Abstract: A surgical procedure planning system and method that uses multiple feedback loops to optimize creation or design of future surgical preoperative plans.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial knee joint that can reconstruct an anterior cruciate ligament in a state close to an original function. An artificial knee joint (1) that is used in a total knee replacement includes a femur member (10) and a tibia member (20). The tibia member (20) has a ligament insertion hole (20h) which pierces the tibia member (20) and which is formed at a position where once an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) exists in a knee replaced for the artificial knee joint (1). Therefore, a ligament can be provided such that a distal end (DT) of a femur (F) and a proximal end (PE) of a tibia (T) are joined to each other by passing the ligament through the ligament insertion hole (20h), which allows the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to be reconstructed so as to be in the substantially same state as a knee replaced for the artificial knee joint (1).

Abstract: A replacement knee implant has a femoral implant and a tibial implant, each of which are inset in a bone surface. The tibial implant is generally elongated with one end rounded and an opposite end conforming to the shape of the tibia, and is made of a metal alloy or a ceramic. The upper surface is dished while the lower surface is planar and can be parallel or sloped relative to the upper surface, and can have a keel for fixation. The femoral implant for implementation in a femoral condyle is rounded such that, when implemented, the femoral implant is flush at the anterior and posterior sides and protruding away from the femur between the anterior and posterior ends. The femoral implant can have an elongated keel for extending into the femur, and can be made from a highly cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: A tibial baseplate may include a bridge portion connecting medial and lateral condylar portions at an anterior end portion of the baseplate, and a pair of fixation members extending inferiorly from a bone contacting surface of each of the medial and lateral condylar portions. One of each pair of fixation members may extend posteriorly from the bone contacting surface, may be positioned anterior to the other of the pair, and may include at least one recessed surface. The recessed surface may include a lateral recess, a posterior recess, and a medial recess. During insertion of the tibial baseplate into the bone, one of each pair of fixation members may guide the tibial baseplate into the bone and secure the tibial baseplate, while the other of each pair of fixation members may drag along the bone so that bone chips accumulate in the recesses, providing for increased fixation of the baseplate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool comprises a substantially planar blade body having a pair of opposed lateral surfaces and a cutting edge. A shank integral on a distal side with the blade body is provided at a proximal side with a connector for operatively linking the blade to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrations. The blade body is provided in at least one of the lateral surfaces with a shallow recess which is nearly coextensive with that lateral surface. The blade body has a raised rim surrounding and defining the recess, the rim being narrow on the three sides between the recess and the cutting edge.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant to cover at least partially a surface of a bone of a patient. The orthopedic implant comprises a body having at least one retaining section, a bone-facing surface, and an articular surface. The at least one retaining section is configured to retain the orthopedic implant on the surface of the patient's bone along at least one axis by covering a corresponding retaining surface thereof. The bone-facing surface of at least one of the at least one retaining section nestingly conforms to an unresected portion of the surface of the bone of the patient. A method for conceiving and implanting an orthopedic implant is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are knee replacement systems for replacing the articular surface of a distal femur. The systems include one or more unicompartmental components, namely patellofemoral, lateral condylar and medial condylar components. The components are configured such that when engaged to the femur the peripheries thereof do not cross specific locations and/or regions of the femur, namely the intercondylar notch and condylopatellar notch. The patellofemoral components described herein preferably have an extension portion extending posteriorly from a posterior periphery thereof towards an intercondylar notch or the femur without contacting the intercondylar notch of the femur when the patellofemoral component is engaged to the femur. The extension portion preferably extends posteriorly from a posterior periphery of the patellofemoral component towards the condylopatellar notch of the femur without contacting the notch.

Abstract: An implant resection system for preparing an implant site to replace a defect in an articular surface of a first bone includes a first guide configured to be coupled generally to the first bone. The first guide includes a body portion defining a channel configured to receive a pin, wherein the pin is configured to penetrate and form a longitudinally disposed bore within the first bone. The implant resection system further includes a second guide configured to be coupled generally perpendicular to the first bone proximate to the defect by way of the bore. The second guide includes a drill bit configured to form an excision site through a portion of the articular surface in preparation of receipt of an implant.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tibial component (10), suitable for use in an orthopedic prosthesis, which prosthesis includes a femoral component and a spacer bearing (70), the tibial component comprising a planar tibial plate (15) having an upper bearing surface (30) and a lower attachment surface (20), and the tibial plate further having at least one spacer bearing attachment means for removably securing the spacer bearing to the tibial plate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical tool comprises a substantially planar blade body having a pair of opposed lateral surfaces and a cutting edge. A shank integral on a distal side with the blade body is provided at a proximal side with a connector for operatively linking the blade to a source of ultrasonic mechanical vibrations. The blade body is provided in at least one of the lateral surfaces with a shallow recess which is nearly coextensive with that lateral surface. The blade body has a raised rim surrounding and defining the recess, the rim being narrow on the three sides between the recess and the cutting edge.

Abstract: A replacement knee implant has a femoral implant and a tibial implant, each of which are inset in a bone surface. The tibial implant is generally elongated with one end rounded and an opposite end conforming to the shape of the tibia, and is made of a metal alloy or a ceramic. The upper surface is dished while the lower surface is planar and can be parallel or sloped relative to the upper surface. The femoral implant for implementation in a femoral condyle is rounded such that, when implemented, the femoral implant is flush at the anterior and posterior sides and protruding away from the femur between the anterior and posterior ends. The femoral implant can have an elongated keel for extending into the femur, and can be made from a highly cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: An artificial and wear-resistant plug mounted to an existing bone associated with a joint structure and which includes a three dimensional and composite plasticized material. An end surface of an existing bone is reconditioned in preparation for engagement of the plug thereto and in order to define a reconditioned artificial wear surface. In a preferred application, a pair end mounted plugs are arranged in opposing fashion between first and second bones and respectively define a male receiving end and a female socket. A lubricant retaining and cartilage defining exterior layer is applied to one or both of opposing surfaces of the plugs.

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: Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.

Abstract: An orthopaedic implant including a base portion and first and second transverse portions extending transversely from the base portion to thereby define an inner region of the implant sized for receipt of an end portion of a bone therein. The implant further includes at least one anchor structure projecting from the base portion and sized and configured for receipt within an opening formed in the end portion of the bone. The anchor structure extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a proximal end attached to the base portion and an opposite distal end, and further includes a tapered outer surface that inwardly tapers in a proximal-to-distal direction along the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the anchor structure also includes one or more grooves extending into the tapered outer surface, with a flowable material positioned about at least a portion of the tapered outer surface and positioned within the grooves, and with the flowable material configured to cure to a hardened state.

Abstract: Various embodiments of femoral trochlea prostheses useable in a knee joint. The knee joint includes a patella and a distal femur with a femoral trochlea, or patello-femoral groove. In one embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a distal tail. In another embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a wing or extension portion. In yet another embodiment, a set of femoral trochlea prostheses includes a plurality of prostheses having differing thicknesses. In still another embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a porous medium on various portions of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper bone and an opposing lower bone. The assembly includes a first component anchored into a first of the reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibiting a first exposed support surface and a second component anchored into a second of the reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibiting a second exposed support surface further including a flexible and conveyable closed loop belt relatively displaceable upon contact with the first support surface. Entrapment pockets can be formed within the implantable components and for collecting wear particles and debris from the belt and in order to extend the life of the joint assembly.

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 tibial insert includes a platform defining an upper bearing surface and a bottom surface. A keel of the tibial insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the platform. A surgical method for knee anthroplasty is also disclosed.

Abstract: A femoral extension prosthetic component for use in a unicondylar meniscal bearing unicompartmental knee replacement is described. The femoral component comprises a securing element and a bearing surface, the securing element adapted to abut and be connected to a distal end of a femur bone, and the bearing surface adapted to abut a meniscal bearing. The femoral component includes an entrapment portion adapted to extend beyond the meniscal bearing. Tibial components and meniscal bearings are also described, as well as methods of using such components.

Abstract: A kit of parts for use in unicondylar meniscal bearing knee replacement comprises a plurality of meniscal bearings, each meniscal bearing comprising a body defining a dished first bearing surface on one side thereof and a second surface on an opposing side of the body. Each meniscal bearing has an entrapment between 3.2 mm and 3.8 mm. Meniscal bearings and methods of performing unicondylar meniscal bearing replacements are also described.

Abstract: A kit for a prosthesis system includes a plurality of first components, each of the plurality of first components for replacing one of a plurality of first surface portions of a bone, a second component for replacing a second surface portion of the bone and a resilient connector for connecting at least one of the plurality of first components to the second component. In accordance with one method, components from a prosthesis system kit used to replace adjacent portions of a bone surface are assembled ex vivo.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning an implant system in anatomy is disclosed. The apparatus can include an alignment member operable to contact an implant portion, a bone, or other appropriate portion. The method can include using the apparatus to assist in positioning a single or multi-piece implant member. Also, a method of aligning a first implant position relative to another implant position is disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile tibial assembly includes a tibial tray and a unicompartmental tibial insert configured to move relative to the tibial tray. The tibial insert includes a platform having an upper bearing surface and a stem extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the unicompartmental insert. The tibial tray includes a corresponding recess, such as a cavity and/or a channel, configured to receive the stem therein such that the stem and the recess cooperate to constrain the movement of the unicompartmental tibial insert relative to the tibial tray. The stem of the unicompartmental tibial insert is configured to extend below the bottom surface of the tibial tray when received in the cavity.

Abstract: A femoral component of a knee prosthesis, wherein the femoral component includes a sharp radius at each end (e.g., the anterior end and the posterior end) of the femoral component is disclosed herein. The sharp radius at each end may form a “claw” at each end. Each of these claws may “dig” through the patient's cartilage into the bone (or may “dig” directly into bone if there is no intervening cartilage). One benefit provided by a claw may be facilitating a smooth transition of cartilage/poly bearing to femoral implant/poly bearing (e.g., during knee extension). A femoral component of a knee prosthesis, wherein the femoral component includes a raised rib having a bulbous terminus at a free edge is disclosed herein. This raised rib having a bulbous terminus at a free edge may, for example, simultaneously create sufficient implant strength and adequate cement fixation while minimizing the component's thickness.

Abstract: A mobile bearing implant includes a first component. The first component includes a bone facing surface for engaging one of a substantially uncut articular cartilage surface and a substantially uncut subchondral bone surface. The bone facing surface substantially matches the one of the articular cartilage surface and the subchondral bone surface. The mobile bearing implant further includes an external surface. A bearing component has a first surface for slidingly engaging the external surface of the first component, and a second surface for engaging at least one of a second component, bone, and cartilage.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.

Abstract: A replacement knee implant has a femoral implant and a tibial implant, each of which are inset in a bone surface. The tibial implant is generally elongated with one end rounded and an opposite end conforming to the shape of the tibia, and is made of a metal alloy or a ceramic. The upper surface is dished while the lower surface is planar and can be parallel or sloped relative to the upper surface. The femoral implant for implementation in a femoral condyle is rounded such that, when implemented, the femoral implant is flush at the anterior and posterior sides and protruding away from the femur between the anterior and posterior ends. The femoral implant can have an elongated keel for extending into the femur, and can be made from a highly cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: A mobile tibial assembly includes a tibial tray, a tibial insert, and a platform separate from the tibial tray and the tibial insert. The platform is configured to be coupled to the tibial insert and the tibial tray. The tibial insert is movable relative to the platform and the platform is movable relative to the tibial tray.

Abstract: A mobile tibial assembly includes a tibial tray and a tibial insert configured to move relative to the tibial tray. The tibial insert includes a platform having an upper bearing surface defining a dwell point of the upper bearing surface. The dwell point is spaced-apart from a center of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A mobile tibial assembly includes a tibial tray and a tibial insert. The tibial tray includes a track that is defined in an upper surface, and the track has a bottom wall that is flat in the medial-lateral direction and convex in the anterior-posterior direction. The tibial insert includes a bottom bearing surface configured to contact the upper surface of the tibial tray and a stem including a circular neck connected to the bottom bearing surface. The bottom bearing surface has a surface area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the circular neck. The convex upper surface of the tibial tray contacts the concave bottom bearing surface of the tibial insert and the tibial insert is freely rotatable about a central axis defined by the stem as the tibial insert is moved along the track relative to the tibial tray in the generally anterior-posterior direction.

Abstract: A unicompartmental knee prosthesis for implantation into a knee joint includes a body having a substantially elliptical shape in plan and a pair of contoured opposed faces including a first face and a second face, the second face including a concave surface. The prosthesis is free of fixation to a permanent location within the knee joint compartment. A peripheral edge extends between the faces and has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a cusp comprising a reverse curve downward from to the first face at one of the first and second ends. A first dimension D is defined by the first end and the second end, and a second dimension F is defined by the first side and the second side. A coordinate system origin (CSO) is at an intersection of D and F, the body including a material thickness at the CSO, where the dimension F is from about 0.25 to about 1.5 of the dimension D.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tibial prosthesis useful in knee replacement surgeries. The prosthesis includes one or more cement introduction ports which may be used to deliver and control delivery of bone cement to a prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned on a resurfaced area of a tibia bone. The prosthesis is suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The prosthesis may be used as a unicondylar implant in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arthroscopic unicompartmental knee surgery which include a femoral component and a tibial component. The femoral component is installed in a trough in the femoral condyle formed by using a template, a plurality of drill pins and a plurality of corresponding cutters. The template is aligned with the curvature of the femoral condyle, the two drill pins are passed through the template and drilled into the femur, cutters are advanced over the corresponding drill pins to make holes in the femur, and the remaining hourglass shaped bone is removed with osteotomy pliers to form the trough. A tibial socket for the tibial component is formed in a retrograde manner.

Abstract: A prosthesis for surgical implantation into a knee joint compartment between a femoral condyle and its corresponding tibial plateau includes a body including a bottom face, an opposed top face, and a peripheral edge extending between the top and bottom faces. The body has a first portion and at least one second portion, wherein at least one second portion is configured to store and release at least one active component into the knee joint compartment without degradation of the mechanical function of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A two sided cylindrical chondral resurfacing implant that covers areas of the highest contact between the tibia and femur. A dual-sided rotary drill cutter is employed to create a tibial socket from outside in. A full femoral trough is made with the opposite side of the rotary drill cutter by simply moving the knee through flexion and extension. In this manner, automatic alignment of femoral and tibial components is achieved due to the “transtibial” nature of the femoral preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial meniscus part for a knee-joint prosthesis that has on an upper side at least one femoral joint surface for the movable mounting of an artificial, natural or machined condyle of a femur, wherein the at least one femoral joint surface is configured in the form of a depression facing away from the meniscus part wherein the depression has an anterior and a posterior end region and a width of the depression has a minimum between the anterior and the posterior end region. An improved meniscus part set, an improved knee-joint prosthesis and an improved knee-joint prosthesis set are further proposed.

Abstract: A knee implantation system for replacing a portion of a knee joint includes an unicondyler tibial implant configured to replace a portion of a tibia that includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a body portion that includes an articulating surface for replacing only a single superior articulating surface of the tibia. The second member has a textured surface. The second member is removably connected to the body portion and the textured surface is disposed about opposite the articulating surface.

Abstract: A unicondylar femoral prosthetic implant component for implant at a prepared implant site within a natural knee joint provides a femoral articular surface having a convex surface contour configuration along a femoral condylar surface in a restored knee joint. A relief section is located adjacent the anterior end of the femoral condylar surface for placement contiguous with the patella track of the natural knee joint. The relief section has a surface contour configuration dimensioned and configured for providing an essentially continuous and smooth transition between the patella track along the natural bone adjacent the implant site and the femoral condylar surface of the implant component. The surface contour configuration of the relief section preferably is concave.

Abstract: A method of implanting a lateral unicondylar knee prosthesis in a lateral articulating portion of a femur having a lateral condyle for engagement with a tibia, the method including the steps of: bending a patients knee such that the knee is not in full extension; making an incision through the skin, muscle, and other soft tissue until the damaged bone surfaces are exposed; resecting an end portion of the lateral tibia; resecting an end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; attaching a tibial prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the tibia; attaching a lateral femoral condyle prosthetic component to the resected end portion of the lateral femoral condyle; determining the thickness of a mobile bearing member with the knee in full extension; and inserting the mobile bearing member between the tibial prosthetic component and the femoral prosthetic component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis including femoral and tibial components. The bodies of the components possess a network of channels which may be used to deliver bone cement to the component bone interface after the components are implanted. The body of the femoral component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the distal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The body of the tibial component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the proximal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The components are suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The components may be used as unicondylar implants in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for implantation into a knee joint compartment between a femoral condyle and its corresponding tibial plateau without requiring bone resection. The prosthesis includes a body having a generally elliptical shape in plan and a pair of opposed surfaces where one of the surfaces is generally concave. The body further includes an exterior portion and an interior portion, where the exterior portion is constructed from a higher modulus material than the interior portion such that the body is at least slightly deformable.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee includes a femoral component and a tibial component that cooperate to promote joint stability in deep flexion of the knee. An articulating surface of the femoral component transitions from a convex curvature to a concave curvature at a femoral inflection point. An articulating surface of the tibial component transitions from a concave curvature to a convex curvature at a tibial inflection point. The femoral and tibial inflection points cooperate during flexion of the knee so that the concave curvature of the femoral component mates with the convex curvature of the tibial component.

Abstract: A unicompartmental knee prosthesis for implantation into a knee joint includes a body having a substantially elliptical shape in plan and a pair of contoured opposed faces including a first face and a second face, the second face including a concave surface. The prosthesis is free of fixation to a permanent location within the knee joint compartment. A peripheral edge extends between the faces and has a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the body including a cusp comprising a reverse curve downward from to the first face at one of the first and second ends. A first dimension D is defined by the first end and the second end, and a second dimension F is defined by the first side and the second side. A coordinate system origin (CSO) is at an intersection of D and F, the body including a material thickness at the CSO, where the dimension F is from about 0.25 to about 1.5 of the dimension D.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee prosthesis with a tibial part (1) that has concave or plane condylar bearing surfaces (2, 3). According to the invention, the lateral condylar bearing surface (2) merges into a preferably convex end portion (4) that falls away in the dorsal direction.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for implantation into a knee joint compartment between a femoral condyle and its corresponding tibial plateau. The prosthesis is configured to be translatable with respect to the tibial plateau during knee articulation, and includes a body having a generally elliptical shape in plan and a pair of opposed surfaces including a substantially flat bottom surface and an opposed top surface.

Abstract: An implant (6) is provided for implantation in a condyle (21) of a proximal tibia. The implant is shaped in such a way that an anterior edge (63) at least approximately simulates the anterior contour of the tibial plateau (2). The implant is dimensioned such that it does not extend as far as the margin of the tibial plateau in the posterior and lateral directions and is shaped like a plate in such a way that it is free from form-fit anchoring elements and can be pushed in the manner of a drawer into a recess of the tibial plateau and can be cemented. The implant permits maximum preservation of the bone tissue and soft tissue, and the necessary resection and the implantation can both be performed by what is essentially a purely anterior approach.

Abstract: An improved method of performing surgery on a joint in a patient's body, such as a knee, includes making an incision in a knee portion of one leg while a lower portion of the one leg is extending downward from an upper portion of the one leg and while a foot connected with the lower portion of the one leg is below a support surface on which the patient is disposed. The incision is relatively short, for example, between seven and thirteen centimeters. A patella may be offset from its normal position with an inner side of the patella facing inward during cutting of a bone with a cutting tool. During cutting of the bone, one or more guide members having opposite ends which are spaced apart by a distance less than the width of an implant may be utilized to guide movement of a cutting tool.

Abstract: A single-compartment knee prosthesis provides different femoral implants for the medial and lateral compartments. Both femoral implants feature distinct bends and slight twists following the anatomical shape of the corresponding compartment, of about 22° for the medial implant (11) and 14° for the lateral femoral implant (31). The complementary tibial plates also differ according to whether they are adapted to the medial or to the lateral compartment. In the latter case, the shape of the tibial plate (39) is substantially semicircular whereas the medial tibial plate (19) is more elongated.

Abstract: Various embodiments of femoral trochlea prostheses useable in a knee joint. The knee joint includes a patella and a distal femur with a femoral trochlea, or patello-femoral groove. In one embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a distal tail. In another embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a wing or extension portion. In yet another embodiment, a set of femoral trochlea prostheses includes a plurality of prostheses having differing thicknesses. In still another embodiment, a femoral trochlea prosthesis includes a porous medium on various portions of the prosthesis.