Abstract: Tooling and components of an injection-molding system may be used to mold a foam article. The tooling and components may include features that control parameters of the injection-molding and foaming process, such as temperature, pressure, shot size, shot placement, and the like.

Abstract: A modular patella trial system and method is provided. A modular patella trial includes an articular element and at least one sizing element. The articular element has a length, a width, and a thickness. The articular element has a posterior and anterior surfaces separated by their thickness. The anterior surface has protrusions extending outwardly. Any of the sizing elements have a length, width, and thickness. Any such sizing elements have posterior and anterior surfaces separated by their thickness. At least one aperture extends through the posterior and anterior surfaces of the sizing elements. Such apertures are capable of receiving a corresponding protrusion of the articular element. The modular patella trial has a thickness substantially equal to the total of the thicknesses of the articular element and the sizing elements used in conjunction with the articular element.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a revision implant includes a body extending between a first planar surface and a second planar surface and a head extending from the first planar surface of the body. The head is configured to couple the revision implant to at least one additional component of a multi-component prosthesis. At least one coupling mechanism is configured to couple the body to a first bone.

Abstract: A system includes a patella trial comprising a baseplate and an articular surface member configured to move along at least one of a medial-lateral axis or a superior-inferior axis of the baseplate; and an implant comprising a posterior articular surface and an anterior surface, wherein the anterior surface has a medial/lateral width with a midpoint, wherein the posterior articular surface has a posterior-most point, wherein an imaginary line extending through the posterior-most point is parallel to an imaginary line extending through the midpoint, and wherein a distance (I) is defined by measuring a length between the imaginary line extending through the posterior-most point and the imaginary line extending through the midpoint; wherein the implant is selected from a set of implants each having a different I, and wherein the chosen implant is selected based on an offset of the articular surface member relative to the baseplate on the patella trial.

Abstract: A total knee arthroplasty includes a symmetric femoral prosthesis for articulating with a tibial prosthesis in the left or right leg of a patient. The symmetric femoral prosthesis includes an anterior flange having a symmetric and upwardly diverging, generally V-shaped, double Q-angle trochlear groove formed in an anterior side thereof for accommodating natural Q-angle tracking of a natural or prosthetic patella when the symmetric femoral component is surgically implanted in either the left or right leg of a patient. In a preferred form, the double Q-angle trochlear groove is formed with an angle of + or ? about 10°, for a total groove angle of about 20°.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint and the patella specifically are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches involving implanting a joint surface load reducing implant proximate the joint to change the direction of the tendons or muscles exerting forces on the joints.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for repairing a patient patella. The device comprises a patellar trial piece and a patellar implant. The patellar trial piece has selectable variable weights to correct mechanical properties of the patient patella. Such mechanical properties to be corrected include a moment of inertia and/or a center of gravity of the patient patella. The patellar implant has embedded weights correspond to the variable weights of the patellar trial piece. In one embodiment, the patellar trial piece has a plurality of variable weights to be inserted into a plurality of holes in the patellar trial piece. The weights are made of different materials. In another embodiment, the patellar trial piece has a rounded top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface with a plurality of pegs. The pegs are selected from pegs with variable weights that are made of different materials.

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: A modular patella trial system and method is provided. A modular patella trial includes an articular element and at least one sizing element. The articular element has a length, a width, and a thickness. The articular element has a posterior and anterior surfaces separated by their thickness. The anterior surface has protrusions extending outwardly. Any of the sizing elements have a length, width, and thickness. Any such sizing elements have posterior and anterior surfaces separated by their thickness. At least one aperture extends through the posterior and anterior surfaces of the sizing elements. Such apertures are capable of receiving a corresponding protrusion of the articular element. The modular patella trial has a thickness substantially equal to the total of the thicknesses of the articular element and the sizing elements used in conjunction with the articular element.

Abstract: A system includes a patella trial comprising a baseplate and an articular surface member configured to move along at least one of a medial-lateral axis or a superior-inferior axis of the baseplate; and an implant comprising a posterior articular surface and an anterior surface, wherein the anterior surface has a medial/lateral width with a midpoint, wherein the posterior articular surface has a posterior-most point, wherein an imaginary line extending through the posterior-most point is parallel to an imaginary line extending through the midpoint, and wherein a distance (I) is defined by measuring a length between the imaginary line extending through the posterior-most point and the imaginary line extending through the midpoint; wherein the implant is selected from a set of implants each having a different I, and wherein the chosen implant is selected based on an offset of the articular surface member relative to the baseplate on the patella trial.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis assembly can comprise a patella prosthesis adapted to be secured to a natural patella portion having an anterior surface and a posterior surface. An articulating portion can have a posteriorly facing portion and an anteriorly facing portion. The posteriorly facing portion can have a spherical articular surface. A porous portion can have a first portion that engages the anteriorly facing portion and a second portion that engages the natural patella portion. A fastener can pass entirely through a passage formed at a centermost portion of the natural patella portion from the anterior surface to the posterior surface and into a bore defined in the centermost portion of the porous portion to securably engage the porous portion.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant assembly includes a plurality of dome patella components and a plurality of anatomic patella components. Each of the dome patella components and the anatomic patella components is interchangeable with a plurality of femoral components.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a patella component having a posterior bearing surface configured to articulate with the femoral condyles of a femur, and an anterior surface having a number of pegs extending outwardly therefrom. The superior edge of the patella component is thickened relative to conventional dome-shaped patella components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base component for a tibial implant, comprising a lateral compartment (14), a medial compartment (12) and an anterior connection portion (16) which connects the lateral compartment (14) and the medial compartment (12) to one another at anterior. A portion (18) open to posterior is provided between the lateral compartment (14) and the medial compartment (12). The lateral component (14) and the medial component (12) each have a lower side and an upper side, with at least one of the lower sides being configured for the fastening of the base component to the tibia. A marginal web (22, 22?) is formed at at least one of the compartments (12, 14), starting from the upper side, said marginal web forming a receiving shell for a meniscus component (30, 32) of the tibial implant together with the upper side of the compartment.

Abstract: A patellar implant is provided being of a two part construction having a strong base portion 32, 54, 72 and 92 (manufactured from a metal material or other medical grade strong material) with a molder outer material 34, 62, 80 and 100 (manufactured from a polymeric material or other softer, smoother material) at least on one side to provide a smooth friction surface to contact the femoral portion of a patient's knee.

Abstract: There are provided various embodiments of medical instruments to perform knee surgery. In one embodiment a finned platform for mounting a cutting block is provided. The finned platform can be used don either a femor or tibia to allow for the proper cuts when performing a knee surgery. In another embodiment, a tibial trial is shown having a fin. The fin is useful to reinforce the bone to reduce the risk of fracture during bone preparation. In another embodiment, a reamer is provided having a plurality of cutting flutes. It may be desirable to utilize a guide with the reamer to allow the reamer to cut a noncircular portion of the tibial bone. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of fixation pegs are provided on the tibial implant to allow for easy removal of such implant if a revision surgery becomes necessary.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant assembly includes a plurality of dome patella components and a plurality of anatomic patella components. Each of the dome patella components and the anatomic patella components is interchangeable with a plurality of femoral components.

Abstract: A device and methods for use in determining the trajectory of a patella of a patient during a navigated knee replacement surgical procedure are described. The device includes a first component including a mounting for attachment to a posterior surface of the patient's patella and a second component having an outer surface presenting a formation adapted to engage with a femoral part of the patient's knee. A slider mechanism allows the second component to translate relative to the first component in a substantially medial-lateral direction of the patient when the first component is attached to the patient's patella. The device can be used in a method to help determine the medial-lateral position for a patella implant.

Abstract: A patellar implant includes a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The posterior portion can have a first radial sidewall that extends between an outboard face and an inboard face. The outboard face can include an articulating surface. The inboard face can include one of a stem and a recess, and one of an annular central hub and an annular radial pocket. The anterior portion can have a second radial sidewall that extends between a tissue engaging surface and a posterior portion engaging surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic patellar implant has a posterior articulation surface and an anterior attachment surface. The anterior attachment surface has a medial attachment surface and a lateral attachment surface. The medial and lateral attachment surfaces can be planar and angled relative to one another, meeting at a common intersection medially offset from the sagittal centerline of the implant. The medial and lateral attachment surfaces can include convexities. The anterior attachment surface can have one or more pegs and/or recesses.

Abstract: A system of prosthetic patellar components including first and second prosthetic patellar components having dissimilar perimeter shapes and which are interchangeably usable without altering the securement feature formed on the natural patella or the position of the apex of the articulating surface of the prosthetic patella is described. A keyed securement feature as well as a patellar implant having a single offset mounting post for facilitating the proper placement of a patellar prosthesis on a natural patella based on patella tracking are also described.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant assembly includes a plurality of commonly-sized dome patella components. Each of the commonly-sized dome patella components may be provided in various thicknesses and/or peak surface diameters.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for repairing a patient patella. The device comprises a patellar trial piece and a patellar implant. The patellar trial piece has selectable variable weights to correct mechanical properties of the patient patella. Such mechanical properties to be corrected include a moment of inertia and/or a center of gravity of the patient patella. The patellar implant has embedded weights correspond to the variable weights of the patellar trial piece. In one embodiment, the patellar trial piece has a plurality of variable weights to be inserted into a plurality of holes in the patellar trial piece. The weights are made of different materials. In another embodiment, the patellar trial piece has a rounded top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface with a plurality of pegs. The pegs are selected from pegs with variable weights that are made of different materials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide patellar component designs that are optimally shaped to help reduce shear force and accommodate slight implantation error. Further, they help lessen anterior knee pain, particularly during deep-flexion activities and help ease the transition during the range of knee movement in a controlled way.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a patella component having a posterior bearing surface configured to articulate with the femoral condyles of a femur, and an anterior surface having a number of pegs extending outwardly therefrom. The superior edge of the patella component is thickened relative to conventional dome-shaped patella components.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant includes a patella component having a posterior bearing surface configured to articulate with the femoral condyles of a femur, and an anterior surface having a number of pegs extending outwardly therefrom. The superior edge of the patella component is thickened relative to conventional dome-shaped patella components.

Abstract: A total knee prosthesis comprises a femoral component and a patellar component. The femoral component has a patellar flange into which is built a twist or roller coaster configuration. The patellar component has an off-set dome with respective lateral and medial facets. The configuration of the patellar flange resists forces from a medial to a lateral direction, whilst the lateral and medial facets of the patellar component are respectively shaped to allow area contact and line contact respectively with the femoral component. Also disclosed is a device for intra-operative checking of patellar tracking to allow correct insertion of the femoral and patellar components.

Abstract: A method and system provide and use a patellar implant. The patellar implant includes a superior portion, an inferior portion opposite to the superior portion, an anterior portion, at least one suture attachment configured to allow the patellar implant to be attached using at least one suture. The superior portion being configured to reside below a patellar tendon and to elevate and/or tilt the patellar tendon. The inferior portion is configured to be seated in proximity to a tibia. The anterior portion is between the superior portion and the inferior portion. The anterior portion is placed in proximity to a patella. In one aspect, the method includes inserting the implant beneath the patellar tendon and between the patella and a position at which the patellar tendon is affixed to the tibia. In this aspect, the method also includes attaching the implant using at least one suture.

Abstract: A patellar implant includes a posterior portion and an anterior portion. The posterior portion can have a first radial sidewall that extends between an outboard face and an inboard face. The outboard face can include an articulating surface. The inboard face can include one of a stem and a recess, and one of an annular central hub and an annular radial pocket. The anterior portion can have a second radial sidewall that extends between a tissue engaging surface and a posterior portion engaging surface.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide patellar component designs that are optimally shaped to help reduce shear force and accommodate slight implantation error. Further, they help lessen anterior knee pain, particularly during deep-flexion activities and help ease the transition during the range of knee movement in a controlled way.

Abstract: An article including a prosthetic patellar implant attachable to a posterior portion of a patella and including an elastomeric cushioning element adapted for articulation with articular surfaces posterior to the patella, the elastomeric cushioning element including an inner elastomeric layer and an outer elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A modular patellar prosthetic system used to replace a portion of the natural knee and, more particularly, a multi-piece modular patellar prosthetic system having various baseplates and articulation components that are interchangeable with each other. Each baseplate has a fixation surface adapted to engage patellar bone, and each articulation component has a smooth articulation surface. The articulation component and baseplate connect with an attachment mechanism and form an implantable knee prosthesis.

Abstract: A modular patellar prosthetic system used to replace a portion of the natural knee and, more particularly, a two-piece modular patellar prosthetic system having various baseplates and articulation components that are interchangeable with each other. Each baseplate has a fixation surface adapted to engage patellar bone, and each articulation component has a smooth articulation surface. The articulation component and baseplate connect with an attachment mechanism and form an implantable knee prosthesis.

Abstract: A patellar bearing having extended, rounded contours on the superior and inferior edges of its articulating surface.

Abstract: An implantable patellar prosthesis accommodates variations in placement of the prosthesis relative to the patella without limiting use of the prosthesis. The prosthesis utilizes a base component having a fixation portion for fixation to patellar bone. Additionally, the device uses an articulation component that may move relative to the base component. A coupling mechanism is provided for coupling the articulation component to the base component while permitting relative motion of the articulation component with respect to the base component. This relative motion can be controlled according to the design of the prosthesis and facilitates implantation as well as use of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A patellar alignment device for determining the position of a patella prosthesis. The device comprises two components—a baseplate and a mobile component which is preferably magnetically attached to the baseplate. During a surgical procedure to replace the knee, the baseplate is temporarily attached to the back of the patella. The baseplate may contain spikes or prongs to secure it to the patella. The baseplate further includes a series of slots for marking the patella. The mobile component resembles a patella and is placed on the baseplate. The patella with the alignment device in place is then placed in position on the knee and trialed. Because the mobile component is free to move on the baseplate, it finds the position that is most amenable to a natural knee movement. The alignment device is then exposed and the patella is marked at the position of the mobile component. Since the baseplate contains a series of slots, the patella can be easily marked at several locations around the mobile component.

Abstract: A prosthetic patellar component includes a base and a bearing element that includes first and second femoral engaging surfaces disposed between first and second (superior/inferior) edge surfaces The edge surfaces are curved to provide a gradual transition from a posterior facing portion to a nearly vertical superior or inferior facing portion. Moreover, the inferior-superior dimension of the component is at least approximately 90% of the medial-lateral dimension. The relative height and gradually transitioning edges significantly reduce the likelihood of sudden posterior rotation during deep flexion movement. The edge surfaces extend from a substantially posterior facing portion proximate to the first and second femoral engaging surfaces and a substantially vertical facing portion proximate the base.

Abstract: A patella replacement device has a generally hemispherical member which is surrounded by a collar or metallic ring and has apertures. A second hemispherical member has projections which fit into the apertures of the first member and the combination is used for the repair or replacement of the patella bone. At least one member is made of a high porosity metal material or contains a porous coating for initial stability through the adhesive and frictional properties of the metal material or coating.

Abstract: An implantable patellar prosthesis accommodates variations in placement of the prosthesis relative to the patella without limiting use of the prosthesis. The prosthesis utilizes a base component having a fixation portion for fixation to patellar bone. Additionally, the device uses an articulation component that may move relative to the base component. A coupling mechanism is provided for coupling the articulation component to the base component while permitting relative motion of the articulation component with respect to the base component. This relative motion can be controlled according to the design of the prosthesis and facilitates implantation as well as use of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A metal backing for inclusion in the manufacture of a prosthetic component having a plastic bearing element on an upper surface and has a bottom surface portion with elements for attachment to a bone. The backing has an upper surface portion at least part of which is formed by a grill element having exposed front and rear faces and which is intended to be embedded within the plastic bearing member during construction. The plastic bearing material of the bearing element can be molded so that all the faces thereof exposed to the grill are covered and the grill is embedded within the plastic material of the bearing element. The grill is located on a metal support and is provided with spacers on its front face to space the front face away from the support. The grill is cast integrally into the metal support during manufacture.