Abstract: Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors.

Abstract: A prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint includes two constructs, one being a metal base that engages a bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing that attaches to the metal base and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on a opposing side of the joint. The metal base is composed of two metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing. Each of the metals is selected for its function. The first metal is selected to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal is selected to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face. By combining the different material characteristics of two different metals there is formed a superior bone-engaging face and a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided having a first plate and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate. A substantially round post separates the first plate and the second plate and a flexure is provided in the second plate proximate the post.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: A tibia plateau for a replacement joint, particularly an endoprosthesis for a human knee joint, in which the head and socket artificial joint parts have convex and concave articulation surfaces, respectively, and the articulation surfaces are arranged in pairs, so that the functional surfaces which are formed can roll against one another along a curved contact line, especially a circularly arcuate contact line, formed on each articulation surface. A gently sloping bulge (1) is formed in the area (4) adjacent the functional surfaces (2) which bulge prevents excessive rolling movement and lateral displacement of the joint parts relative to each other.

Abstract: A tibial knee joint prosthesis for attachment to a suitably prepared tibial bone, providing bearing portions in the lateral and medial compartments. The lateral and medial bearing surfaces of the component are inclined at different angles in the anterior to posterior direction of the knee, so that when mounted to the tibia, the lateral bearing surface of the prosthesis is higher than the medial bearing surface to the posterior side of the knee. In this way the lateral ligament is tightened progressively more than the medial ligament as the knee moves from extension to flexion, resulting in increased stability in the lateral compartment.

Abstract: Instrumentation and a method for resurfacing a joint capsule having cartilage and meniscal surfaces such as a knee joint includes resecting a central portion of the joint cartilage on one joint member such as the tibia while leaving a meniscal rim attached to the peripheral joint capsule. A cavity is then formed in the bone underlying the central portion of the joint surface such as the lateral tibial surface. A resurfacing implant is then coupled, by cementing for example, to the cavity. A soft prosthetic meniscal implant is then coupled to the remaining meniscal ring such as by suturing.

Abstract: A stem extension for surgical implants such as tibial or femoral knee implants. The stem extension is interposed between the stem and its load bearing component (i.e., tibial tray or condylar component) and angularly orients the attached stem relative to the load bearing component to facilitate positioning of the stem in the bone canal and alignment of the load bearing component with the mechanical axis of the leg. The extension includes a female taper that engages the load bearing component. The extension also includes a male taper having a longitudinal axis oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the female taper. Engagement of the male taper with the stem thereby orients the stem at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the load bearing component.

Abstract: Surgical devices such as implants or suture fastenings are assembled from a plurality of discrete components, one of which components includes a heat bondable plastic material for bonding the components together. At least two components are bonded to each other by the applying heat to the heat bondable plastic material of one component. The heat bondable plastic material is preferably a polymeric or composite material suitable for surgical applications and implantation in humans, and may be a biodegradable material. A laser may be used as the heat source. The present invention is advantageously embodied in heat bonded fastenings for sutures or K-wires, in which a variety of different suture anchors are usable, including expandable distal suture anchors.

Abstract: A selected augment, shown as a tibial augment, is secured at an augmentation location on a prosthetic implant component, shown as a tibial implant component, by a securing element assembled with the body of the augment for displacement relative to the augment body to selectively engage an abutment located on a depending structure of the implant component, adjacent the augmentation location, so as to establish a securing force between the securing element and the depending structure for urging the augment against the implant component, and thereby secure the augment to the implant component at the augmentation location. In the tibial augment, a distal surface includes surface portions extending in anterior-posterior directions and oriented essentially normal to medial-lateral directions.

Abstract: In a total knee replacement (TKR), the use of a cushion element provides better wear characteristics than polyethylene (“poly”) alone. Since a metal-on-metal, metal-on-ceramic, or ceramic-on-ceramic articulating surface has better wear characteristics than metal on poly, the invention essentially provides cushioning for metal/ceramic-on-metal/ceramic joint replacements. It also allows the use of elastomers for their cushioning properties rather than their surface wear and tensile strength characteristics. The contained compressible elements could also be used as a cushion below polyethylene components, polyethylene over metal components, unicondylar knee replacements, patellar components, and prosthetic components for other parts of the body, including the hip, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and ankle.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis has a metal tray component (1) comprising a transverse member (3) with a peripheral upstanding rim (6) and a projecting stem (4). The upstanding rim (6) includes a posterior rim portion with an undercut lip forming a pair of recesses (7, 8) and an anterior rim portion with an open angled posterior surface portion (9) and a posteriorly projecting barbed portion (10). The prosthesis also includes a tibia insert (2) made of a plastics material which fits on the tibial implant (1) within the upstanding rim (6) and has on a posterior portion thereof a shaped contour (14, 15) adapted in use to fit snugly under the undercut lip and on an anterior portion thereof an anterior surface (13) having a taper angle substantially corresponding to the angle of the open angled posterior surface portion.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel orthopedic prosthesis, specifically a prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint, that comprises two constructs, one being a metal base construct that engages the bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing construct that attaches to the metal base construct and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on the opposing side of the joint. The metal base construct is composed of two different metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing construct. Each of these metals is selected so that its characteristics are well suited to its particular function. More particularly, the first metal (i.e., the one that engages the bone surface) is selected so as to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal (i.e., the one that engages the polyethylene bearing construct) is selected so as to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: An artificial joint or disc replacement (ADR) broadly includes a pair of opposing endplate components, each attached to one of the upper and lower vertebrae, a cushioning component disposed between the endplate components, and a mechanism for coupling the cushioning component to one or both of the endplates. In the preferred embodiment, the cushioning component takes the form of a tire-like outer structure attached to an inner hub. A filler material is also preferably contained within the cushioning component. The filler material may be a gas, liquid, foam, or gel, including a hydrogel. One or both of the endplate components may include a modified surface to increase adherence to respective opposing bone surfaces.

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: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.

Abstract: A tibial insert of a complete posterior stabilised knee prosthesis, noticeably of a trial prosthesis, has a base (5) on the upper part of which are formed one or several concave contact surfaces with one or several condyles of a femoral part, and a tibial stud (6) made to protrude, particularly perpendicularly from the base. The tibial stud is detachable from the base, and comprises a pin (12), coming from its lower surface, of a greater length than the thickness of the base. The base includes a bore (9) through which the tibial stud passes made to protrude below the lower surface than the base, opposite the upper surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rotating/non-rotating tibia base plate/insert system. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a tibia base plate, an insert adapted to be positioned above the base plate, and at least one removable pin that, when installed, engages at least a portion of the insert and the base plate to thereby prevent relative rotation between the insert and the base plate.

Abstract: An anatomical knee prosthesis configured to be oriented on an anatomical line of an interarticular space of the knee and not oriented on a mechanical axis as far as the interarticular space of the knee is concerned.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for implantation into a body joint, such as 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 including opposed top and bottom surfaces. The body includes a supporting portion and a coating portion, where the supporting portion has at least one surface at least partially disposed within an interior of the body and the coating portion has at least one surface disposed on an exterior of the body. The supporting portion is constructed from a higher modulus material than the coating portion such that the body is at least slightly deformable.

Abstract: A cartilage plug, which is made from a biocompatible, artificial material, that is used to fill a void in natural cartilage that has been resected due to traumatic injury or chronic disease is disclosed. Alternatively, the plug may be relied upon to anchor a flowable polymer to subchondral bone. The plug is prefabricatable in any size, shape, and contour and may be utilized either singly or in a plurality to fill any size void for any application. The plug may be formed of a laminated structure to match the physiological requirements of the repair site. Additionally, ridges may be formed about the periphery of each plug to facilitate its anchoring to surrounding cartilage, bone and/or adjacent plugs.

Abstract: A tibial augment for use with a knee joint prosthesis, composed of annular members of different stock sizes, each size being configured to fit within a cavity formed in a human tibia. The augment may include a stepped distal surface. A provisional (temporary) tibial augment used to ensure a proper fit for the permanent augment is also provided. The provisional may include grooves configured to cooperate with a set of ribs on a tong-like holder used for removing the provisional from the cavity. A pusher for use implanting the tibial augment is also provided. In addition, a system for creating a cavity in a human tibia is also described. The system preferably includes a guide with a slot therein and a set of osteotomes that are inserted within different portions of the slot. Methods for using the tools and/or implanting the prosthetic devices discussed above are also described.

Abstract: A tibial knee joint prosthesis for attachment to a suitably prepared tibial bone, providing bearing portions in the lateral and medial compartments. The lateral and medial bearing surfaces of the component are inclined at different angles in the anterior to posterior direction of the knee, so that when mounted to the tibia, the lateral bearing surface of the prosthesis is higher than the medial bearing surface to the posterior side of the knee. In this way the lateral ligament is tightened progressively more than the medial ligament as the knee moves from extension to flexion, resulting in increased stability in the lateral compartment.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed and procured components, adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. In a preferred embodiment, component(s) can be partially cured and generally formed ex vivo and further and further formed in vivo at the joint site to enhance conformance and improve long term performance. In another embodiment, a preformed balloon or composite material can be inserted into the joint site and filled with a flowable biomaterial in situ to conform to the joint site. In yet another embodiment, the preformed component(s) can be fully cured and formed ex vivo and optionally further fitted and secured at the joint site.

Abstract: A tibial resurfacing system is provided that includes a drill guide, bone chisel and implant. In one aspect, the system includes a drill guide that includes a targeting ring that is shaped to be placed on the superior tibial surface and a bore section that is connected to the ring to create an axis through the tibia to the superior tibial surface in the vicinity of the targeting ring. The drill guide permits a drill pin and/or drill to be advanced through the tibia to the superior tibial surface. In another aspect, a bone chisel is provided that includes an elongated tubular structure having a first end and a bone-cutting end, and the bone-cutting end is terminated in a transverse angle thereby creating an elliptical bone-cutting face. In another aspect, an implant is provided that includes an angled bearing element formed of a cylindrical member having a first end and a second end.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee system has a tibial component and a universal augment. A single augment can be used to support the tibial tray on either the medial or lateral side. The augment has reverse image sides and a through-bore with no threads. The tibial tray has a complementary threaded bore. The through-bore of the augment has a plane of symmetry perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A selected augment, shown as a tibial augment, is secured at an augmentation location on a prosthetic implant component, shown as a tibial implant component, by a securing element assembled with the body of the augment for displacement relative to the augment body to selectively engage an abutment located on a depending structure of the implant component, adjacent the augmentation location, so as to establish a securing force between the securing element and the depending structure for urging the augment against the implant component, and thereby secure the augment to the implant component at the augmentation location. In the tibial augment, a distal surface includes surface portions extending in anterior-posterior directions and oriented essentially normal to medial-lateral directions.

Abstract: In a total knee replacement (TKR), the use of a cushion element provides better wear characteristics than polyethylene (“poly”) alone. Since a metal-on-metal, metal-on-ceramic, or ceramic-on-ceramic articulating surface has better wear characteristics than metal on poly, the invention essentially provides cushioning for metal/ceramic-on-metal/ceramic joint replacements. It also allows the use of elastomers for their cushioning properties rather than their surface wear and tensile strength characteristics. The contained compressible elements could also be used as a cushion below polyethylene components, polyethylene over metal components, unicondylar knee replacements, patellar components, and prosthetic components for other parts of the body, including the hip, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and ankle.

Abstract: A unicompartmental meniscal prosthesis having a kidney-bean shape and being suitable for surgical implantation into the lateral compartment of the knee that is defined by the space between a femoral condyle and the respective tibial plateau. The prosthesis has fixation members at the posterior and anterior ends.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel orthopedic prosthesis, specifically a prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint, that comprises two constructs, one being a metal base construct that engages the bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing construct that attaches to the metal base construct and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on the opposing side of the joint. The metal base construct is composed of two different metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing construct. Each of these metals is selected so that its characteristics are well suited to its particular function. More particularly, the first metal (i.e., the one that engages the bone surface) is selected so as to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal (i.e., the one that engages the polyethylene bearing construct) is selected so as to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: A partial knee replacement device comprises a reinforcing spike which spans the tibia and supports a tibial inset. The spike has a pointed tip, shaft and head. The spike when driven across the cross-section of the tibia has its tip engaging the peripheral edge of the tibial hard bone, and its head supported by the opposite peripheral edge of the tibial hard bone.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis is described comprising a metal tray component (1) comprising a transverse member (3) having an upper side with a peripheral upstanding rim (6) and a lower side provided with a projecting stem (4) for insertion in a surgically prepared cavity in a tibia of a patient. The upstanding rim (6) includes a posterior rim portion and an anterior rim portion. The posterior rim portion is provided with an undercut lip forming a pair of recesses (7, 8) and the anterior rim portion has an open angled posterior surface portion (9) and a posteriorly projecting barbed portion (10). The prosthesis also includes a tibia insert (2) made of a plastics material shaped to fit on the upper side of the tibial implant (1) within the upstanding rim (6) and having an upper bearing surface (11, 12) adapted to cooperate with at least one condyle of a femur or of a femoral implant and a lower surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis system adapted to replace the articulating knee portion of a femur and a tibia. The knee joint prosthesis system includes a first femoral component and a second femoral component. The first femoral component includes a first femoral engagement region and a first condylar portion having a first femoral bearing surface. The first femoral engagement region is operable to engage a resecting engagement surface of the femur and the first condylar portion includes a first posterior region having a first thickness. The second femoral component includes a second femoral engagement region and a second condylar portion having a second femoral bearing surface. The second femoral engagement region is operable to engage the resected engagement surface of the femur and the second condylar portion includes a second posterior region having a second thickness.

Abstract: A knee joint prosthesis comprises a femoral component for implantation on a prepared femoral condyle of a knee and a tibial component for implantation on a prepared corresponding tibial plateau of the knee. The femoral component has a femoral articular surface cooperable with a tibial articular surface of the tibial component to permit motion at the knee. The femoral articular surface has a medial-lateral radius of curvature, and the tibial articular surface has a medial-lateral radius of curvature 0.25 to 5.00 mm longer than the medial-lateral radius of curvature of the femoral articular surface. The tibial articular surface has a medial-lateral mid-point, and the femoral articular surface defines a tracking line for the femoral component which tracks in an anterior-posterior direction along the medial-lateral mid-point as the knee moves between extension and flexion. The tracking line tracks at a medial-lateral angle relative to the medial-lateral mid-point of the tibial articular surface.

Abstract: An orthopedic component for total joint replacement that comprises a metal tray (3) and polymer liner (27), the metal tray having screw holes (7a, 7b) for fixation with screws (9) to bone and a circumferential rim or wall (15) with a smooth inner surface (21). The liner (27) is provided with a flexible sealing ridge (39) around its entire periphery, the sealing ridge being positioned so that it sealingly engages the tray rim so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the liner and the tray. The liner is provided with a locking mechanism comprised of tabs at the longitudinal ends of the liner which engage grooves in the front and rear of the tray.

Abstract: A nonmodular tibial prosthesis having a retainer for a modular bearing on the superior surface of a tibial base, a nonmodular primary bearing directly molded to the base, and a mechanical release member mounted on the tibial base in contact with the nonmodular primary bearing. The release member includes a wedge portion with a superiorly posteriorly inclined face, and is designed to be driven anteriorly upon actuation so as to force the primary bearing off of the tibial base, after which the primary bearing and release member are removed and replaced with a modular bearing.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis has a medial condyle (1) and a lateral condyle (5), the running surfaces (2) of which and the counter-surfaces A, B of which that lie on a tibia platform (3) are sections of spherical surfaces with radii R1, R2, with their center M1′ and M2′ forming in their vertical projection onto the counter-surfaces A, B the points M1, M2. The lateral counter-surface B belongs to a lateral meniscus part (7) which, guided on a plane (13) of the tibia platform, is pivotal with the point M2 on a circular arc with radius R3 about the point M1, with the radius R3 corresponding to the distance a of the centers M1′, M2′.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tibial tray assembly for attaching within a cavity formed in a tibia. The tibial tray assembly includes a main body, an anchor, and a compliant portion disposed between the main body and the anchor. The main body includes a tibial tray that is operable to engage a prepared tibia surface. The anchor is operable to be retained within the cavity formed in the tibia and includes an attachment mechanism located within the cavity and operable to fixedly attach the anchor within the cavity formed within the tibia. The compliant portion disposed between the main body and the anchor is operable to be expanded and contracted.

Abstract: A teletibial implant is provided for measuring forces between a femur having first and second condylar surfaces and a tibia when a joint is articulated. The implant includes a medial tibial insert engaging the first condylar surface and a lateral tibial insert engaging the second condylar surface. A transducer includes a medial plate coupled to the medial tibial insert, a lateral plate coupled to the lateral tibial insert, and a bottom plate supporting the medial and lateral plates. The medial and lateral plates receive forces from the medial and lateral inserts, respectively. The bottom plate also has a plurality of spaced apart force sensors for measuring forces exerted on the medial and lateral plates.

Abstract: A prosthetic system that includes a prosthetic implant and a support structure secured to an inner surface of the cavity in the end of the bone is disclosed. The support structure defines a channel that extends through the length of the support structure. The prosthetic implant is received in the channel, and a portion of the prosthetic implant is secured to an inner surface of the channel by an adhesive. The stem of the prosthesis beyond the channel may be cemented or uncemented. The support structure may have an approximately funnel shape. The support structure may be a hollow porous cylindrical sleeve. The support structure may comprise a pair of partially hemispherical components arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby defining a channel between the pair of components. The support structure may comprise a plurality of pedestals secured to the inner surface of the cavity of the bone.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis includes a tibial platform having a medial-lateral center and an inferior surface matable with a resected proximal tibia, and a modular keel that is fixable to the inferior surface and adjustable in a medial-lateral direction with respect to the medial-lateral center of the tibial platform.

Abstract: An orthopedic component for total joint replacement that comprises a metal tray (3) and polymer liner (27), the metal tray having screw holes (7a, 7b) for fixation with screws (9) to bone and a circumferential rim or wall (15) with a smooth inner surface (21). The liner (27) is provided with a flexible sealing ridge (39) around its entire periphery, the sealing ridge being positioned so that it sealingly engages the tray rim so as to form a fluid-tight seal between the liner and the tray. The liner is provided with a locking mechanism comprised of tabs at the longitudinal ends of the liner which engage grooves in the front and rear of the tray.

Abstract: A partial knee replacement device comprises a reinforcing spike which spans the tibia and supports a tibial inset. The spike has a pointed tip, shaft and head. The spike when driven across the cross-section of the tibia has its tip engaging the peripheral edge of the tibial hard bone, and its head supported by the opposite peripheral edge of the tibial hard bone.

Abstract: A method and system for the creation or modification of the wear surface of orthopedic joints, involving the preparation and use of one or more partially or fully preformed and procured components, adapted for insertion and placement into the body and at the joint site. In a preferred embodiment, component(s) can be partially cured and generally formed ex vivo and further and further formed in vivo at the joint site to enhance conformance and improve long term performance. In another embodiment, a preformed balloon or composite material can be inserted into the joint site and filled with a flowable biomaterial in situ to conform to the joint site. In yet another embodiment, the preformed component(s) can be fully cured and formed ex vivo and optionally further fitted and secured at the joint site.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel orthopedic prosthesis, specifically a prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint, that comprises two constructs, one being a metal base construct that engages the bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing construct that attaches to the metal base construct and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on the opposing side of the joint. The metal base construct is composed of two different metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing construct. Each of these metals is selected so that its characteristics are well suited to its particular function. More particularly, the first metal (i.e., the one that engages the bone surface) is selected so as to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal (i.e., the one that engages the polyethylene bearing construct) is selected so as to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint has a meniscus part (1) which is displaceably journalled on a tibia platform (2) and a guiding part (7) which is rotatably journalled on the tibia platform (2) and which engages into a guide (8) of the meniscus part (1), with the guiding part and the meniscus part having lateral guiding surfaces (9a, 10a; 9b, 10b) for guiding the meniscus part (1). In order to limit the surface pressure between the guiding surfaces (9a, 9b; 10a, 10b) the lateral guiding surfaces (9a, 9b; 10a, 10b) have different radii of curvature (R1, R2) which are greater than 10 cm, with the sum of the reciprocals of the radii of curvature 1/R1+1/R2 being less than 0.2 cm−1.

Abstract: A tibial knee joint prosthesis for attachment to a suitably prepared tibial bone, providing bearing portions in the lateral and medial compartments. The lateral and medial bearing surfaces of the component are inclined at different angles in the anterior to posterior direction of the knee, so that when mounted to the tibia, the lateral bearing surface of the prosthesis is higher than the medial bearing surface to the posterior side of the knee. In this way the lateral ligament is tightened progressively more than the medial ligament as the knee moves from extension to flexion, resulting in increased stability in the lateral compartment.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis locking system. The system includes a tibial plate and an articular surface component or tibial insert. A proximal side of the tibial plate includes perimeter sidewalls with holding flanges formed thereon, and male retaining projections are formed on interior portions of the proximal tibial plate. A distal side of the articular surface component is designed to interlock with the holding flanges and retaining projections formed on the tibial plate. The male retaining projections and the holding flanges cooperatively engage with the articular surface component to provide it with resistance to movement in an anterior-posterior direction, a medial lateral direction, a rotational direction, and a vertical direction.

Abstract: The invention shows a knee prosthesis comprising a medial condyle (1) and a lateral condyle (5), the running surfaces (2) of which and the counter-surfaces A, B of which that lie on a tibia platform (3) are sections of spherical surfaces with radii R1, R2, with their center M1′ and M2′ forming in their vertical projection onto the counter-surfaces A, B the points M1 and M2. The lateral counter-surface B belongs to a lateral meniscus part (7) which, guided on a plane (13) of the tibia platform, is pivotal with the point M2 on a circular arc with radius R3 about the point M1, with the radius R3 corresponding to the distance a of the centers M1′, M2′.

Abstract: An orthopaedic knee component for implanting within a proximal tibia includes a tibial tray with a proximal tibial plateau and a projection extending generally orthogonal to the tibial plateau. The tibial tray also includes a distally extending stem. A bearing is coupled with the tibial plateau and has an articular bearing surface for engagement with a femoral component. The bearing is rotationally movable between a first rotational limit and a second rotational limit about an axis extending generally orthogonal to the tibial plateau. The bearing has a backing surface engaging the tibial plateau which is sized and shaped such that the backing surface is substantially entirely supported by the tibial plateau at any position during rotational movement between the first rotation limit and the second rotational limit.