Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus and components thereof, and kits, for connecting to bone using an anchor element configured to be anchored in bone and having a selectively bendable hinge region. In some embodiments, the system may connect the anchor element to connective tissue, a bridge member, and/or to another anchor element by bending the hinge region while the anchor element is disposed in bone, thereby connecting bone to the connective tissue or bridge member, and/or connecting bone members.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles.

Abstract: An implant system and apparatus configured to permit motion of the wrist in at least one physiological direction, as well as in a dart thrower's motion, and constrain motion of the wrist in at least one non-physiological direction are provided. The implant according to one embodiment includes a distal component and proximal component. Each of the distal and proximal components includes a primary articulating portion and a secondary articulating portion. Primary and secondary articulating portions include at least one component having either a substantially convex or a substantially concave shape. The secondary articulating portion is configured to be radially and volarly disposed in relation to the primary articulating portion.

Abstract: An ulnar prosthesis assembly comprising a head formed with a curved surface extending between opposed ends and a stem. One of the ends of the head has an attachment bore defined therein. The attachment bore generally has a first diameter and includes an attachment groove thereabout with a second diameter greater than the first diameter to define at least one attachment shoulder. The stem has a stem body extending between a proximal end configured for implantation in a target bone and a distal end configured to be received in the attachment bore. The distal end has a locking flange extending radially therefrom. The locking flange defines a locking shoulder having a diameter greater than the first diameter such that upon receipt in the attachment bore, the locking shoulder engages the attachment shoulder.

Abstract: A method for making an orthopaedic implant, the method comprising: characterizing at least a portion of a bone corresponding to the bone to be replaced, said corresponding bone being on the contralateral side of the patient; providing a model of the orthopaedic implant based on a mirror image of the contralateral bone; and forming the orthopaedic implant based on the model.

Abstract: A swellable, resilient, flexible carpometacarpal (CMC) joint spacer is provided that is made of a swellable fluid absorbing polymeric medium, the spacer being dimensioned and configured to fit into the space between a natural or replacement trapezium and adjacent metacarpal bones and restore separation therebetween. In embodiments, the spacer has a cylindrical shape. In embodiments, the polymeric medium is a hydrogel. In embodiments, the spacer contains an internal reinforcement member. In embodiments, the spacer is delivered to a target site in at least a partially dehydrated state, whereupon it hydrates and expands to create positive pressure against opposing surfaces, thereby causing separation of the joint.

Abstract: An interpositional biarticular disk implant (11) having a circular peripheral rim, a generally toroidal axial center opening (13) and convex upper and lower surfaces (15, 17) is implanted between resected concave surfaces of the metacarpal base and the trapezium or other carpal bone in a CMC joint replacement. The disk (11) is anchored in operative position through the use of a flexible cord, such as a harvested tendon that passes through the center opening (13) and through osseous passageways created in the two facing bones.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis has two prosthesis members (2, 3) and each prosthesis member (2, 3) includes a first and a second screw-like member (4, 5) adapted to be screwed onto a respective bone (39, 41, 42). One prosthesis member (2) includes a member (6) having a socket and the other prosthesis member (3) a member (7) having a head. The socket member (6) has a mounting pin (22) insertable into a first hole (10) in the first screw-like member (4) and the head member (7) has a mounting pin (27) insertable into a first hole (11) in the second screw-like member (5). In the first as well as in the second screw-like member (4, 5) there is provided at least one inner second hole (30 and 33 respectively) designed to permit insertion thereinto of a rod (31) of a screw tool (32) in order to secure by screwing the first and second screw-like member (4, 5) respectively, at the respective bone (39, 41, 42).

Abstract: A prosthetic implant for partial resurfacing of the ulna at the distal radioulnar (DRU) joint which comprises a stem and an ulnar head. The combination of the anchoring stem and the head that is shaped and proportioned to replace only a portion of the distal ulnar head and the radial articulating surface and to interface with the resected ulna at a proximal stabilizing surface provides excellent stability in the completed implant. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of strategically located surfaces aligned at an obtuse angle provides the stabilizing surface arrangement. The provision of a set of such implants with different head and stem sizes allows a surgeon to best accommodate the physiology of a particular patient and locate a resurfaced head section offset from the canal center in order to provide a convex articular surface adjacent the radius which will allow the radius to smoothly pivot and translate around such resurfaced ulnar head during pivoting of the forearm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system which is used to replace ball bone joints. The inventive system consists of: a bone anchoring shell (1) comprising a smooth articular surface (7) on the inner concave face thereof; a prosthesis (5) comprising a polished ball (4) and a neck (6) which is characterised in that it is smooth and slightly flared, in order to enable a wear-free low friction movement; and a mobile articular cup (3) which slides (i) on the ball (4) and the neck (6) of a prosthesis (5) and (ii) in the smooth cavity (7) of the bone anchoring shell (1) and which is characterised in that the opening (8) in said cup (3) tapers towards the center thereof, with an inside diameter (9) of equal to or less than that of the ball (4), such that the flared part adapts perfectly to the flared neck (6) in all of the respective positions of the mobile parts.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes a bone anchoring element and a meniscal element capable of being installed on this anchoring element which includes a medullary anchor shaft with a hollow interior, defining a cavity, and a transverse rod fixed and extending through this cavity, and the meniscal element includes an assembly shaft intended to be engaged in the cavity, this assembly shaft having a longitudinal slot having a width smaller than the transverse section of the transverse rod, one end of which opens in the free end of the assembly shaft and the other end of which opens in a transverse hole having a cross-section slightly larger than that of the transverse rod, the assembly shaft intended, thanks to this slot, to be engaged on the transverse rod until engagement of the transverse rod in the transverse hole, with locking, when the meniscal element is in its assembled position on the bone anchoring element.

Abstract: Generally, an intra-osseous fusion system which provides an implantable intra-osseous member and a method of implanting the intra-osseous member for bone on growth which retains an amount of digit curvature.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for replacement of at least one surface region of a distal radioulnar joint using at least one prosthesis. In some embodiments, the system may provide restoration of normal, unconstrained biomechanics of the joint, which may preserve rotation and translation and ensure durability of the joint.

Abstract: A proximal radioulnar joint (lateral elbow) prosthesis includes a radial brace member to be secured to the radius bone and an ulna brace member to be secured to the ulna bone. The radial brace member has a ball at its proximal end, and the ulnar brace member defines a curved cavity which receives and rotationally supports the ball.

Abstract: An implant for insertion into a joint between articulating bones is provided. The implant includes a generally cylindrical metal body having a plurality of threads disposed thereon. The implant also includes a smooth polymeric portion that is configured to be disposed between the articulating bones of the joint. The polymeric portion provides a bearing surface for the articulating bones, and thus inhibits friction and irritation of the joint tissue. A pin is axially disposed through the polymeric portion and through the body and provides an attachment feature to facilitate rotation of the implant and engagement of the threads within the joint.

Abstract: An arthrodesis implant is for a finger joint of a hand of a patient. The arthrodesis implant may include an extramedullary proximal anchor including a first member having a fastener-receiving passageway therethrough to receive a fastener to anchor the first member to an extramedullary portion of a proximal bone of the finger joint of the hand of the patient. The arthrodesis implant may also include an intramedullary distal anchor having a second member for being anchored within an intramedullary portion of a distal bone of the finger joint of the hand of the patient, and a coupling for securing the first and second members together.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gel article comprising two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel article is made from gel compositions having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning and other uses.

Abstract: Reference numeral 10.1 generally depicts a prosthesis which includes an implant 12.1 which is configured to imitate or replicate the anatomic characteristics and functions of a trapezium bone 14 and a mounting means 16 for mounting the implant 12.1 on a FCR tendon 18 of a patient to inhibit dislocation of the implant 12.1 in use. The implant 12.1 is formed from any synthetic plastics or metallic material suitable for insertion in a CMC joint capsule 20. The implant 12.1 is contoured and/or dimensioned to facilitate engagement with and/or articulation of the trapezoid 22, scaphoid 24, index metacarpal 26, and thumb 28 metacarpal bones as shown in FIG. 1.

Abstract: A wrist implant requires minimal resection of the distal radius and preserves the sigmoid notch and articulation with the head of the distal ulna. The wrist implant generally includes a radius portion, a carpal portion and a carpal ball. The wrist implant includes a primary articulation and a secondary rotational articulation. The primary articulation occurs between the radius portion and the carpal ball. The secondary articulation occurs between the carpal ball and the carpal portion.

Abstract: A wrist implant requires minimal resection of the distal radius and preserves the sigmoid notch and articulation with the head of the distal ulna. The wrist implant generally includes a radius portion, a carpal portion and a carpal ball. The wrist implant includes a primary articulation and a secondary rotational articulation. The primary articulation occurs between the radius portion and the carpal ball. The secondary articulation occurs between the carpal ball and the carpal portion.

Abstract: A wrist replacement prosthesis includes a radial brace member to be secured to the radius bone, an ulna brace member to be secured to the ulna bone, and an articular member to be secured to the carpal bones.

Abstract: A carpometacarpal joint replacement system for replacing the trapezium bone in the hand is provided. The system includes a trapezial implant for the carpometacarpal joint resulting in replacement of the carpal trapezium bone with a prosthesis having the same anatomical configuration as the trapezium bone. The implant device comprises a plurality of concave surfaces, with the plurality of concave surfaces articulating with the carpal and metacarpal bones.

Abstract: An implant system and apparatus configured to permit motion of the wrist in at least one physiological direction, as well as in a dart thrower's motion, and constrain motion of the wrist in at least one non-physiological direction are provided. The implant according to one embodiment includes a distal component and proximal component. Each of the distal and proximal components includes a primary articulating portion and a secondary articulating portion. Primary and secondary articulating portions include at least one component having either a substantially convex or a substantially concave shape. The secondary articulating portion is configured to be radially and volarly disposed in relation to the primary articulating portion.

Abstract: An implant system and apparatus configured to permit motion of the wrist in at least one physiological direction, as well as in a dart thrower's motion, and constrain motion of the wrist in at least one non-physiological direction are provided. The implant according to one embodiment includes a distal component and proximal component. Each of the distal and proximal components includes a primary articulating portion and a secondary articulating portion. Primary and secondary articulating portions include at least one component having either a substantially convex or a substantially concave shape. The secondary articulating portion is configured to be radially and volarly disposed in relation to the primary articulating portion.

Abstract: A wrist prosthesis system to replace at least a portion of a bone of a wrist of a patient. The system includes a carpal implant to replace at least a portion of a carpal bone of a carpal complex of the patient. The carpal implant includes a base and an augment that replaces at least a portion of the carpal bone. The augment is removably coupled to the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An inflatable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and inflatable through a catheter or needle. Inflation of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand prosthesis comprising a chassis and coupling elements for fastening the hand prosthesis to the stump of an arm and comprising at least one joint for the flexion and extension of the hand prosthesis in relation to the coupling elements, the chassis being kept in a neutral position against a spring force.

Abstract: The invention concerns a digital joint arthroplasty (10). The arthroplasty has a stemless, unitary body having opposite sides (12, 14) at least one of which is formed with a curved concavity shaped to receive, in articulated manner, a bone end in an MCP, PIP or DIP joint. In some embodiments, both of the opposite side surfaces are concavely curved while in other embodiments, only one side surface (12) is so curved, the opposite surface (40) being flat. In use the arthroplasty is installed between the shaped ends of bones which meet at the MCP, PIP or DIP joint. The absence of stems means that the installation of the arthroplasty is less surgically invasive than is the case with conventional arthroplasties having inter-medullary stems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing an articular surface of a bone. The implant includes at least one head with a bore and a lateral articular surface generally perpendicular to an axis of the bore. A holding element includes a stem at a proximal end adapted to attach to the bone. A member at a distal end of the holding device is adapted to engage with the bore in the head so that the lateral articular surface is positioned to engage transverse loads. The bore permits limited lateral translation of the head in at least one direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the member.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating alignment of the foot to treat patients with flat feet, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and metatarsophalangeal joint dysfunction. An enlargeable implant is positioned in or about the sinus tarsi and/or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the foot. The implant is insertable by minimally invasive means and enlarged through a catheter or needle. Enlargement of the implant alters the range of motion in the subtalar or first metatarsal-phalangeal joint and changes the alignment of the foot or toe.

Abstract: A prosthetic for use in an interphalangeal joint including a body portion and a weave portion. The body portion may be manufactured from a hydrogel material. The body portion includes an pair of stems and an intermediate section located in between the two stems. The intermediate section includes a recess allowing for flexing of the body portion.

Abstract: A prosthetic finger includes a crossed four (4) bar linkage system having a base formed by a base bar, two cross bars, and an interface bar that engages an object to be held. The base bar is fixed to an artificial finger of an amputee. A first cross bar has a first end pivotally mounted to a first end of the base bar and a second cross bar has a first end pivotally mounted to a second end of the base bar. The first cross bar has a second end pivotally mounted to a first end of the interface bar and the second cross bar has a second end pivotally mounted to a second end of the interface bar. The first and second cross bars are slideably interconnected to one another at a cross point which changes its location as the prosthesis grasps objects of differing sizes and shapes.

Abstract: Intramedullary guidance systems and methods introduce some and/or all surgical tools and ankle prostheses components through the tibia, using minimal invasive exposure in the tibia tubercle, or retrograde through the talus, using minimal invasive exposure in planar surface of the calcaneus. The systems and methods align the talus and tibia for the installation of one or more ankle prostheses components, and also maintain that alignment during the installation using intramedullary guidance, e.g., by use of a guide pin to form an intramedullar passage along which surgical tools and prosthetic components are guided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A prosthetic metatarsal implant comprising a head and a neck extending from the head. A stem having at least one anchoring aperture extending transversely therethrough extends from the neck for insertion into a metatarsal bone. Means received by the at least one anchoring aperture for anchoring the stem in the metatarsal bone.

Abstract: Soft, tear resistant gel, gel composites and gel articles for various uses formed from one or a mixture of two or more block copolymers with or without one or more selected other polymers and additives in combination with one or more selected plasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom.

Abstract: A sigmoid notch resurfacing prosthesis for application to the sigmoid notch of the distal radius. The sigmoid notch prosthesis generally includes a saddle and a radius portion for attachment to the distal radius. The saddle may be formed from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or another durable self-lubricating material. The saddle includes an at least partially concave contoured depression having rounded edges that is securable to the radius portion. The saddle may be secured by a sliding notch snap fit design. The prosthesis may be adapted for articulation with the natural head of the ulna or with an ulnar head prosthesis that has replaced the ulnar head.

Abstract: A device is described for joining a first phalange to a second adjacent phalange, such as the proximal phalange to the intermediate phalange at the proximal interphalangeal joint. The device is a substantially elongated member comprised of a resorbable material, such as, but not limited to polylactic acid, polyglycolic acid, and combinations thereof. The member has a first end portion, a middle portion, and second end portion spaced and opposed from the first end portion. The middle portion has a curvature such that an angle is formed between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein the angle is substantially anatomically correct with respect to the particular joint, such as the proximal interphalangeal joint.

Abstract: The prosthesis device can have a pair of articular members adapted to be mounted onto adjoining bones, respectively, to replace a joint. The first and second articular members can have first and second bearing elements, respectively. The bearing elements can be formed to be capable of replacing at least a portion of the bone ends of the adjoining bones, respectively, and providing an articulation close to that of a natural joint. The bearing elements can be fixed to the respective bones through an initial implant fixation achieved by press-fit anchoring immediately after surgery and/or a secondary implant fixation established from bone-ingrowth.

Abstract: The ankle joint prosthesis adapted to involve the patient's distal tibia and talus has, according to the present invention, tibial, talar and mobile or semi-constrained bearing components that are laterally to medially implanted in the patient. The tibial component's top surface has convex curvature in its anterior to posterior plane and is configured so as to approximate and match with the curvature of a prepared portion of the distal tibia; its bottom surface being approximately flat. The talar component's top surface has saddle-shaped, convex curvature in its anterior to posterior plane, it's bottom surface has concave curvature and is configured so as to approximate and match with the curvature of a prepared portion of the talus. The mobile or semi-constrained bearing components have embodiments that comprise a wide variety of geometric shapes. A method for implanting such a prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint prosthetic component that includes first and second arms, and a joint member interposed therebetween. The joint member is configured to permit flexion motion between the first and second arms, and includes a first concave surface and a second concave surface. The first concave surface has a plurality of arcuate portions defined therein. The first and second concave surfaces are located on opposing sides of the joint member.

Abstract: A novel system, surgical method, and tools for performing a total ankle replacement are described. The total ankle replacement system includes the calcaneus in fixation of a lower prosthesis body, thereby significantly increasing the amount of bone available for fixation of the lower prosthesis body and allowing the lower prosthesis body to be anchored with screws. The total ankle replacement system further includes a long tibial stem which can also be anchored into the tibia. The novel surgical arthroscopic method allows introduction of ankle prostheses into the ankle joint through an exposure in the tibial tubercle. Various novel surgical instruments, such as a telescoping articulating reamer and a talocalcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.

Abstract: A method for preparing and cutting the radial and carpal bones to receive a prosthetic wrist during a total wrist arthroplasty. Cuts on both the radius and carpal bones are made from a single broach. The broach is embedded in the intramedullary canal of the radius and a cutting tool is attached to an end of the broach to resect the radius. With the cutting tool removed, a cut block is attached to the broach and the carpal bones are resected. The cut block has a thickness that equal the thickness of the bearing component of the wrist prosthesis.

Abstract: A joint surface replacement or joint prosthesis for the distal radioulnar (DRU) joint. A complete surface replacement comprises two parts, a radial component (1) and an ulnar component (2), both of which are designed to be inserted radially relative the radius (6) and the ulna (7). The radial (1) and ulnar (2) components are constructed to assure that the concave surface of the radial component may be pivoted and translated around the convex surface of the ulnar component during rotational movement of the forearm. Either component may be singularly implanted when there is no deterioration of the mating component. By providing these components in a range of thicknesses and lengths, more effective stabilization of such joint is possible.

Abstract: The prosthesis device can have a pair of articular members adapted to be mounted onto adjoining bones, respectively, to replace a joint. The first and second articular members can have first and second bearing elements, respectively. The bearing elements can be formed to be capable of replacing at least a portion of the bone ends of the adjoining bones, respectively, and providing an articulation close to that of a natural joint. The bearing elements can be fixed to the respective bones through an initial implant fixation achieved by press-fit anchoring immediately after surgery and/or a secondary implant fixation established from bone-ingrowth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial joint which can be rapidly, securely and easily fixed while being suited to an inner surface of a bone marrow hole by a novel structure absolutely different from the conventional one. An artificial joint is provided with a stem base portion (10) in which a desired head (2) and a desired socket (5) are in slidably contact with each other in a freely bending manner, stems (9, 16) are fitly attached to free ends of the head (2) and the socket (5) respectively, and the respective stems (9, 16) have therein locking screws (14) freely screwing to move along axial directions thereof, and a pair of stem pieces (15) having an elasticity provided to protrude on both front portions of the stem base portion (10), and the locking screws (14) are forcedly inserted within the stem pieces (15) so as to expand them outward, thereby making them tightly contact with and fix to inner surfaces of bone marrow holes (19, 21).

Abstract: A method for preparing and cutting the radial and carpal bones to receive a prosthetic wrist during a total wrist arthroplasty. Cuts on both the radius and carpal bones are made from a single broach. The broach is embedded in the intramedullary canal of the radius and a cutting tool is attached to an end of the broach to resect the radius. With the cutting tool removed, a cut block is attached to the broach and the carpal bones are resected. The cut block has a thickness that equal the thickness of the bearing component of the wrist prosthesis.

Abstract: A characteristic features of the invention is that a spacer member (1) is intended to be placed between the ends of the bones which are to be connected, one end of the spacer member being designed to form a joint surface against one of said bone ends (6, 7). A joint-stabilizing connection (2, 3) is arranged to connect said ones. The spacer member (1) is made of at least one tissue-compaiible material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a prosthesis configuration and method for treating acquired flatfoot. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a member is positioned between a first bone in the foot and a second bone in the foot, such that the first and second bones are separated by a third bone, and a maximum force in the member is a tension force when the foot is under a standing load. The member is longitudinal and flexible.