fit and tapered fit connections.

Abstract: Prosthetic wrist implants and methods are provided. The prosthetic wrist implant includes a radial component including a base member having an upper bearing surface and a lower surface having an elongated radial stem for fixation to a radius bone. The elongated radial stem can be in an off-center position in relation to a center of the lower surface. A carpal component is also provided including a substantially planar base member having an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one socket protrusion extending therefrom, and may further included an elongated carpal post member for fixation to one or more carpal bones. An articulating bearing component for placement between the radial and carpal components is provided and includes an upper surface defining at least one socket recess and a lower bearing surface for cooperative engagement with the upper bearing surface of the radial component.

Abstract: Modular orthopedic implants for joint reconstruction and methods of use therein are described that comprise base, body, and stem components. The base receives an articulating portion on a first end and has a connector on a second end that mates with the body and stem. The tubular body has a tissue engaging external portion, and an internal bore. The stem has an elongated shaft configured to be situated inside of a bone, and a top end having a connector. In a group of two-connection embodiments, the base mates with the body to form a first connection and the base mates with the stem to form a second connection. In a group of three connection embodiments, the stem and body also mate to form a third connection. The connections are combinations of interference fit connections such as press fits, multiple press fit and tapered fit connections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a prosthesis. At least a portion of the prosthesis is made from a ceramic that is treated with ion implantation, which causes a controllable, bilateral compressive stress of the ceramic. A diamond-like-coating (DLC) can be coated on the ceramic and in the same chamber as the ion implantation. After treating by ion implantation and coating with DLC, the ceramic will be strengthened and have a low coefficient of friction and thereby be made much less likely to fracture under load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention and decrease of osteolysis produced by wear of the ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Methods are disclosed for the isolation of wear particles, preparation of implants exhibiting decreased wear in comparison to conventional UHMWPE and preparation of implants that cause decreased biological response in comparison to conventional UHMWPE. The implants created by these methods are also included in the present invention.

Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee having a modular hinge post and a rotating bearing. A cannulated hinge post is rotatably connected to the femoral component of the knee prosthesis so that a hinge post extension may be anteriorly positioned through the hinge post and into the tibial component of the knee prosthesis, after positioning of the femoral component in the femur and the tibial component in the tibia. The hinge post is preassembled to the femoral component so that such assembly is not required during the implantation procedure. A meniscal component forming the rotating bearing of the knee prosthesis is packaged together with the hinge post extension so that the appropriate hinge post extension is readily available. The meniscal component includes a mechanism for preventing lift off of the meniscal component from the tibial component, while allowing rotation of the meniscal component relative to the tibial component.

Abstract: Wheels, bearings, or other rotating elements are used to decrease friction in artificial joint components associated with knee and hip replacements, artificial ankles, elbows, wrist, finger joints, toe joints, and intervertebral discs. One or more seals may be used to trap debris inside the artificial joint. The seal may surround the periphery of the component(s), and may be used to hold a fluid within the joint. Various fluids or lubricants are applicable to these embodiments, including water or aqueous solutions, triglyceride oil, soybean oil, an inorganic oil (e.g. silicone oil or fluorocarbon), glycerin, ethylene glycol, or other animal, vegetable, synthetic oil, or combinations thereof could be used. The seal could be made of an expandable elastomer such as those used in medical devices for the cardiovascular system.

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 orthopaedic skeletal joint demonstration aid for demonstrating the fitting to a skeletal joint of additional different versions of an orthopaedic prosthesis in different surgical techniques comprises a first facsimile skeletal part including a main portion and at least one detachable portion which is detachable from the main portion to permit fitting of one part of a prosthesis thereto, and a second facsimile skeletal part including an elongate main portion and at least one detachable portion which is detachable from the main portion to permit fitting of another part of the prosthesis thereto.

Abstract: An implant may be formed in a disc space between vertebrae using instruments in an instrumentation set. In some embodiments, the implant may be formed from individual pieces including implant members and connectors. After formation of the implant, the implant may be set using a seater. The seater may fix the position of pieces of the implant relative to each other to inhibit separation of the pieces. The seater may apply force to pieces of the implant. The force applied to the pieces may deform the pieces sufficiently to inhibit subsequent separation of the pieces from each other.

Abstract: In a joint prosthesis with a base piece for anchoring in the bone, a collar piece articulated thereon and defining a collar axis, and a collar extension on the collar piece situated on the collar axis, an articulation space is formed on the base piece. An articulation head of the collar piece is disposed therein. The joint prosthesis further includes a head cap disposed on the collar extension and at least one pressure piece for pressing the articulation head against the base of the articulation space. The pressure piece and the base piece can be connected. In a joint prosthesis of this kind, the pressure piece includes a pressure disc with a passage opening for the collar extension.

Abstract: The surface of a high molecular weight polymer such as high molecular weight polyethylene is modified in a localized manner by treatment with a plasma gas. The treatment produces a variety of useful results, depending on the gas used and the treatment conditions. One such result is crosslinking of the polymer in a localized manner at the surface to improve the durability of the surface against detrimental processes such as reorientation and alignment of the crystalline lamellae parallel to the contact surface which renders the surface susceptible to disintegration into particles. Another result is the chemical transformation of the surface for purposes such as increasing the hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of the surface or coupling functional groups to the surface.

Abstract: A medical implant having at least a portion thereof made of a formable, pyromellitic, dianhydride (PMDA)-free, non-halogenated, aromatic polyimide is disclosed. Further disclosed are a process of manufacturing the implant and a method of implanting the implant in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: An implantable knee prosthesis for in-vivo measuring force components along three different axes, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The prosthesis can measure six different force components along these axes while the prosthesis is under load.

Abstract: Test prosthesis system (1) for the insertion of a so-called press-fit-effect femur prosthesis for cement-free implantation into a femur bone (2) in a region (3) in which the press fit effect is preferably obtained and which corresponds to a diaphysial region, the height of which differs depending on the morpho type, characterized in that it consists of a set of at least two shafts (4, 5) each of which has a conical distal region (4, 5) with the same cone angle but a different diameter (D) the first conical region with a smaller maximum diameter D having a proximal region congruent to (i.e. overlapping in size and shape) with a distal region of a second conical region of a second shaft with a larger maximum diameter of the conical region.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthesis fitting in joints comprising an artificial condyle and a spacer which cooperates with the condyle to form an artificial joint. The spacer embedded with at least one sensor which is responsive to a force generated between the condyle and the spacer. The artificial joint is adapted to move between a flexed position and an extended position defining a range of motion. The sensor is responsive to the force and generates an output representative of that force. The output is transmitted, either wirelessly or other, to a processor which utilizes an analysis program to display a representation of the forces applied. A practitioner utilizing the displayed analysis may intraoperatively determine the adjustments and balancing required within the artificial joint.

Abstract: Prosthetic joints, components for prosthetic joints, superhard bearing and articulation surfaces, diamond bearing and articulation surfaces, substrate surface topographical features, materials for making joints, bearing and articulation surfaces, and methods for manufacturing and finishing the same, and related information are disclosed, including a prosthetic joint component having at least one sintered polycrystalline diamond compact articulation surface and substrate surface topographical features in said polycrystalline diamond compact.

Abstract: A process of compression moulding an article from a polymer powder comprising; a) applying a polymer powder to a mould; b) compacting the polymer powder by the application of a pressure P; c) raising the temperature of the surface of the mould to a value above the melting temperature of the polymer powder; and d) maintaining a temperature TM at the surface of the mould for a period of time tM and then cooling to a temperature below the crystallisation temperature of the polymer; where TM and tM are controlled so as to provide a moulded article comprising a polymer of predetermined maximum reptated molecular weight. The compression moulded articles produced by this process are useful as orthopaedic prostheses, such as components of knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, finger or toe joint replacements.

Abstract: Methods, instrumentation and devices for humeral implant positioning, including an improved trialing system utilizing an adjustment instrument and orientation indicia.

Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the steps of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed contained by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin in transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.