Abstract: Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities, more physiologic load bearing and improved patellar tracking for knee prosthesis patients. Such systems and methods include (i) adding more articular surface to the antero-proximal posterior condyles of a femoral component, including methods to achieve that result, (ii) modifications to the internal geometry of the femoral component and the associated femoral bone cuts with methods of implantation, (iii) asymmetrical tibial components that have an unique articular surface that allows for deeper knee flexion than has previously been available, (iv) asymmetrical femoral condyles that result in more physiologic loading of the joint and improved patellar tracking and (v) modifying an articulation surface of the tibial component to include an articulation feature whereby the articulation pathway of the femoral component is directed or guided by articulation feature.

Abstract: Where a prosthetic joint component part has a relatively sharp edge which potentially can contact and thereby irritate or injure soft tissue juxtaposed with the component part at an implant site during articulation of the prosthetic joint, such as a posterior cruciate ligament juxtaposed with a component part of a prosthetic knee, the component part is provided with a deflector located, configured, dimensioned and directed for deflecting the soft tissue away from contact with the sharp edge during articulation of the prosthetic joint.

Abstract: A device for performing a surgical procedure on a knee includes an adjustable femoral portion, a tibial portion and at least one sensor coupled with the femoral and/or tibial portions to sense pressure exerted by the femoral and tibial portions against one another. The femoral portion is adapted for removably coupling with a distal end of a femur to adjust tension in soft tissue adjacent the knee and has at least one positioning feature adapted to move relative to the distal end of the femur as the femoral portion is adjusted, thus helping position a femoral prosthetic on the distal end of the femur. The sensor(s) may be adapted to sense pressure at medial and lateral sides of the knee, and relative pressures may be displayed as data on a visual display. Adjustments to the femoral member may be made to balance pressure at flexion and extension of the knee.

Abstract: A surgical implantation approach for preparing a patient and precisely and effectively placing an energy absorbing apparatus relative to the patient's anatomy. Various surgical implantation apparatus and methods for achieving proper device-to-anatomy juxtapositional relationships are employed in the implantation approach.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A tibial component of an artificial knee joint is provided which cooperates with a femoral component to allow pivoting rotation of the artificial knee joint in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The tibial component includes a plate with a tapered dovetail rib thereon which allows an insert to be removably secured thereto to act as a meniscal structure for the tibial component. The insert has a proximal surface with left and right wells therein that include valleys to guide rotation of one condylar leg of a femoral component while holding a second condylar leg of the femoral component within the other one of the wells, allowing pivoting rotation in either direction. A nesting of the insert into a portion of the plate minimizes an overall height of the tibial component and minimizing tibial bone resection, while providing a greater resistance to shear forces upon the knee joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematic using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A system and method for attaching soft tissue to a prosthetic implant can include a prosthetic component that defines a soft tissue attachment region having an attachment surface thereon. A first construct can be formed of porous metal and be removably coupled to the attachment surface. A second construct can be positioned outboard of the soft tissue. A fastener can be engaged to the second construct capturing the soft tissue against the first construct. The fastener can be coupled on a distal end to the first prosthetic component.

Abstract: A reinforced joint assembly includes a first implant portion secured to a sectioned end of a first bone. A second implant portion is likewise secured to a sectioned end of a second bone and in opposing fashion relative to the first implant to define a joint zone therebetween. The first implant exhibits a first surface profile, whereas the second implant exhibits a second and mating surface profile. A male projection extends from the first surface profile of the first implant and seats within a recess defined within the second implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable orthesis for knee arthrodesis comprising a tibial anchoring head (1), a femoral anchoring head (2), an intramedullary tibial rod (3) and an intramedullary femoral rod (4). The anchoring heads (1, 2) are of a shape which is without symmetry of revolution and are splayed laterally in a front plane from the intramedullary rod (3, 4). They are rigidly assembled to one another.

Abstract: According to the invention, the system enables a preoperative study to be carried out wherein the tibia and/or femur is modelled on a computer (6) in 3D, the ideal cutting plane is defined and the position of the resection instruments (1, 2, 3) used to cut the bone is modelled. Additionally, according to the invention, the system enables redefinition of the ideal cutting plane and the positioning and orientation of the resection instruments (1, 2, 3) on the tibia and/or femur, in such a manner that the plane of the slot (4) of the cutting guide (3) through which the cutting tool is introduced coincides with the ideal cutting plane.

Abstract: A unicondylar knee implant system according to one embodiment includes a unicondylar femoral knee component having a single sagittal radius, a tibial bearing component, and a tibial tray component having a self-locking keel. The unicondylar knee implant system also provides for a locking mechanism for securing the tibial bearing component onto the tibial tray component. The unicondylar knee system allows for a simplified surgical technique, complete interchangeability between sizes, and a more MIS compatible implant system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a total knee replacement prosthesis, which can substitute the function of an anterior and/or a posterior cruciate ligament. A femoral component containing two intercondylar surfaces and an intercondylar region, a tibial component having a tibial platform and a bearing component, and a protrusion from the bearing component also are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprothetical connection element for creating a knee arthrodesis comprises a coupling element that comprises a first fastener and a second fastener. The first fastener is adapted for connection with a first fastening element corresponding to the first fastener that is provided at a shaft insertable into a femur of a patient. The second fastener is adapted for connection with a second fastening element corresponding to the second fastener that is provided at a shaft insertable into a tibia of the patient. The coupling element is formed such that a first longitudinal axis of the femoral shaft connected to the first fastener and a second longitudinal axis of the tibial shaft connected to the second fastener include an angle different from 180 degrees which, when implanted into the body of the patient, is lying in a coronal plane of the patient.

Abstract: Knee prosthesis for implanting in a knee joint has a femoral component, a tibial component and a hinge connecting the femoral component and the tibial component. The femoral component rotates around the transverse axis passing through center of the hinge and the center of rotation of the femoral component moves substantially along proximal-distal axis upon flexion of the knee joint.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method of tricompartmental arthroplasty of the knee. The device permits arthroplasty of the medial and lateral and patellofemoral compartments of the knee while leaving the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments intact. The device provides a femoral implant component that includes a trochlear surface and tibial prostheses component which can be secured to the tibia.

Abstract: A system for cooperating with an elongated IM member during preparation of a bone for receiving a prosthesis can include a scaffold, skeleton or frame. An alignment assembly can be selectively coupled to the frame. The alignment assembly can cooperate with the IM member to position the frame relative to the bone. A cutting block can be selectively coupled to the frame. According to other features, a posterior stabilized (PS) box guide assembly can have a PS box guide attachment portion that selectively couples with the first attachment portion of the frame. A posterior foot can selectively couple with a second attachment portion on the frame. The posterior foot can be positioned to occupy space of a joint line in an installed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool and a mount for attaching the tool to the second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis including a femoral component for attachment to a femur. The femoral component includes an anterior portion, first and second condylar portions extending from the anterior portion and having first and second bearing surfaces, the first and second condylar portions having first and second posterior ends, and a third condylar portion defined between the first and second condylar portions and extending anteriorly beyond the first and second posterior ends.

Abstract: An artificial joint as an endoprosthesis for a human joint, including a first joint part having two first functional surfaces, a second joint part having two second functional surfaces, the two first and second functional surfaces of each joint part being convex-concave, concave-convex, or convex-convex in a proximal-distal direction, a projection associated with the first joint part; and a recess associated with the second joint part. The recess is configured to engage with the projection so as to determine a relative position of the first and second joint parts in a transverse plane of the joint and to form a stop for a sliding movement of the first and second joint parts relative to each other. The two first functional surfaces are pivotable about a pivot axis with respect to the second functional surfaces and each of the first functional surfaces rolls and slides with respect to the second functional surfaces during an extension or flexion of the artificial joint.

Abstract: The invention presents a total knee arthroplasty endoprosthesis having: a) a femoral component with a lower-radius lateral condyle, a larger-radius medial condyle and between them, a third condyle located posteriorly, superiorly and nearest the medial side, b) a tibial component with a central protruding spigot for the rotating polyethylene insert, and c) a rotating polyethylene insert, with three cavities for articulation of the femoral condyles. For initial and moderate flexion the joint functions with load bearing onto the lateral and medial articular cavities, and in advanced and final flexion with load bearing on the third articular cavity. The advantages of this endoprosthesis are enhanced maximum flexion, improved femoral axis alignment, significant posterior stabilization, favourable accommodation of tibial rotation with consequent relief of materials and fixations, and preservation of more articular fluid for lubrication and reduction of polyethylene wear.

Abstract: A patellar implant for a knee joint prosthesis including a femoral component and a tibial assembly having a post. The patellar implant includes an anterior anchoring surface, and a posterior surface articulating with the femoral component. The posterior surface has an articulating portion and a non-articulating portion, and the non-articulating portion defines a depression that substantially prevents impingement of the patellar implant on the post during flexion.

Abstract: Joint implant sensors, methods of using the same, and methods of aligning permanent implants are described herein. A device for providing intraoperative in vivo diagnostics of loads having at least one load sensor associated with the implant, and at least one signal processing device operatively coupled with the sensors. The signal processing device is operable to receive the output signal from the sensors and transmit a corresponding signal.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis including a femoral component for attachment to a femur. The femoral component includes an anterior portion, first and second condylar portions extending from the anterior portion and having first and second bearing surfaces, the first and second condylar portions having first and second posterior ends, and a third condylar portion defined between the first and second condylar portions and extending anteriorly beyond the first and second posterior ends.

Abstract: In order to improve a modular implant part for replacing a part of a natural knee joint with an implant component comprising a shaft extending away from the implant component and a connecting device for connecting the shaft to the implant component such that the shaft is adapted to be fixed to the implant component in a multiplicity of desired positions in a simple manner, it is proposed that the connecting device be formed in such a manner that, in a mounting disposition, the shaft is adapted to be moved into different translatory positions by a translatory movement in a direction transverse or substantially transverse to its longitudinal axis, and that, in an implantation disposition, the shaft is adapted to be fixed immovably to the implant component in one of the different translatory positions. Furthermore, an improved knee joint prosthesis is proposed.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device (1) for the mobile connection of a first and a second bony segment (4, 5) of an organic device for cooperating with or substituting a natural articulation comprising a first working surface (9) related to the first cooperating segment (4) with a second working surface (10) related to the second bony segment (5) in order to constrain (guide) the relative motion between the said bony segments (4, 5); the first and the second working surface (9, 10) are respectively practically shaped as the axodes of the relative motion of a first and a second link of a linkage practically equivalent to the natural articulation; in particular the first and the second link are corresponding, in the linkage, to the first and the second bony segment (4, 5).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a mobile bearing knee prosthesis may include an interface (e.g., a spherical radius interface) comprised of a concave superior surface on a tray and a convex inferior surface on a tibial insert. In another embodiment of the present invention a mobile bearing knee prosthesis may include an interface (e.g., a spherical radius interface) comprised of a convex superior surface on a tibial tray and a concave inferior surface on a insert. In another embodiment of the present invention a mobile bearing knee prosthesis may include a bi-concave interface (e.g., having a “wave” like surface geometry). This “wave” like surface geometry may be at the second bearing (i.e., at the interface between a tibial insert and a tray in the mobile bearing knee as opposed to the interface between the tibial insert and a femoral component).

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic joint which can be used as an artificial knee. Said prosthetic joint consists of a knee upper part (1), a knee lower part (2) and a fixing element (8) connecting said two lower parts. The knee upper part is rotationally arranged about the rotational axis (4) of the fixing element and rotation occurs counter to the force of an elastic element (17) which is arranged in knee lower part. Detachable fixing means (7), which are used to fix at least one rotational position, are provided between the knee upper part and the fixing element.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to base components that are usable with implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems. According to one embodiment, the base component includes a low-profile body having a elongate, straight portion at a first end and a curved body portion at a second end. The second end is elevated as compared to the first end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The base component also includes a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis is disclosed. The prosthesis has a femoral component and a tibial component. The tibial component has a tibial plateau element fitted in a tibial tray element. A hemi capstan shaped bridge member is provided between replicated condyles on the femoral component. A specially shaped post is provided between kidney shaped meniscal depression on the tibial plateau element. The bridge member and the post act together to form an additional joint for load transfer during deep flexion of the prosthesis in its operative configuration.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant device and method is disclosed. Specifically, a knee mold system is disclosed, including elastic tibial and femoral molds, each of which may be configured and dimensioned as a unitary mold for in situ placement during a surgical procedure. Each mold may be manufactured from an elastic material that may be disposable. The tibial mold may further comprise a sidewall forming a cavity, markings for relative depth measurement, and depth rings for use as a guide for scoring, cutting, and/or trimming and tearing away an excess portion of the tibial mold. The femoral mold may further comprise a sidewall defining a cavity, two legs extending from a body of the femoral mold for forming the artificial condyles, and an eyelet for aiding in placement and removal of the femoral mold. The resulting prosthetic tibial and femoral components may form an articulation surface that mimics, at least in part, the natural articulation surface of the knee.

Abstract: A knee joint endoprosthesis (1) for forming an articulation between a femur and a tibia comprises a femur component (2), which is connected to the femur, a tibia component (4), which is connected to the tibia, and an intermediate element (3) which is mounted between the tibia component (4) and the femur component (2), lies against the femur component (2) with a modular sliding surface (9), comprising a lateral sliding surface (9a) and a medial sliding surface (9b), and can be connected in a releasable manner to the tibia component (4). The lateral sliding surface (9a) and the medial sliding surface (9b) of the intermediate element (3) have different sagittal cross-sectional profiles.

Abstract: There are provided a knee joint prosthesis for a bi-compartmental knee replacement and surgical devices thereof, wherein the knee joint prosthesis for the bi-compartmental knee replacement, which is performed on a patient with degenerative arthritis at any one of an inside compartment and an outside compartment of the knee and between the femur and the patella, is configured to position a femoral component at the inside or outside of the femur of the patient, to position a tibial component at the inside or outside of the tibia, and to properly position a tibial bearing member between the femoral component and the tibial component, thereby having the effects of improving the range of sense and motion after surgery by preserving other normal joints and reducing blood loss compared to a conventional prosthesis; improving the accuracy of the surgery to prevent the malalignment of the prosthesis, reduce the shaking of the prosthesis and extend the use life of the prosthesis; significantly improving a securing forc

Abstract: An orthopaedic joint prosthesis may include a first component, a bearing component, and a third component. The first component has a base and a keel protruding from the base to extend into a first bone. The keel's longitudinal axis is offset from a geometric center of the base. The base has a first articular surface and the bearing component has a second articular surface shaped to articulate with the first articular surface. A feature unitary with the first component reversibly attaches to the bearing component. The bearing component has a third articular surface shaped to articulate with a fourth articular surface on the third component. A distraction feature of the bearing component is shaped to provide alignment and/or distraction between the first articular surface and the fourth articular surface during insertion of the bearing component into a joint space between the first and second bones.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, arthroplasty of a knee joint comprising obtaining a desired spacing of the femur from the tibia by inserting a spacer into the knee joint between the femur and the tibia. The spacer is used as a reference for securing a guide jig in position about the knee joint for guiding resection of one or both of the femur and tibia for fitting of tibial and/or femoral prostheses. A method of resecting the femur while moving the tibia through an arc of motion to remove bone to the desired depth, a method of determining the position of the guide jig, the guide jog, an alignment device and the spacer are also described.

Abstract: Joint prostheses are provided which may be used to replace, for example, knee, elbow or ankle joints. A knee prosthesis comprises a pin and a pivoting member. The pin bridges a gap between a medial condyle and lateral condyle of a femur. The pivoting member is positioned in the gap and the pin passes through the pivoting member to secure it in position and to allow it to pivot about the pin. The pin and pivoting member of the prosthesis represent a mechanically convenient system which is able to replace the function of a joint and can be positioned with less trauma to the joint whose function they replace than prostheses according to the prior art.

Abstract: An integrated prosthetic assembly for implanting a prosthetic joint between two bones and including at least one ligament graft. The assembly includes a plurality of joint components, a plurality of base components, and at least one drill guide keyed to one of the base components at a predetermined angle for forming a predetermined tunnel in one of the bones.

Abstract: The invention provides a prosthesis structure for anchorage to the joint end of an articulatory part of a joint in a human or animal body which comprises an engagement element which presents a flat or a substantially flat engagement surface for engaging with a complementary joint end surface provided at the joint end and an elongate fixture connected to and spaced from the engagement surface for insertion into a complementary bore provided at the joint end at a distance from the joint end surface. The invention further provides that the elongate fixture forms an acute angle with the engagement surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for restoring individual patient joint kinematics using minimally invasive surgical procedures. The instrumentation of the invention sculpts the articular surface of a first bone that normally articulates in a predetermined manner with a second bone. The instrumentation includes a bone sculpting tool and a mount for attaching the tool to the second bone. The implant system is comprised of implants that provide intraoperative surgical options for articular constraint and facilitate proper alignment and orientation of the joint to restore kinematics as defined by the individual patient anatomy.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis used for replacing the articulating knee portion of a femur and a tibia. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing member, and a soft tissue fixation mechanism. The tibial component includes a tibial bearing surface and an attachment mechanism which facilitates the coupling of the soft tissue attachment mechanism to the tibial component. The soft tissue attachment mechanism has an attachment mechanism which is operable to prevent movement of the soft tissue attachment mechanism with respect to the body. Further, the soft tissue attachment mechanism defines structures which facilitate the coupling of soft tissue to the knee joint prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis having a bearing and a biologic ligament for replacing the articulating knee portion of a femur and a tibia. The knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing member, and a biologic ligament. The femoral component includes a first femoral bearing surface and a second femoral bearing surface. The tibial component includes a tibial bearing surface. The bearing member includes a first bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the first femoral bearing surface, a second bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the second femoral bearing surface and a third bearing surface which is operable to articulate with the tibial bearing surface. The biologic ligament is coupled to both the tibia and the femur to prevent the knee joint from dislocating and guiding the femoral component along a desired path during extension and flexion.

Abstract: An artificial joint (1) suitable for use as an endoprosthesis for a human knee joint, having a first joint compartment (2) formed by a first condyle (3) and a first socket (4) and a second joint compartment (5) formed by a second condyle (6) and a second socket (7). The contact surfaces (C) of the respective joint compartments (2, 5) are offset in the main functional plane. To further improve the characteristics of the artificial joint (1), the contact surfaces (C) of the two joint compartments (2, 5) are sloped as a function of the flexion angle such that the surface normals (8, 9) of the contact surfaces (C) have a common point of intersection at every flexion angle. This arrangement of the contact surfaces (C) achieves self-stabilization of the joint (1) both when a rotary motion or torsion and when lateral forces are introduced.

Abstract: The invention concerns a prosthesis wherein the contact surfaces of the femoral part (i), the insert (3) and the knee joint are defined by the combination of two curves, a spiral-type curve in the saggital plane following an undulating curve (sinusoidal) in the frontal plane. The latter comprises two concave lateral parts and a central dome-shaped convex part, the three parts being connected without any angulation, protuberance, or flat parts or bends and providing continuous medio-lateral contact on the three zones, from complete extension to complete bending, and a concave-convex nesting in the central zone.

Abstract: The femoral component of a knee prosthetic includes a trochlean part (3) and at least one, but preferably two condyles (2) wherein a trochlean trajectory is defined within the external surface of the component by the trochlea. A set of internal flat sides (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9) are implemented to make contact with corresponding re-cut sides of the extremity of the femur and define an internal open cage within the internal surface of said component and further define edges (15, 16, 17 and 18) between themselves. The perpendicular projection (4) of said trochlean trajectory in the medial lateral perspective of said femoral component has a tilt angle (alpha) with a value different from zero relative to the line (23) perpendicular to the perpendicular projection of said edges in said medial lateral perspective.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint, which makes a drag (a contact stress) acting on a sliding surface upon bending small so as to evade an extraordinary abrasion and damage of a sliding surface of a tibia component and which prevents an bending angle from being decreased by preventing lifting of a femoral component in a rotational movement. The artificial knee joint comprises a femoral component to be secured to a distal portion of a femur and a tibia component to be secured to a proximal portion of a tibia, comprising an inner sliding surface and an outer sliding surface receiving a load of the femoral component at the tibia component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method of bicompartmental arthroplasty of the knee. The device permits arthroplasty of the medial or lateral and patellofemoral compartments of the knee while leaving the opposite compartments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments intact. The device provides a femoral prosthesis component that includes a trochlear surface and a tibial prosthesis component which can be secured to the tibia. The femoral component is essentially “u” shaped having an anterior leg upon which the trochlear surface is positioned and a posterior leg which engages the posterior surface of the distal end of the femur. The femoral component also has a convex articulating surface which engages a concave articulating surface of the tibial prosthesis component to approximate the articulation of a healthy knee.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis and method for emulating movements, during flexion, of a natural knee joint replaced by the knee prosthesis, by enabling engagement and relative movement between the femoral component and the tibial component of the knee prosthesis along arcuate tracks, including rotational movement about a longitudinal axis of rotation, during flexion about a transverse axis of rotation, and maintaining the transverse axis of rotation essentially in a generally medial-lateral longitudinal plane maintained in close proximity with a generally coronal plane passing through the centers of curvature of the arcuate tracks during flexion within at least a prescribed range of flexion extending from about 0° of flexion to a predetermined degree of flexion, preferably about 60° of flexion.