Abstract: An intervertebral implant including: a central axis, upper and lower terminal parts and a convex joint element. Each of the terminal parts come to rest against the end surfaces of two adjacent vertebras and opposite first and second concave inner surfaces, respectively. The convex joint element is situated between the terminal parts and rests in a sliding manner against the first and second concave inner surfaces of the two terminal parts. The, first concave surface is a partial surface of a first rotationally symmetrical external surface about the axis of rotation transverse to the central axis. The second concave inner surface of a second rotationally symmetrical conical external surface about the axis of rotation transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: A total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method 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 with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. 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 talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes implants that include a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes a fusion block implant that includes a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes a wedge, osteotomy implant that includes a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes a subtalar implant that includes a nickel-titanium alloy. The present invention includes methods of bone fusion, and methods of correcting directionality of a bone.

Abstract: A partial bone prosthesis and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. The partial bone prosthesis can be configured for use, for example, on the superior side of the talus or an end of a long bone, such as the tibia. The partial bone prosthesis can anchor to the perimeter of the contact patch between the bone and the prosthesis. For example, the prosthesis can be attached to the talus without drilling holes through the talus, preserving structural integrity and blood flow within the talus.

Abstract: A prosthesis suited for orthopedic implantation possesses a multi-piece stem component that supports an artificial joint surface that can articulate with another artificial joint surface in various ways. The prosthesis can be assembled in a snap fit and/or interlocking fashion that provides positive locking means without the use of screws or other fasteners. The prosthesis can accommodate fitment of a plastic joint surface made, e.g., from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The prosthesis is well suited for use in an ankle replacement system that can be installed using minimally invasive intramedullary guidance established with respect to the major axis of the tibia by minimally invasive access through the calcaneus, through an incision in the bottom of the foot. The prosthesis makes possible the installation of a total ankle system using minimally invasive anterior access to the ankle joint for making bony cuts and to install prosthesis components.

Abstract: A prosthesis suited for orthopedic implantation possesses a multi-piece stem component that supports an artificial joint surface that can articulate with another artificial joint surface in various ways. The prosthesis can be assembled in a snap fit and/or interlocking fashion that provides positive locking means without the use of screws or other fasteners. The prosthesis can accommodate fitment of a plastic joint surface made, e.g., from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The prosthesis is well suited for use in an ankle replacement system that can be installed using minimally invasive intramedullary guidance established with respect to the major axis of the tibia by minimally invasive access through the calcaneus, through an incision in the bottom of the foot. The prosthesis makes possible the installation of a total ankle system using minimally invasive anterior access to the ankle joint for making bony cuts and to install prosthesis components.

Abstract: Ankle implant systems and methods are provided that can allow a surgeon to select the type of prosthesis desired during an ankle surgical operation. The surgeon can implant a set of standardized fixation components into the tibia and/or fibula bones and the talus bone. Once implanted, the surgeon can select a bearing component from a number of bearing components that allow for different size patients, but also modify the manner in which the prosthesis functions (either semiconstrained or unconstrained). In one embodiment, an ankle implant can include a talar component having a lower surface with a bone fixation portion for fixation to a talus bone. A tibial component has an upper surface with a bone fixation portion for fixation of the tibial component to a tibia bone and/or a fibula bone, and the tibial component also has a lower surface with at least one protrusion extending from the lower surface.

Abstract: A fibular implant is provided. The implant includes a stem anchored to the fibula and a joint-body. The stem is at least partially covered with a bony-in-growth surface. The joint body includes an articulating surface for articulating with the talus. The articulating surface is polished to reduce friction in the ankle joint.

Abstract: A subtalar implant comprising a body with a proximal end and a distal end, the body including a cylindrical portion proximate the proximal end, an externally threaded frustoconical portion extending generally from the cylindrical portion toward the distal end, an axially extending bore through the proximal end and the distal end, a driver formation coaxial with the bore and a female threaded portion coaxial with the bore and extending from about the proximal end toward the driver formation, the threads on the externally threaded portion being of an opposite turn to the threads on the male threaded portion.

Abstract: A talar implant system and method in one embodiment includes an articulation component with an articulating surface extending upwardly from a first plane and configured to articulate with a tibial component, and a distal portion for implanting in a bone, the distal portion having a longitudinal axis and configured to be rigidly coupled with respect to the first plane at any angular position selected from a range of angular positions within a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: A system and method for improving proprioception in a patient having a feedback site are disclosed. The method includes affixing to the feedback site a sensor adapted to provide a sensor signal indicative of a sensed parameter, providing to the patient a signaler adapted to generate a manual signal in response to actuation by the patient, providing a microprocessor programmed to receive the sensor signal and the manual signal and to generate a system output based on the sensor signal and the manual signal, causing the patient to actuate the signaler on the basis of sensation at the feedback site, and causing the microprocessor to generate a system output based on the sensor signal and the manual signal.

Abstract: An implant for use in ankle arthroplasty is provided. The implant includes a first member for cooperation with the tibia and a second member for cooperation with the talus. The second member is operably associated with the first member. The implant also includes a third member rigidly removably connectable to the second member. The third member includes a portion of the third member for attachment to the calcaneus. The third member is adapted to provide for a first position in the calcaneus when the third member is in a first relative position with respect to the second member and is adapted to provide for a second position in the calcaneus when the third member is in a second relative position with respect to the second member.

Abstract: The tibial component of a prosthetic ankle joint including a tibial component, a talar component, and an intermediate sliding plastic bearing, with the tibial component including a depending peripheral wall that surrounds and is spaced from the plastic bearing and is intended to reduce rubbing of the plastic bearing against tissue which would produce wear particles that lead to the formation of bone cysts. The depending peripheral wall of the tibial component is intended to reduce such possible abrasions by at least partially shielding the plastic bearing from the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A tool for placing a malleolar implant for partial or total ankle prosthesis, which includes a spacer block, adapted to be inserted between a tibia and an astragalus of an ankle, a lug secured to the block and extending to a vicinity of an outer surface of a fibular malleolus when the spacer block is in position, and the lug supporting a guide for boring the malleolus from its outer surface.

Abstract: A method prepares an ankle joint of a patient for replacement. The patient includes a tibia (20) having a medial portion (22), a talus (40), and an ankle (10) having a medial portion. The method employs a cutting alignment apparatus (50) including a first portion external to the patient and a second portion, and surgically prepares and exposes the medial portion of the ankle for replacement. The second portion of the cutting alignment apparatus is coupled to the tibia, and a cutting guide (90) is disposed with respect to the cutting alignment apparatus. The medial portion of the tibia is detached, a portion of the tibia proximate the talus is cut, and a portion of the talus proximate the tibia is cut. An ankle prosthesis (100) is installed to the ankle, and the medial portion of the tibia is reattached.

Abstract: An expandable subtalar implant device suitable for addressing a flatfoot condition. The device is a sinus tarsi implant that blocks excessive motion between the talus and calcaneus bones in the foot while permitting normal motion and alignment. The device comprises a generally cylindrical metal structure having a first proximal expandable end and a second distal adjustment end. A first component of the implant forms each of the cylindrical end sections and a second component comprises a movable internal rod that serves to progressively expand the outer cylinder of the implant. The internal rod is externally threaded and mates with internal threading on the cylindrical outer component. Progressive turning of the internal rod engages a number of radially arranged inclined surfaces that form the interior walls of the cylindrical shell component.

Abstract: A modular ankle implant. The implant includes a tibial component coupled to a talar component with a bearing. The bearing is adapted for hinged articulation relative to the talar component and limited rotation relative to the tibial component.

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: An arthroeresis-prosthesis (endorthosis) system comprising a sinus tarsi implant for the purpose of blocking abnormal motion between the talus and calcaneus while allowing normal motion and alignment. In a preferred embodiment, the prosthetic device is composed of a non-metallic, specialized medical grade polymer (polyetheretherketone-PEEK) that is a combination of a frustum of a right cine and an axially extending cylinder that is cannulated and partially structured on the exterior surface.

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: An ankle prosthesis includes a tibial component attachable to a tibia. A bearing component is movable in an anterior-to-posterior direction to thereby engage and become releasably attached to the tibial component. The bearing component can be released from the tibial component by movement in a posterior-to-anterior direction to thereby be removed from the tibial component.

Abstract: An ankle prosthesis includes a tibial device attachable to a tibia. The tibial device has a concave articulating surface. A talar assembly includes a dome portion having a convex articulating surface engaging the concave articulating surface of the tibial device such that the dome portion is pivotable relative to the tibial device. The talar assembly also includes a base portion attachable to a talus. The base portion is pivotable relative to the dome portion.

Abstract: A prosthesis device (1) for correct replacing of the articular surfaces of the human ankle joint comprises: a first component (2) having a spherical convex articular bearing surface (5); a second component (3) having a bearing surface (6) which has a convex shape in the frontal plane, and concave sulcus in the frontal plane; and a third component (4) located between said first and second components (2, 3) and having two surfaces (7, 8) which are complementary to and engage the upper convex and the lower concave sulcus surfaces (5, 6) to be fully congruent with the components (2, 3). The three components (2, 3, 4) can be designed from the subject-specific geometry of the ligaments (9, 10). The device (1) can move under natural muscular and ligamentous control, closely restoring that of a natural joint and maintaining uniform load distribution.

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: An ankle implant having a tibial component with a bottom groove, a talar component with a convex dome on top, and a bearing component slidably insertable into the bottom groove in the tibial component and having a concave bottom recess receiving the top dome of the talar component. The tibial component is channel-shaped, with a flat bottom wall for reception in a corresponding surgically prepared recess in the bottom of the patient's tibia, an anteriorly inclined posterior end wall projecting up from its bottom wall, a taller anterior end wall perpendicular to its bottom wall, and a rounded groove on the inside at the juncture between the anterior and bottom walls. The talar component has a cross-shaped segment on the bottom for reception in a corresponding surgically prepared recess in the top of the patient's talus.

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: An endoprosthesis for replacement of the ankle joint includes a component which is to be connected to the anklebone and which forms an upper slide surface a component which is to be connected to the tibia and which forms a lower slide surface, and a middle part. The middle part forms two slide surfaces which interact with slide surfaces on the tibial component and the anklebone component. In frontal section, the middle part is wedge-shaped with a wedge angle of between 1° and 12°.

Abstract: A method of positioning a malleolar implant for partial or total ankle prosthesis wherein the implant includes a head intended to bear against the astragalus or astragalian prosthetic component and a shank provided to be introduced in a bore in the fibula including providing an orifice in the shank and inserting the implant in the bore by use of force applied along a flexible traction member extending through the orifice.

Abstract: An ankle prosthesis using sphere-on-sphere articulating components. The prosthesis comprises two separate components, a tibial component and a talar component. Each component has an articulating surface and a fixation surface. The articulating surfaces form a spherical interface with one component having a spherical concave surface and the other component having a spherical convex surface.

Abstract: An ankle prosthesis comprising two separate components, a tibial component and a talar component. Each component has an articulating surface and a fixation surface. The fixation surfaces are cement retained and include an elongated keel and a plurality of cement grooves to bond with bone cement and bone.

Abstract: An ankle prosthesis includes a tibial component attachable to a tibia. A bearing component is movable in an anterior-to-posterior direction to thereby engage and become releasably attached to the tibial component. The bearing component can be released from the tibial component by movement in a posterior-to-anterior direction to thereby be removed from the tibial component.

Abstract: An ankle prosthesis includes a tibial device attachable to a tibia. The tibial device has a concave articulating surface. A talar assembly includes a dome portion having a convex articulating surface engaging the concave articulating surface of the tibial device such that the dome portion is pivotable relative to the tibial device. The talar assembly also includes a base portion attachable to a talus. The base portion is pivotable relative to the dome portion.

Abstract: A total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method 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 with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. 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 talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.

Abstract: A prosthesis, in particular for the ankle, has two nesting elements (2,4) assigned to a respective bone (12,22) and an intermediate element (6) interposed between them for relative articulation. Instruments for implanting the prosthesis are provided. The tibial element (2) comprises a centring brace (10) provided with elements to be gripped by the practitioner for extraction, consisting of a bend (24) in the brace (10) and by facets (26,28) provided at its distal end. The ankle bone element (4) comprises a plane (44) for longitudinal support against the ankle bone (22). A specific instrument enables to centre the ankle bone element (4) relative to the tibial element (2).

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 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 total ankle replacement system, novel surgical method for total ankle replacement, and novel surgical tools for performing the surgical method 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 with, for example, screws, nails, anchors, or some other means of attachment. 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 talo-calcaneal jig, which facilitate the novel surgical method, are also described.

Abstract: An ankle implant having a tibial component with a bottom groove, a talar component with a convex dome on top, and a bearing component slidably insertable into the bottom groove in the tibial component and having a concave bottom recess receiving the top dome of the talar component. The tibial component is channel-shaped, with a flat bottom wall for reception in a corresponding surgically prepared recess in the bottom of the patient's tibia, an anteriorly inclined posterior end wall projecting up from its bottom wall, a taller anterior end wall perpendicular to its bottom wall, and a rounded groove on the inside at the juncture between the anterior and bottom walls. The talar component has a cross-shaped segment on the bottom for reception in a corresponding surgically prepared recess in the top of the patient's talus.

Abstract: Endoprosthesis for replacement of the ankle joint, consisting of a component (4) which is to be connected to the anklebone and which forms an upper slide surface (10), of a component (3) which is to be connected to the tibia and which forms a lower slide surface (7), and of a middle part (5). The middle part (5) forms two slide surfaces (15, 16) which interact with the slide surfaces (7, 10) of the tibial component (3) and the anklebone component (4). In frontal section, the middle part (5) is wedge-shaped with a wedge angle of between 1° and 12° (FIG. 2).

Abstract: This invention relates to a malleolar implant for partial or total ankle prosthesis, comprising a head, intended to bear against the astragalus or astragalian prosthetic component and a shank provided to be introduced in a bore in the fibula, characterized in that said shank is provided with means for hooking a traction member adapted to be manoeuvred from the outer side of the fibula, in order to position said shank in said bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a malleolar implant for partial or total ankle prosthesis, comprising a head, intended to bear against the astragalus or astragalian prosthetic component and a shank provided to be introduced in a bore in the fibula, characterized in that said shank is provided with means for hooking a traction member adapted to be manoeuvred from the outer side of the fibula, in order to position said shank in said bore.

Abstract: A malleolar implant for partial or total ankle prosthesis which includes a head having a surface to bear against an astragalus or astragalian prosthetic component and from which head extends a shank adapted to be inserted through a bore in a fibula wherein the shank is provided with means for hooking a traction member which is adapted to be inserted through the bore in the fibula in order to apply a force to pull the implant into the bore such that the implant is seated within the bore of the fibula.

Abstract: The invention provides an ankle prosthesis for use in the field of orthopedic prostheses comprising a talus implant for implanting in or on the talus and a top element including a tibia implant for implanting in or on the base of the tibia. The top element and the talus implant being mounted to move relative to each other by friction on a contact interface so as to allow the ankle to move. The contact interface presents a friction surface that can be considered as being a fraction of a substantially frustoconical surface. When implanted, the substantially frustoconical surface is oriented so that its larger radius portion is directed substantially towards the outside of the ankle.

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: An ankle prosthesis, comprising a tibial element and an talar element (30), each provided with anchoring means on the lower extremity of a tibia and on the astragalus, respectively, and each delimiting an articular surface, both articular surfaces being shaped in order to interact as a whole and to provide a relative movement between the two tibial and talar elements around at last one axis. It is especially characterized by the fact that, taking as reference direction the direction of the axis of the tibia on which it is intended to anchor the tibial element, seen in projection on a plane approximately perpendicular to this reference direction, the articular surfaces are curved with a concavity towards the inside of the foot onto which is to be anchored the talar element.

Abstract: A system, method, and tools including a subtalar arthroereisis implant for use in reducing calcaneal eversion, blocking anterior and inferior displacement of the talus, and blocking excessive pronation and the resulting sequelae, while allowing normal subtalar joint motion. The method includes in the preferred system inserting a probe to slightly dilate the tarsal canal, inserting a cannulated “sizer” having a guide element placed therein into the dilated sinus tarsi resulting in the guide element being inserted through the tarsal canal. The sizer is removed, leaving the guide element in place. Once the implant has been sized, a trial implant in inserted by placing a conically shaped “nose cone” on the guide element ahead of the implant. Once the trial implant is in place, sizing is checked, the trial implant is removed, and the actual implant is inserted following generally the same procedure as for the trial implant.