Abstract: A modular humeral head system includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. A hemispherical socket formed on one end of the inner surface and threads formed on the other end of the inner surface. A cap is attached at the threaded end of the housing. The cap has one or more threaded holes that run from the top surface to bottom surface of the cap. A screw may be inserted in each hole. The modular humeral head system also includes an intermediate piece having a hemispherical head at one end of a tapered shaft. The tapered shaft is inserted in a humeral stem. The hemispherical head and the hemispherical socket form a ball and socket coupling. A trial head may be impacted on the housing. The trial head has one or more holes that are aligned with the screws inserted in the cap. In use, the assembly of the trial head, cap and housing can be adjusted to be in any angular orientation about hemispherical head. The tightening of the one or more screws fixes the angular position of the trial head.

Abstract: Glenoid prosthesis with a hybrid design (combining both peg and keel designs), and surgical methods for reconstitution of a shoulder joint. The hybrid design combines both peg and keel components into one device. The hybrid glenoid component of a shoulder prosthesis includes an oval body having a concave lateral articulating surface and an opposing convex medial surface. The medial surface is provided with a plurality of pegs and a single inferior protrusion. The pegs are used to attain both a superior location as well as a central location. The inferior protrusion provides stability in the superior-to-inferior translation of the humeral head, as well as rotational articulation of the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of performing a procedure relative to the glenohumeral joint. Resection of the glenoid and/or the humerus can proceed through an incision formed near the glenohumeral joint. The incision can be formed generally near a superior-lateral portion near the glenohumeral joint and allow less invasive access to the glenohumeral joint and the portions that form the glenohumeral joint. A stem is positioned into a resected humerus through the incision. A humeral head is coupled to the stem within the incision after the stem has been coupled to the patient's humerus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved osteosynthesis modular prosthesis, particularly for humerus osteosynthesis, characterise in that it comprises a cup element (7) having a convex surface suitable to be introduced within a bone cavity, particularly within the humerus glenoid cavity, and having a concave surface suitable to contain and keep joined all the bone fragments, particularly fragments of humerus epiphysial pa (2, 3, 4), permitting vascularization and the consequent recovery of bone tissue, a stem element suitable to be introduced within a diaphyseal channel, particularly within humerus diaphyseal channel, a coupling element (9), and coupling means (10, 11) suitable to fix ends of said coupling element (9) respectively at said cup element (7) and at said stem element (8).

Abstract: An expandable shoulder trial for a reverse shoulder system is described. The trial includes a rotatably adjustable insert housed within a humeral cup. The insert has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end having a concave recess therein adapted to receive a glenosphere prosthesis. The distal end of the insert includes a shaft, the shaft having a helical groove disposed on at least a portion thereof. A distal end of the humeral cup is inserted in a humeral stem. The humeral cup has a proximal end including a recess therein, the recess defined by a circular wall. A guide pin protrudes from the circular wall and is adapted to engage the helical groove of the shaft of the insert. The proximal end of the insert may rotate along an axis toward the proximal end of the humeral cup and along the same axis away from the proximal end of the humeral cup.

Abstract: A prosthesis (20) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The prosthesis (20) is to be fitted to a long bone (3). The prosthesis includes a first body (22) having a first body articulating surface (24) defining a generally circular outer periphery (26) of the first body articulating surface (24). The first body (22) has a support surface (28) opposed to the articulating surface (24). The support surface (28) is adapted to receive the head of the long bone (3). The prosthesis (20) also includes a second body (30) operably associated with the first body (22). The second body (30) has a second body articulating surface (32) extending from a portion of the circular outer periphery (26) of the first body articulating surface (24).

Abstract: A joint device for an orthoses or prostheses includes an upper part, a lower part mounted on the upper part in such a way as to turn about a pivot axis, and braking means that brakes or blocks a pivoting movement of the lower part relative to the upper part. The braking means includes a spiral spring arranged between two contact surfaces and is mounted such that it can be braced in the direction of the contact surfaces about a rotation axis parallel to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A prosthetic shoulder implant includes a humeral component having an anchor and a head, and a glenoid component. The glenoid component is defined by a body having an outer surface including one or more tissue and bone in-growing material areas, a concave inner surface for accepting the head of the humeral component, and defining a stop portion which prevents the head of the humeral component from moving upwardly into contact with the acromion or clavicle. A method of total shoulder arthroplasty includes locating the humeral and glenoid components so that the glenoid component prevents movement of the humeral component into contact with the acromion or clavicle, and such that the glenoid component is permanently anchored to the patient by tissue and bone ingrowth into the outer surface of the component.

Abstract: A prosthetic device having a generally fixed member formed from a low friction material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and an articulating titanium member, which includes an articular bearing surface. The articular surface is a zirconium oxide layer formed by applying a coating of zirconium onto the titanium member and heating this in an oxygen-containing environment. This causes the zirconium to oxidize and further causes the zirconium to migrate into the titanium member forming a titanium zirconium diffusion layer, which prevents delamination.

Abstract: The prosthesis according to the invention comprises a first component, humeral or femoral, presenting a concave surface of articulation and a second, intermediate component presenting first and second convex surfaces of articulation intended to cooperate respectively with the concave surface of articulation of the first component and with a glenoidal or acetabular concave surface of articulation. The second component is hollow and defines a volume for receiving a head of a member belonging to the first component, this member being connected to a metaphyseal part of the first component by a stem, the head being connected to the second component by traversing an opening made in a ring of the second component mounted on a cup of which the outer surface forms the second convex surface of articulation of the second component. The first convex surface of articulation of the second component is formed on the outer surface of the ring, around the aforementioned opening.

Abstract: This prosthesis comprises a humeral or femoral component and an intermediate component. The concave surface of articulation of the humeral or femoral component is formed by a plate connected by a neck to a part of this component adapted to be anchored in the humeral or femoral medullary cavity. The intermediate component is provided with a member for retaining the humeral or femoral component in a position where the plate is in abutment against the first convex surface of the intermediate component. The retaining member defines a non-circular passage in which the neck is adapted to be displaced as a function of the movements of the humeral or femoral component with respect to the other components of the prosthesis. The retaining member defines with the first convex surface of articulation of the intermediate component a volume for receiving a part of the plate projecting radially with respect to the neck.

Abstract: A system and method for installing a shoulder prosthesis. The method includes removing the original humeral head and shaping the proximal end of the humerus with one or more implements to prepare the humerus to receive the shoulder prosthesis.

Abstract: The glenoidal component for shoulder prosthesis according to the invention comprises a base adapted to be immobilized on a patient's glenoid cavity and an element adapted to be added on the base and defining a convex surface of articulation of which at least a part is globally in the form of a portion of sphere and centred on a geometric point, the base being provided with a part centred on an axis and on which is added the afore-mentioned element. When the component is in assembled configuration, the geometric centre and the afore-mentioned axis are offset with respect to each other.

Abstract: A shoulder joint is provided. The shoulder joint includes a main support, a fold-out arm, first and second carriages arranged on the main support, and a first coupling that is operable to couple the first and second carriages together. The fold-out arm is attached by a pin to the second carriage, and the first carriage is connected to the fold-out arm in such a way that when the first and second carriages are operable to move towards each other, the fold-out arm is folded out by pivoting around the pin. The first coupling is operable to couple the first and second carriages together when the fold-out arm is folded out, and the first and second carriages are operable to move jointly in at least one direction when coupled together.

Abstract: A method of preparing for a surgical procedure includes creating a three-dimensional bone model of a subject bone of a patient. At least a portion of the bone model is compared to at least one three-dimensional reference anatomic model. At least one structural difference between the bone model and the at least one reference anatomic model is identified. At least one desired subject bone structural change is specified to produce a modified bone model responsive to the step of identifying at least one structural difference between the bone model and the at least one reference anatomic model. An apparatus for preparing for a surgical procedure is also provided.

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 humeral head augment device for use in a modular shoulder prosthesis. The humeral head augment device has an external bearing surface with at least one surface portion that includes a radius of curvature. The radius of curvature is configured to constrain translational movement of the implanted shoulder prosthesis when the humeral head augment device is positioned within the shoulder prosthesis. The humeral head augment device also includes a coupling mechanism designed to lock the humeral head augment device to either the stem or the humeral head, thereby ensuring proper operational positioning of the device within the shoulder prosthesis and allowing the implanted shoulder prosthesis to function in a patient suffering from rotator cuff arthropathy. A shoulder prosthesis using a humeral head augment device, a method for assembling a shoulder prosthesis and method for using a humeral head augment device in a shoulder prosthesis are also disclosed.

Abstract: An insert (11) of a joint ball receptacle of a prosthetic shoulder joint according to the invention has a first side (I) with a depression (15) for receiving a joint ball, and a second side (II) which is provided and formed for being received in a shell (13) of the joint ball receptacle.

Abstract: A glenoid prosthesis can include a bearing shell for accommodating the head of the humerus and a stem extending at an angle from a reverse face of the shell so as to engage the stem within a canal in the lateral border of the scapula for anchoring the glenoid prosthesis to the scapula. The prosthesis can be one piece or modular, where the shell and stem can be chosen from a plurality of shapes and sizes to most closely match the natural anatomy of the joint. A fastening means can attach the shell to the stem and a wearing surface can be secured to the face of the shell. The stem can be sized slightly larger than the canal and forcibly inserted into the canal to anchor the glenoid prosthesis to the scapula. Flutes, barbs, threads, etc. on the stem can further secure the stem within the canal.

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: Method and set of surgical instruments for fitting a shoulder prosthesis, and the shoulder prosthesis. The proposed method seeks to interpose a bone graft between the previously prepared glenoid surface (G) of a scapula (S) of a patient's shoulder and the face of a glenoid prosthetic component opposite the articular surface. The set of instruments permit the bone graft to be taken from the upper epiphysis of the humerus (H), either in situ or ex vivo.

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 invention refers to a component for arrangement at an implant as well as a method for the assembling of an implant arrangement. The component comprises a basic component, at least one sensor arranged in the basic component for the detection of a measurement variable and for the generation of measuring data for the detected measurement variable, a telemetry device arranged in the basic component for transmitting and receiving data and a data transmission connection between the at least one sensor device and the telemetry device for the transmission of data between the at least one sensor device and the telemetry device, whereby the data comprise the measuring data. At the basic component, assembly means for mounting the basic component in an implant recess are formed.

Abstract: A glenoid component apparatus for shoulder arthroplasty includes a bearing portion and a stem portion connected to the bearing portion. The stem portion is modeled from a normalized glenoid vault morphology. A method for making a glenoid component for shoulder arthroplasty includes obtaining a model of a normalized glenoid vault morphology and producing a stem portion of the glenoid component based on the model.

Abstract: A shoulder model and methods of shoulder arthroscopy using the shoulder model. The shoulder model includes an acromioclavicular (AC) joint assembly, a joint capsule assembly, a scapula mount, a shoulder musculature, a skin, and a base. The AC joint assembly is mounted on the scapula mount and the joint assembly is attached to the AC joint assembly and fastened using a screw/nut to form the shoulder assembly. The shoulder assembly is placed in the shoulder musculature and the skin is rolled over the shoulder musculature and zipped in place. The bones of the shoulder assembly are made of foam-cortical shell, the shoulder musculature is made of foam, the soft tissue components are made of thermoplastic elastomers, and the skin is made of vinyl.

Abstract: A glenoid component (100) for use with a prosthetic humeral component (102) for use in performing shoulder arthroplasty is provided. The glenoid component (100) may be fitted at least partially into a cavity (104) formed in the glenoid vault (106). The glenoid component (112) includes a body (112) having a stem portion (114) for inserting at least partially into the cavity (104) formed in the glenoid vault (106). The stem portion (114) cooperates with the interior wall (116) of the cavity (104) formed in the glenoid vault (106). The body (112) has a bearing portion (120) for articulating cooperation with the prosthetic humeral component (102).

Abstract: A system and method for installing a shoulder prosthesis. The method includes removing the original humeral head and shaping the proximal end of the humerus with one or more implements to prepare the humerus to receive the shoulder prosthesis.

Abstract: A glenoid component used for shoulder arthroplasty is adapted to be implanted into a scapula and engaged by a head of a humeral component. The glenoid component includes a body having a first articulating surface and a second medial surface opposite to the first articulating surface. The first articulating surface is adapted to engage with a humeral head. A plurality of fixed pegs each have a first end adapted to engage a cavity formed in the scapula and a second end extending from the medial surface. A central peg fixation mechanism is provided that is configured to couple an optional central fixation peg to the medial surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disposed for maintaining the proper positioning of a prosthetic implant having proximal and distal ends within a prepared bone cavity during cement injection and curing. First stabilization means, implantable within the bone cavity, minimize lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, while second stabilization means, physically separate from the means for minimizing lateral movement of the distal end of the implant, minimize both the lateral movement of the proximal end of the implant and the rotational movement of the implant overall. In the preferred embodiment, the second stabilization means includes an apertured cap removably securable to the end of a bone having the prepared cavity through which the implant is inserted and held in place.

Abstract: A prosthetic glenoid component for attachment to a glenoid surface of a scapula to replace a natural socket of a shoulder and to provide a bearing surface for a head portion of an arm bone or humerus. The glenoid component has a metal back with integrally formed attachment legs which are cemented into corresponding holes formed in the glenoid surface, and also has an opening for receiving a hollow metal cage which is screwed into the glenoid surface.

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 invention is a modular composite shoulder prosthesis 64, whose construct incorporates a solid autogenous bone graft 50 to be used to replace the upper humerus in certain fracture types. The prosthesis comprises a stem 22 to be inserted in the canal of the humerus, an intermediary part reduced to a medial pillar 24 and a head which is a generally spherical cap 20 that is hollow. The head of the prosthesis being hollow and coated with an osteoconductive material, the lateral aspect of the medial pillar as well as the upper part of the stem being also coated with the same material, an epiphyso-metaphyseal space is delineated in which a solid autogenous bone graft is fitted. Union can be achieved between the coated parts of the prosthesis, the bone graft 50 and the tuberosities reattached to the humerus shaft, secured to holes 62 of the medial pillar and between themselves.

Abstract: Adjustable prostheses and related methods provide a wide range of adjustment along or about multiple axes. The prostheses and related methods make possible a straightforward, yet robust way of securing, e.g., a humeral head prosthesis in a desired position and maintaining the prosthesis in the desired position during use.

Abstract: A medical procedure includes providing a prosthesis which includes (i) a body portion having a rear surface and a bearing surface, and (ii) an anchor peg including a shaft extending from the rear surface of the body portion, wherein the anchor peg includes a plurality of outwardly extending fins secured to the shaft, and further wherein the plurality of outwardly extending fins each possesses a first diameter. The medical procedure further includes creating an anchor hole in a natural bone, the anchor hole possessing a second diameter which is less than the first diameter. In addition, the method procedure includes positioning the anchor peg within the anchor hole so that each of the plurality of outwardly extending fins deforms so as to possess (i) a concave side which faces an open end of the anchor hole, and (ii) a convex side that faces a closed end of the anchor hole.

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 prosthesis of this invention comprises a humeral or femoral component presenting a concave articulation surface, and an intermediate component presenting first and second convex articulation surfaces intended to cooperate respectively with said concave articulation surface of the humeral or femoral component and with a concave glenoid or cotyloid articulation surface. The locus of the instantaneous centers of rotation of the first convex articulation surface, with respect to the concave humeral or femoral articulation surface, and the locus of the instantaneous centers of rotation of the second convex articulation surface on the glenoid or cotyloid surface, are located on either side of the first surface.

Abstract: The acromioclavicular joint prosthesis of the present invention provides a mechanism for securing the distal or outer end of the clavicle to the acromion of the scapula. The present prosthetic device includes an acromion attachment component, an opposite clavicle attachment component, and an articulated joint between the two components. The intermediate joint may include a “breakaway” component, allowing the joint to be temporarily misaligned in the event that a severe force is applied to the shoulder, rather than damaging the joint or shoulder structure. The breakaway joint may be quickly and easily realigned by a medical professional. The joint may also include a spring loaded shock absorption component as well, to avoid damage to the joint due to excessive tensile forces. Tools and a method for surgically installing and locking the present prosthesis securely to the respective bones of the skeletal structure, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A humeral prosthesis allows a surgeon to adjust humeral head position thereof in three-dimensional space with respect to a humeral component of the humeral prosthesis that has been either previously implanted into a humerus of a patient or not. The humeral prosthesis includes a conjoining component that is configured to releasably mate with the humeral component and to releasably mate with a humeral head. The conjoining component allows the humeral head to be selectively positionable from continuously infinite positions about two orthographic axes with respect to the conjoining component. The selected spatial position of the head is locked by a locking member of the conjoining component. The conjoining component allows the use of various sized heads, allow in vivo head trialing and/or exchange, and retrofit of heads for previously implanted shoulder prosthesis in need of revision.

Abstract: The invention concerns a shoulder prosthesis assembly comprising a meta-glenoid element (7) formed by a plate (13) provided with a central tubular block (14) an anchoring members in the glenoid cavity (3), and a glenoid sphere (9) designed to top the metaglenoid element and provided with an axial screw (35) screwed into said pin; the glenoid sphere has an articulated surface (11) designed to co-operate with a cup of an associated humeral prosthesis (2); said assembly comprises means (16, 45, 46; 51, 50, 49) guiding the glenoid sphere adapted to facilitate its being fixed on the meta-glenoid element; said means comprise a pin (46) adapted to be slotted into the tubular block (14) and into an axial passage of the screw (35); the glenoid sphere (9) is thus guided by being slid on the pin (46) until the screw (35) is inserted precisely into the axis of the tubular block (14), wherein it can be screwed without any risk of damaging the thread on the screw and the internal thread of the block.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between the stem and the head. Specifically, the interface configuration between the stem and the adapter, as well as between the adapter and the head are designed such that relative positioning of these components provides a continuous adjustment in the radial offset and/or angular inclination. Indicia are provided at the interface between the adapter and the head to precisely determine the magnitude and direction of the adjustment being made.

Abstract: A glenoid component for securement to a glenoid surface of a scapula so as to provide a bearing surface for a head portion of a humerus includes a body portion having a first surface configured to contact the glenoid surface of the scapula and a second surface configured to receive the head portion of the humerus. The glenoid component also includes an anchor peg extending from the first surface of the body portion for penetrating the glenoid surface of the scapula so as to secure the body portion to the glenoid surface of the scapula. The anchor peg has a first end portion and a second end portion with the first end portion of the anchor peg being secured to the first surface of the body portion, and the second end portion of the anchor peg having a number of fins secured thereto.

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: The humeral portion of a shoulder prosthesis includes a diaphyseal component configured for fixation within the humerus, a metaphyseal component, configured for removable implantation within the metaphysis of the humerus, and an engagement mechanism for removably engaging the two components. The metaphyseal component can initially include a convex articulating surface that can be replaced with a concave surface during the shoulder arthroplasty procedure or in a subsequent revision surgery. The metaphyseal component can also include a feature to facilitate removal of the component from the bone once it has been disengaged from the diaphyseal component.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis, as a replacement for a ball and socket type joint, has a head that allows for infinite dialability and/or angular orientation with respect to an implanted stem, particularly during a procedure for implanting the prosthesis. The angular orientation is positionable and fixed or locked in a set position without utilizing external or separate fasteners. An expandable conjoining member associated with the prosthesis stem receives the head and allows for the positioning thereof. The expandable conjoining member is fixed in position through expansion of the expandable conjoining member to produce a friction fit (wedging) of the expandable conjoining member within a receiving socket of the stem. Expansion of the expandable conjoining member is achieved through coupling interaction of a stem of the head with the conjoining member.

Abstract: Resorbable devices and systems and methods utilizing the resorbable devices for adjunct stabilization of joint implants in the tubular bones of humans or animals during joint replacement procedures. The resorbable devices are at least partially resorbed by the body over a predetermined period of time, thereby allowing for bone ingrowth into a resulting void.

Abstract: The invention is a modular composite shoulder prosthesis 64, whose construct incorporates a solid autogenous bone graft 50 to be used to replace the upper humerus in certain fracture types. The prosthesis comprises a stem 22 to be inserted in the canal of the humerus, an intermediary part reduced to a medial pillar 24 and a head which is a generally spherical cap 20 that is hollow. The head of the prosthesis being hollow and coated with an osteoconductive material, the lateral aspect of the medial pillar as well as the upper part of the stem being also coated with the same material, an epiphyso-metaphyseal space is delineated in which a solid autogenous bone graft is fitted. Union can be achieved between the coated parts of the prosthesis, the bone graft 50 and the tuberosities reattached to the humerus shaft, secured to holes 62 of the medial pillar and between themselves.

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 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 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 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.