Abstract: An implant assembly having an articulating surface and an axial cavity arranged to receive an end of a bone, the axial cavity being generally circular in cross section in a plane normal to the axis of the implant, and including a spacing element detachable from the implant. At least a portion of the interior surface of the cavity is roughened and is arranged to abrade bone when the end of the bone is received in the cavity. The spacing element is arranged to prevent the implant from fully seating on the end of the bone such that the implant and the end of the bone are in a predetermined spaced apart arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to an orthopaedic joint prosthesis implant kit (2). The implant kit comprises a stem component (4) of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis which is intended for articulation with a mating component of the joint. The stem component has a distal end (6) and a proximal end (8), and a neck part (10) at the proximal end, and is configured for fixation in a bone cavity-using bone cement material with the distal end within the cavity and the proximal end at the opening of the cavity, and with the neck part protruding from the cavity towards the mating component of the joint. The implant kit further comprises a positioning kit (18), at least one spacer (20, 22, 24) for location between the wall of the cavity and the stem component at its proximal end, and a delivery device (26).

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: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) a bone-implantable first member comprising a rigid material and including a body having an annular flange extending outward at a first end thereof, the first end of the body and the flange cooperatively defining a wear-resistant concave first contact surface having a protruding rim and a recessed central portion; and (b) a bone-implantable second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant convex second contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact surfaces bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one of the members to the other, while allowing pivoting motion between the two members; (d) wherein the flange is shaped so as to deform elastically and permit the first contact surface to conform to the second contact surface when the joint is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles comprising a cobalt-chromium alloy and bearing a surface oxide layer that has a thickness of 20 to 40 ?, is enriched in chromium relative to said article, and includes a plurality of indentions that, independently, have a diameter of from about 40 to about 500 nm. Such articles can be suitable for implantation in a mammal.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) a first member comprising rigid material including a wear-resistant, concave cup surface; and (b) a second member comprising rigid material with a wear-resistant, convex contact surface; (c) one of the surfaces includes: (i) an annular first flange defining a protruding wear-resistant first contact rim at or near an apex of the member; and (ii) an annular second flange defining a protruding wear-resistant second contact rim, at or near an outer periphery of the member; (d) the first and second contact rims bear directly against the contact surface, so as to transfer loads between the first and second members, while allowing pivoting motion therebetween; and (e) the flanges are shaped and sized so as to deform elastically and permit the contact rims to conform in an irregular shape to the surface of the opposite member, when the joint is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: An artificial joint associated with an implant having a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face, which collectively defines a joint location. At least one plasticized and three dimensional shaped disk, such as a hardened and sanitary plastic material, is seated within a selected end cavity associated with a first of the bones. The disk exhibits an exterior surface configuration mating with an opposing end face of the other bone and which is biased, such as by a pressurized and fluid-filled bladder seated against an underside of the disc, in a contacting fashion against the other bone to establish a continuous wear surface.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis for replacement of a joint includes two slide surfaces having different contours and correspondingly determining movement planes for a bearing formed by an intermediate part. The endoprosthesis includes a clamping bracket to enclose the slide surfaces of the intermediate part that is arranged thereon such that it is free from the movement planes defined by the slide surfaces having different contours. It is thus possible to strengthen endoprostheses which have complex biomechanics having a plurality of degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Nanostructured surfaces on selected substrates are described which are highly resistant to cell adhesion. Such surfaces on medical implants inhibit fibroblast adhesion particularly on nanorough titanium deposited on smooth silicone surfaces. The nanostructured deposited metal coatings can also be engineered so that several cell types, including endothelial, osteoblast, and fibroblast cells, show little if any tendency to attach to the coated surface in vivo.

Abstract: An improved composition of titanium sintered titanium carbide is provided. The composition provides an improved degree of strength and toughness and improved compatibility with medical imaging. The composition provides good compatibility with sintered polycrystalline diamond, achieving a good mechanical fit in terms of the combined compressibility and thermal expansion during the sintering process to minimize stress or cracking between the substrate and the diamond layer.

Abstract: A method of determining the offset of the head part of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis stem component, relative to the neck of the stem part on which the head part can be fitted, involves obtaining a first and second images of the patient's joint on a non-coincident first and second planes. Template parts are fitted to the first and second images of the bone, which have markings on them which can be placed relative to the head part and the stem part respectively of the patient's bone, and scales for measuring first and second displacements which are the distances between the axis of the head part and the axis of the neck of the patient's bone measured in the first and second planes.

Abstract: A CoCr substrate for growing mammalian cells and, in particular, chondrocytes and synovial stem cells. The substrate may be treated electrolytically to produce a surface topography that is amenable to cell growth and migration. The substrate shows improved adhesion and migration characteristics and may be useful as a prosthesis or implant and in particular as a prosthesis in a joint such as the knee.

Abstract: A device according to the invention for deflecting mechanical oscillations, at an oscillation receiver location may be set into oscillation along a first axis, and transmits such an oscillation into an oscillation along a second axis at an oscillation output location, wherein the first and the second axis form an angle to one another. The device in characterized essentially by the fact that it includes an elongate, bent oscillation element, on whose one end a coupling-in point and at whose other end a coupling-out point is arranged, wherein the device is designed in a manner such that the oscillation element oscillates transversally at the coupling-in point and at the coupling-out point, when the oscillation receiver location is subjected to an oscillation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function.

Abstract: Devices and treatments for various joint conditions include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a suture. The suture is passed through the joint space and used to pull the orthopedic device into the joint space. The suture may be using a percutaneously inserted needle or other type of needle-based delivery instrument. The resilient elongate orthopedic device may be restrained to a reduced profile that permits minimally invasive implantation, but assume an enlarged profile when positioned at an implantation site. To facilitate insertion of the orthopedic device through a minimally invasive or limited access procedure, a delivery system may be used to support and orient the orthopedic device during implantation. In some instances, the delivery system may also reduce the delivery profile of the device for insertion through a minimally invasive or limited access procedure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spherical cage. The method includes providing a wire braid and inserting a spherical ball inside the wire braid. The wire braid and spherical ball are placed inside a mold. Excess wire braid is trimmed from the mold, creating trimmed ends of the braid. The mold is heat set with the spherical ball and wire braid. The spherical ball and wire braid are removed from the ball and the spherical ball is removed from the wire braid, resulting in a spherical wire cage.

Abstract: Various embodiments of mosaicplasty constructs and methods for implanting the constructs into anatomical structures. The mosaicplasty constructs may be formed from artificial materials and may include a hard articulating portion and a relatively softer elastic, support portion. The mosaicplasty constructs may include bone ingrowth materials to facilitate ingrowth of bone and other tissues into the construct. The mosaicplasty constructs may also be at least partially formed of hydrogel materials.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint includes: (a) a bone-implantable first member comprising a rigid material and including a body having an annular flange extending outward at a first end thereof, the first end of the body and the flange cooperatively defining a wear-resistant concave first contact surface having a protruding rim and a recessed central portion; and (b) a bone-implantable second member comprising a rigid material with a wear-resistant convex second contact surface; (c) where the first and second contact surfaces bear directly against each other so as to transfer axial and lateral loads from one of the members to the other, while allowing pivoting motion between the two members; (d) wherein the flange is shaped so as to deform elastically and permit the first contact surface to conform to the second contact surface when the joint is placed under a predetermined load.

Abstract: A sintered molded body consisting of a material that contains aluminum oxide with chromium doping, zirconium oxide with Y-stabilization and strontium aluminates with variable Cr-doping, which is particularly suitable for medical applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus for replacing biological joints, but applies also to the fixation of any solid implant for use in dental or orthopaedic applications. In general, an ideal amount of bone cement is applied to the implant prior to going in to the operating room. Next, the polymerization (e.g., drying) process is suspended with a coating and/or a chemical. Once the implant(s) are needed in the operating room, the polymerization process is resumed. In this manner, the bone cement does not need to be mixed in the operating room, the surgeon does not need to “race the clock,” each implant is placed with the ideal amount of cement in the ideal consistency, there are no powder clumps, and there is little to no excess cement to remove.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function.

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: The object of the present invention is to provide a homunculus of a glenohumeral joint in which the supraspinatus and the infraspinatus are correctly connected to the superior humerus. A homunculus 10 includes a scapula part 1; a superior humerus part 2; a supraspinatus part 3; and an infraspinatus part 4. A tip 32 of the supraspinatus part 3 is fixed to the upper portion of a greater tubercle portion 2a of the superior humerus part 2. One side of a tip 42 of the infraspinatus part 4, the tip extending like a belt, forms a boundary with a tip edge of the supraspinatus part 3. Furthermore, the infraspinatus part 4 is removably engaged with the greater tubercle portion 2a of the superior humerus part 2 such that the tip 42 covers the greater tubercle portion 2a.

Abstract: A method for planning the implantation of a prosthetic joint component in a prosthesis-receiving bone is described. Surrounding soft tissue is retracted to expose the prosthesis-receiving bone. A prosthetic joint component planning template comprising a planar template body having a unitary structure is provided. The planning template is positioned in a superimposed orientation with a curvilinear surface of an exposed prosthesis-receiving bone. The position of the planning template is adjusted into a desired superimposed orientation with respect to the prosthesis-receiving bone. At least one of a size and an orientation of the prosthetic joint component is determined through visualization of the planning template and the prosthesis-receiving bone. An apparatus for assisting a user with determining at least one of a size and an orientation of a prosthetic joint component is also provided.

Abstract: An orthopaedic element has an information storage portion. A transmitter portion and an internal power source portion may be associated with the body of the orthopaedic element. Information, such as data related to the orthopaedic element, patient or caregiver can be stored in the information storage portion. The transmitter portion is coupled to the information storage portion and the internal power source portion. The stored information is selectively transmitted to an external receiver and data interpretation device.

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: A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

Abstract: A post-operative pain inhibitor system (100) comprises a controller (32) and leads (25, 27). Neuro-stimulator circuitry may be included within the patient controller 32 or within one or more prosthetic components (12, 13, 14) for generating a signal. The topical leads (27), percutaneous leads (25), subcutaneous leads (26), intraosseous leads (22) or leads placed on or within prosthetic components are coupled to neuro-stimulation circuitry (44) to stimulate peripheral nerve fibers such that the signal blocks body generated action potentials. Controller (32) can modify the pulse width, pulse shape, pulse repetition rate, and pulse amplitude of the signal thereby allowing the patient to adapt the signal to minimize their perceived pain.

Abstract: A material and method for augmenting soft tissue. The tissue augmentation material consists essentially of water and a polysaccharide gel former selected from the group consisting of a cellulose polysaccharide, starch, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, hydrophobe modified polysaccharide, an alginate, a carrageenan, agar, agarose, an intramolecular complex of a polysaccharide, an oligosaccharide and a macrocylic polysaccharide. Glycerin may also be included. The material may be used to augment soft tissue in a variety of areas, including the facial region and vocal folds.

Abstract: A patellar implant includes a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The posterior portion may define an articulating surface and a first retaining feature. The anterior portion may define a tissue engaging portion and a second retaining feature adapted to advance into a mechanical interlock with the first retaining feature in an assembled position. The mechanical interlock between the first and second retaining features may cooperate to resist separation of the posterior and anterior portions in the assembled position.

Abstract: A synovial joint implantable apparatus for the reconstruction of skeletal defects with a flexible member, which is preferably resorbable, attached to a rigid structural prosthesis such as a total hip or total knee replacement implant. The cavitary space defined and surrounded by the flexible member is filled with osteoconductive and/or inductive materials which eventually matures into new column of bone. The prosthesis is supported by the bed of graft material surrounding it and is gradually unloaded as the bed matures into solid bone. The fixation of the prosthesis into native bone depends on the specific implant and the anatomic area of its use. The flexible member is secured to the margins of the prosthesis using rails, runners, sutures, or other attachment devices that prevent the escape of the bone graft and maintain an initial column of support for the implant.

Abstract: Shape memory material to effect construction of an artificial joint. Placement is effected through a minimally invasive surgical technique, wherein the device transforms from a collapsed indeterminate form to a determinate form as heat is introduced. The device self deploys to a joint having determinate geometric shape and super elastic properties.

Abstract: An arthroplastic implant for a basilar joint of a hand of a patient includes a body having a distal surface and a proximal surface opposite therefrom. The distal surface is to be positioned adjacent a first metacarpal bone at the basilar joint of the hand of the patient. The arthroplastic implant also includes a shield extending outwardly from the distal surface of the body to shield adjacent portions of the first metacarpal bone and a second metacarpal bone of the hand of the patient.

Abstract: An arthroplastic implant is for a basilar joint of a hand of a patient. The arthroplastic implant may include a body having a distal surface and a proximal surface opposite therefrom with the distal surface to be positioned adjacent a first metacarpal bone at the basilar joint of the hand of the patient. The arthroplastic implant may also include an anchor peg extending outwardly from the body to anchor the body within the basilar joint of the hand of the patient.

Abstract: An osteoconductive backing implant for joint revisions is provided that may enhance bone healing and, for cementless implants, bony integration of the implant. The backing implant comprises a generally planar surface that may be formed into a generally hemispherical shape. In one embodiment, the backing implant comprises a disc having an inner hole and an outer edge, at least one slit extending from the inner hole to the outer edge. The disc may be formed from a coherent mass of elongate, mechanically entangled demineralized bone particles.

Abstract: A method of surface finishing a bone implant comprises the steps of roughening a surface of the implant by blasting with abrasive particles and then pickling the surface-roughened implant in a pickling solution in order to loosen any partially embedded abrasive blasting particles that may be contaminating the surface of the implant. Thereafter the roughened surface of the implant is cleaned by mechanical action to detach the loosened abrasive particles there from. The pickling and cleaning steps are not intended to produce any additional roughening of the treated surface, which should be structured to the required roughness by the initial abrasive blasting, typically such that the Ra and Rt roughness parameters are 3?Ra?7 ?m and 20?Rt?70 ?m respectively.

Abstract: A medical device for surgical implantation adapted to serve as a drug delivery system has one or more drug loaded holes with barrier layers to control release or elution of the drug from the holes or to control inward diffusion of fluids into the holes. The barrier layers are non-polymers and are formed from the drug material itself by ion beam processing. The holes may be in patterns to spatially control drug delivery. Flexible options permit combinations of drugs, variable drug dose per hole, multiple drugs per hole, temporal control of drug release sequence and profile. Methods for forming such a drug delivery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving current in a power circuit of a medical device inserted into a body of a subject includes a power transmitter, which is adapted to generate, in a vicinity of the body, an electromagnetic field having a predetermined frequency capable of inductively driving the current in the power circuit. A passive energy transfer amplifier, having a resonant response at the frequency of the electromagnetic field is placed in proximity to the medical device so as to enhance the current driven in the power circuit by the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A composition, a medical implant constructed from the composition, and a method of making the composition are described. The composition is a composite material, comprising a porous, reticulated, open cell network having at least part of its surface coated with blue-black or black oxidized zirconium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open-pore biocompatible surface layer for an implant, which layer is arranged over a virgin surface of the implant, wherein pores of the open-pore surface layer are connected to form a coherent pore network and the surface layer has an internal surface area of ?0.06 ?m/?m2, preferably ?0.035 ?m/?m2 and especially ?0.025 ?m/?m2, measured by image analysis as a 2D-boundary line per unit of surface area in a metallographic microsection at 100× magnification. The invention further relates to methods of producing such a surface layer, to an implant coated therewith and to possible uses of the surface layer.

Abstract: A system for restoring articular cartilage has a cover, an anchor, and a tether that cooperate to retain graft tissue with respect to a graft site. The cover is attached to the anchor via the tether. The tether passes through a tunnel through a bone to which the articular cartilage is attached. The tunnel may be blind or may extend through the bone. The anchor is retained within the tunnel such that tension in the tether keeps the cover in place over the tissue graft. The anchor may receive the tether such that the tether can only pass through the anchor along one direction. Thus, tension applied to the tether between the anchor and the tissue graft is automatically maintained by the anchor. After passing through the anchor, the tether may exit the tunnel through the graft site, or through the opposite side of the bone.

Abstract: A modular endoprosthetic radial head implant includes an end cap secured to a cannulated body held to bone by a fixation element. The fixation element supports the cannulated body on a resected radial bone end, for example. The fixation element of one embodiment features a threaded stem with a spherical head. The stem fits distally into the cannulated body and extends through a hole formed by the distal end of the cannulated body. The spherical head nests inside the cannulated body. Polyaxial alignment between the cannulated body and the fixation element is locked using a jam nut tightened inside the cannulated body. An end cap fits into place proximally on the cannulated body. The end cap is formed of a joint surface material to provide a bearing surface.

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 material comprising: from 98-50% by volume of zirconia as a matrix, which is stabilized with i) either of from about 2 to about 3 mole percent of yttria ii) or of from about 10 to about 15 mole percent of ceria; iii) or a mixture of ceria and yttria in the range of amounts as given in i) and ii) the stabilizing oxides may be substituted against each other in a ratio from 1:99 to 99:1 and a maximum stabilization of 3 mole percent related to pure yttria and 15 mole percent related to pure ceria respectively are not exceeded, and wherein the term mole percent is related to the zirconia matrix and wherein the zirconia matrix is obtainable from a) a powder of particles of zirconia having a mean particle size of <0.

Abstract: Highly crystalline, oxidation resistant crosslinked polymeric materials such as crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylenes having high wear resistance, enhanced stiffness, enhanced tensile strength, a high level of fatigue and crack propagation resistance, and enhanced creep resistance can be manufactured by the new methods described herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for modeling a body part with a high precision. Image data of a body part is collected from an imaging system with a first resolution. After processing the image data collected from the imaging system, a 3-dimensional description of the body part is generated, the 3-dimensional description of the body part having a second resolution higher than the first one. A 3-dimensional parametric description of the body part is then generated. The 3-dimensional parametric description may be used to create a replica of the body part or an implant tightly fitting the said body part.

Abstract: A prosthetic elbow replacement includes a humeral component having a stem dimensioned to fit within a medullary canal of the humerus and having a yoke connected to the stem wherein the yoke terminates in spaced apart arms. A pivot pin is mounted between the arms for rotational movement with respect to the humeral component. The pivot pin has a transverse throughhole. There is an ulnar component having an ulnar stem including a distal end dimensioned to fit within a medullary canal of the ulna and an opposite proximal end dimensioned to fit within a first end opening of the throughhole. The ulnar component has a mounting cap dimensioned to fit within a second end opening of the throughhole. A fastener connects the ulnar stem and the mounting cap such the proximal end of the ulnar stem is positioned within the first end opening of the throughhole and the mounting cap is positioned within the second end opening of the throughhole.

Abstract: A prosthesis assembly in one embodiment includes a stem configured to be implanted in a bone and including a first coupling portion, a head having a bearing surface configured to mate with at least one of a natural opposing joint component and a prosthetic opposing joint component, the head further having a second coupling portion, a coupler including a third coupling portion and a fourth coupling portion, the third coupling portion configured to couple with the second coupling portion, and an insert including (i) a fifth coupling portion configured to couple with the fourth coupling portion in any of a plurality of rotational orientations in combination with any of a plurality of roll angles and any of a plurality of pitch angles, and (ii) a sixth coupling portion configured to couple with the first coupling portion only when the insert assumes a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to the stem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing material that is excellent in durability and is capable of maintaining wear resistance over a long period of time. The bearing material of the present invention is a high wear-resistance bearing material 10 for being used under a humid environment comprising: a base body 12 made of a polymer material having a methylene group; and a polymer layer 30 covering a bearing surface 16 of the substrate 12, the polymer layer 30 comprising polymer chains which have a phosphorylcholine group and are grafted from the bearing surface 16, wherein a phosphoric index of the sliding surface 16 which is calculated by dividing a peak intensity of phosphate group in an infrared spectrum measured on the sliding surface by a peak intensity of the methylene group therein is not less than 0.28.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a prosthetic or orthotic device having a joint portion and a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The device restores the normal capabilities and natural dynamics of a healthy joint for common activities. The compliant transmission assembly includes a compliant element. The compliant transmission assembly absorbs energy when a torque is applied. between a prosthetic or orthotic device portion and another adjacent device portion or the adjacent limb segment, of the user. The compliant element of the invention absorbs energy during flexion of a joint for the dampening thereof and releases this energy during extension of the joint for assistance thereof. Also disclosed herein is an actuator assembly, a torque sensor and an actuator locking device as well as a method for determining the torque of such prosthetic and orthotic devices.