Abstract: The invention relates to a medical implant consisting of a first implant part and a second implant part for the connection of which there is provided a connecting device, wherein at least the first implant part comprises a connecting element receptacle, in which at least one connecting element of the connecting device can be disposed. In order to provide an implant of this type which is easier to handle, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that a securing device be provided for the purposes of securing the at least one connecting element in the connecting element receptacle. Moreover, the invention relates to a knee joint endoprosthesis having at least one implant of this type.

Abstract: A method for treating arthritis of a joint includes identifying a bone lesion in a bone adjacent to the joint; and implanting in the bone a reinforcing member in or adjacent to the bone lesion. A kit for conducting the method includes: (a) at least one reinforcing member having a proximal face adapted to face the joint, a distal face adapted to face away from the joint, and a wedge-shaped edge adapted to pierce bone, wherein the at least one reinforcing member is planar and sterile; and (b) a container adapted to maintain the at least one reinforcing member sterile. Another kit includes: (a) a sterile fluid; (b) a syringe for injecting the fluid into a bone; (c) a curing agent adapted to cure the fluid to polymerize and/or cross-link; and (d) a container adapted to maintain the sterility of contents of the container.

Abstract: A prosthetic inserter includes an inserter head having at least first and second bosses, at least one of the bosses movable from a first position to a second position, that couple the inserter to a femoral provisional component via a pair of corresponding apertures, such as drill holes, within the articulating surfaces of a selected one of a series of femoral provisional components. Each provisional component of the series is capable of having different aperture distances measured between a respective pair of apertures. The bosses of the inserter are biased into an engagement position in which the inserter can be secured to a femoral provisional component to eliminate the need for an external engagement force to be supplied to the inserter.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis including a knee component and an indexing boss. The knee component includes a first engagement portion. The indexing boss includes a first terminal end surface, a second terminal end surface, and a second engagement portion at the second terminal end surface. The first terminal end surface and the second terminal end surface are arranged along non-parallel planes. The first and the second engagement portions are configured to selectively couple together at a plurality of rotational orientations to attain a corresponding plurality of angular orientations of the indexing boss relative to the knee component due to the first and the second terminal end surfaces being arranged along non-parallel planes.

Abstract: Implantable assemblies/devices and methods are provided for manipulating energy transferred by members defining an articulating anatomical joint, wherein the members collectively define a path of motion. Assemblies/devices are provided with a first component configured to be attached to a first anatomical member of the anatomical joint, a second component configured to be attached to a second anatomical member of the anatomical joint; and a tension member joining the first and second components. The tension member is placed under tension to absorb energy transferred by the anatomical members when the first component is attached to the first anatomical member and the second component is attached to the second anatomical member and a distance between locations of attachment of the first and second components becomes smaller then an implant-defined distance between the locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a trial implant having a body and a tab. The body may include a recess and may be sized to closely approximate a permanent implant. The tab may be more durable than the body, and may be disposed within the body and wholly contained within the recess. Also disclosed is a method of performing a trialing procedure including providing a trial implant as described, providing a tool to attach to the tab, inserting the implant onto a resected joint, evaluating and extracting the implant. The same procedure may then be performed with a second implant. The method may further include a tool having an attachment portion that is substantially or wholly contained within the recess. A kit is disclosed including a plurality of trial implants of incrementally different shapes and sizes. The kit may further include a tool. Also disclosed is a method of making the described implant.

Abstract: A tibial implant includes a baseplate having a proximally facing surface surrounded at least in part by a proximally extending wall. The wall has a ramp surface extending from the wall towards the baseplate proximally facing baseplate surface and a bore located distally of the ramp. A polyethylene bearing insert is mounted on the baseplate and has a distally facing surface engaging the proximally facing surface of the baseplate. The distally facing bearing insert surface has a recess and the insert has a side surface with a passageway extending from the recess through the insert side surface. A spring detent is mounted in the bearing insert recess and has a moveable pin biased outwardly of the bearing insert side surface and into the bore of the baseplate.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between adjacent body parts includes a system which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint, such as between articulating bones. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first attachment structure, a second attachment structure, a piston component, and an energy absorbing spring component. The spring component is attached only to one of the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure, and the piston component is attached only to the other of the first attachment structure and the second attachment structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty, including, but not limited to, bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, are described herein. Methods and apparatus for preparing a distal femur for a femoral implant as well as methods and apparatus for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are described. These methods and apparatus, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures, while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.

Abstract: A modular knee prosthesis system includes a femoral component having a stem and a sleeve. The system is modular, and provides the surgeon with the option of distally offsetting the joint line by controlling the relative axial positions of the stem and the sleeve. Alternative options include providing sleeves with tapered bores of different diameters, providing a shim to be placed between the sleeve and the stem and providing the stems as adapters having different diameters.

Abstract: A method for preparing a femur and a tibia to receive implants. The method includes mapping location of a femoral guide to a coordinate system using a femoral position sensor mounted to at least one of the femoral guide or another femoral surgical device during preparation of the femur to receive a femoral implant. The method further includes mapping location of a tibial guide to the coordinate system using a tibial position sensor mounted to at least one of the tibial guide or another tibial surgical device during preparation of the tibia to receive a tibial implant.

Abstract: A temporary knee replacement assembly and kit includes a tibial plate that attaches to the tibia, a tibial rod that extends through the plate into the medullary cavity and abuts the plate. A femoral plate attaches to the femur, and a femoral rod extends through the second plate into the femur medullary cavity and abuts the plate. A locking spacer connects the two rods. The spacer may be length adjustable or may be provided in multiple sizes for length selection. One or both of the rods may include a bone cement/antibiotic coating to provide antibiotic treatment to the tissue. The kit may include multiple tibial and femoral rods, multiple tibial and femoral plates, and multiple locking spacers, to accommodate different applications.

Abstract: A low friction resurfacing implant system including a first implant component having a first bearing surface and a first engagement surface. The first engagement surface is located opposite the first bearing surface. The first implant component has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first implant component includes teeth that extend from the first engagement surface. The teeth are arranged in a plurality of rows. The teeth in adjacent rows are offset from each other.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body, the device comprising: (a) a prosthesis for implantation into a mammalian body that includes a sensor array comprising a plurality of sensors mounted to the prosthesis; and (b) an electronics structure for receiving signals from the sensor array and wirelessly transmitting representative signals to a remote receiver, where the plurality of sensors are operative to sense pressure, applied to the prosthesis by another object, in at least two axes generally perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing and a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly can have a yoke disposed between the bearing and the femoral component and an axle having an axle axis. The axle can hingedly couple the yoke with the femoral component. Rotation of the femoral component about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the axle axis causes concurrent rotation of the yoke about the rotation axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining meniscal size and shape for use in designing therapies for the treatment of various joint diseases. The invention uses an image of a joint that is processed for analysis. Analysis can include, for example, generating a thickness map, a cartilage curve, or a point cloud. This information is used to determine the extent of the cartilage defect or damage and to design an appropriate therapy, including, for example, an implant. Adjustments to the designed therapy are made to account for the materials used.

Abstract: A multi-component joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between a first bone and opposing second bone. A first component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of the first bone and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into a reconditioned end surface of at least one of radius and ulna bones and exhibits a second exposed support surface. An intermediate component is supported in articulating fashion between the first and second anchored components. A plurality of micro debris entrapment chamber subassemblies are incorporated into the components and communicate with at least one of the articulating surfaces for isolating and capturing debris resulting from joint wear.

Abstract: Methods of forming polymeric articles using plasma treated polymer resins, and orthopedic implants comprising a polymeric article wherein the polymeric article has reactive groups bonded to polymer molecules in an interior region of the polymeric article.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis including a first component having a cleaned silicon carbide layer, and an annealed graphs layer disposed on the cleaned silicon carbide layer, the annealed graphene layer being a contact layer interfacing a second component of the joint prosthesis, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component is moveable with respect to the other component

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide knee prostheses which more faithfully and closely replicate the function, anatomy and physiology of the normal human knee yielding a number of advantages. Among other things, such prostheses can provide an increased range of motion and function more normally particularly in extension, deep flexion and during normal gait. Knee prostheses according to various aspects of the invention recognize that during movement of the knee, particularly during flexion, the kinematics of the bones of the knee are a result of achieving equilibrium of the forces that cause motion of the knee. In addition, the shape of the articular surfaces acting in combination with forces imposed by various muscles, ligaments and tendons, determines the direction of the large contact forces.

Abstract: An implant augment (12) includes an augment portion (24) and a fixation portion (28) attached to the augment portion (24). The augment portion (24) has a first surface (40) for contacting a cut surface of an articular end of a bone and a second surface (42) for contacting an implant. The fixation portion (28) extends from the augment portion (24) to contact a cortical surface of a shaft of the bone.

Abstract: Certain embodiments generally provide an improved tibial base member comprising keel portions that allow one or both cruciate ligaments to be preserved. Other embodiments provide improved lateral and/or medial inserts having a mesial lip that helps relieve and/or prevent impingement between the femoral component and the tibial eminence. Other embodiments provide improved femoral components having various chamfers to provide additional clearance with respect to the tibial eminence and posterior cruciate ligament without decreasing bone coverage.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis is provided for use in knee arthroplasty. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a tibial prosthesis having a tibial baseplate with a fixed medial bearing component and a mobile lateral bearing component. In one exemplary embodiment, the lateral bearing component is secured to the lateral portion of the tibial baseplate utilizing at least one prosthetic ligament. Additionally, in one exemplary embodiment, a stop is provided to limit anterior or posterior movement of the lateral bearing component relative to the tibial baseplate. For example, the stop may be defined by cooperating shoulders formed on the lateral bearing and the tibial baseplate.

Abstract: Provided are processes comprising crosslinking polyethylene or using crosslinked polyethylene. Furthermore, the processes may include compacting and/or sintering the polyethylene. The polyethylene can comprise virgin ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having a weight average molecular weight of at least 1,000,000 g/mol, to provide a compacted composition comprising virgin ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A multi-component joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper bone and an opposing lower bone. A first component is anchored into the upper reconditioned bone end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface, a second component is anchored into the lower reconditioned bone end surface and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped and multi-directional supporting component is supported between the first and second anchored components.

Abstract: A medical prosthesis for use within the body which is formed of radiation treated ultra high molecular weight polyethylene having substantially no detectable free radicals, is described. Preferred prostheses exhibit reduced production of particles from the prosthesis during wear of the prosthesis, and are substantially oxidation resistant. Methods of manufacture of such devices and material used therein are also provided.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints. In some embodiments, an artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a first component of the artificial joint prosthesis including a contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the first component fabricated from at least one polymer and a plurality of magnetic particles; and a second component of the artificial joint prosthesis including at least one magnet configured to create a magnetic field within the artificial joint, the at least one magnet positioned to form a magnetic field directed to influence a location of debris including the magnetic particles in the joint to a position distinct from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints. In some embodiments, a artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure positioned adjacent to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to deflect synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and a mechanism attached to the fluid deflection structure, the mechanism operable to move the fluid deflection structure to direct synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis for use during performance of a knee replacement procedure includes a plurality of stem components in a range of various sizes, a plurality of femoral components in a range of various sizes, and a plurality of tibial trays in a range of various sizes. Each of the stem components is compatible with each of the femoral components and the tibal trays. Some of the stem components have a single slot formed therein, with other stem components having a pair of slots formed therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopaedic implant including an articulating tray, a support tray connected to the articulating tray and a bone ingrowth layer connected to the support tray. The articulating tray has an articulating surface and an interface surface opposed to the articulating surface. The support tray has a first connecting surface that is connected to the interface surface and a second connecting surface that is opposed to the first connecting surface and connected to the bone ingrowth layer. Also provided is an orthopaedic implant with an articulating component and a body component connected to the articulating component. The articulating component has an articulating surface and an interface surface opposed to the articulating surface. The body component has a first surface connected to the interface surface, a second surface opposed to the first surface and at least one protrusion that extends away from the second surface.

Abstract: Artificial joint prosthetic components including synovial fluid deflection structures are described. Embodiments of artificial joint prosthesis include those with: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; and at least one fluid deflection structure positioned on the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to deflect synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.

Abstract: A system is disclosed herein for providing a kinetic assessment and preparation of a prosthetic joint comprising one or more prosthetic components. The system comprises a prosthetic component including sensors and circuitry configured to measure load, position of load, and joint alignment. The system further includes a remote system for receiving, processing, and displaying quantitative measurements from the sensors. The kinetic assessment measures joint alignment under loading that will be similar to that of a final joint installation. The kinetic assessment can use trial or permanent prosthetic components. Furthermore, adjustments can be made to the applied load magnitude, position of load, and joint alignment by various means to fine-tune an installation. The kinetic assessment increases both performance and reliability of the installed joint by reducing error that is introduced by elements that load or modify the joint dynamics not taken into account by prior assessment methods.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis kit includes an implant and an augment. The implant has a base and a stem extending from the base, and the augment has a base and a conical, cylindrical, or anatomic portion extending from the base. The augment base has at least two openings for receiving fasteners for securing the knee augment to the implant. The portion and the base define a bore for receipt of the implant post. A coupler includes a mating portion for receipt in a bore of an implant post, and a cone-shaped portion extending from the mating portion. A method of providing fixation of knee implants includes securing an augment to an implant and positioning a conical, cylindrical, or anatomic portion of the augment within the intramedullary canal of the tibia or femur.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic device having at least one pyrocarbon insert is provided. The prosthetic device can include a prosthetic component having an articulating surface and a bone engagement surface. The articulating surface can be formed of a material that is distinct from pyrocarbon and is arranged to receive the at least one pyrocarbon insert so as to position a pyrocarbon articulating surface of the at least one pyrocarbon insert relative to the prosthetic component articulating surface.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints.

Abstract: Artificial joint prostheses, including hip, knee and shoulder joints, are described. In some aspects, an artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of an artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure attached to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to direct a flow of synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and at least one particle retaining structure positioned to contact the directed flow of synovial fluid and configured to retain particles present within the synovial fluid.

Abstract: Prosthetic artificial joints are described, including hip, knee and shoulder joints. In some embodiments, a artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure positioned adjacent to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to deflect synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and a mechanism attached to the fluid deflection structure, the mechanism operable to move the fluid deflection structure to direct synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.

Abstract: Artificial joint prosthetic components including synovial fluid deflection structures are described. Embodiments of artificial joint prosthesis include those with: a bone-facing surface of a artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; and at least one fluid deflection structure positioned on the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to deflect synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical guide (1, 1?) for implanting a knee prosthesis, advantageously capable of allowing the intraoperative balancing of the knee ligaments, comprising: a first component (G1, G1?) intended for uniquely coupling with the distal epiphyseal end (Ed) of a femur (Fe); a template (Gr, Gr?) rotatably mounted with respect to said first component (G1, G1?) and intended for guiding a marking operation of said distal epiphyseal end (Ed) aimed to determine the position of a knee prosthesis to be implanted; and a second component (G2) intended for solidly coupling said template (Gr, Gr?) with a proximal epiphyseal end (Ep) of a tibia (Ti) corresponding to said femur (Fe).

Abstract: A joint prosthesis includes e.g., a femoral component and a tibial component. The medial and lateral condylar articular surfaces may have substantially uniform and equal radii from full extension to about 90° of flexion. From 90°, the lateral condylar articular surface has a smaller radius than the medial condylar articular surface such that the medial condyle gradually becomes increasingly more proud than the lateral condyle to facilitate internal rotation of the tibia at deep flexion. Also, the tibial articular component may include a post intermediate the medial and lateral compartments that engages a cam on the femoral articular component between the medial and the lateral condylar articular surfaces. The cam and post become congruent at flexion angles of approximately 70° flexion and mate symmetrically during the first 20°-30° of further flexion, and then mate asymmetrically at greater degrees of flexion to force internal rotation of the tibia.

Abstract: A tibial insert includes a base and a post extending from the base along a longitudinal axis. The post has a medial surface, a lateral surface, and a height along the longitudinal axis. The medial surface has a medial section, and the lateral surface has a lateral section oriented substantially parallel to the medial section. The medial section and the lateral section each have a width in a substantially anterior-posterior direction that is sufficient to enable varus/valgus constraint over a flexion/extension range from extension to about 90 to 120 degrees of flexion when the tibial insert is mated with a femoral component.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: An implant training system based on a biomechanical modeling system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the implant training system includes a processor configured to load and execute instructions from an implant simulation module and the implant simulation module configured to provide a preloaded case representing a model patient to a user, receive input from the user to adjust the preloaded case to represent a particular patient, and provide outcome information for using an implant in the particular patient.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing.

Abstract: Artificial joint prostheses, including hip, knee and shoulder joints, are described. In some aspects, an artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of an artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure attached to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to direct a flow of synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and at least one particle retaining structure positioned to contact the directed flow of synovial fluid and configured to retain particles present within the synovial fluid.

Abstract: A tibial tuberosity advancement implant and method includes a spacer body made of biocompatible, biodegradable material and having a main section with at least one bony growth orifice therethrough and a proximal slot and at least one fin extending from the main section by at least one connector. A metal clip is slideable into the proximal slot of the spacer body main section and includes spaced screw holes for securing the spacer body to the advanced tibial tuberosity and the tibia when the implant is placed in the space between the advanced tibial tuberosity and the tibia.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities. In some instances, such systems and methods include a modular patella-femoral component. This modular patella-femoral component can include several characteristics, including a modular anterior flange that has an anterior femoral articulation surface that is configured to articulate against a patella in a knee joint, a posterior surface that is configured to be attached to an anterior portion of a femur, and a distal end that is configured to couple to a proximal end of an anterior portion of a femoral prosthesis, which is configured to couple to a distal portion of the femur. Other implementations are also described.