Abstract: A human shoulder replacement that includes a housing with a narrow bearing articulator that can rotate to achieve the range of motion of a normal shoulder joint. The narrow bearing articulator contains a partially spherical bearing. The narrow bearing articulator fits into a housing that itself is recessed into a cavity cut into the Glenoid Fossa. The housing is typically a short cylindrically shaped receptacle that is screwed into the bone. The bearing has a shaft that passes through a drilled hole in the Humerus. The shaft is bolted at its distal end with a head that can be recessed into the Humerus. A penetrating screw is driven through a plate attached to the Humerus, through the Humerus itself, and through a hole in the shaft in the interior of the Humerus.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopaedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: The proximally fitting femoral component with adjunctive fixation screws replaces a natural femoral head and proximal femur of a patient during a partial or total hip replacement. The femoral component includes an intramedullary stem having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a neck extending from the proximal portion, and a ball removably attached to a tip end of the neck, the ball forming a ball and socket joint with the acetabular cup of a hip prosthesis. Fixation screws may be installed in the proximal portion of the stem for added rotational and axial stability when necessary. An alignment device is removably attachable to the femoral component for aligning screw holes in cortical bone of the femur with holes or bores in the proximal portion of the stem. The fixation screws may extend in an anterior posterior or medial-lateral plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to Implant device (1) comprising a rigid element (10) being designed to be fastened to a femur implant (20) in a fastened state of said rigid element (10), wherein particularly said femur implant (20) is an intramedullary nail or a femoral stem. According to the invention said rigid element (10) is designed as a hook-shaped plate (10) for encompassing the greater trochanter (3) of the femur (2) at least in sections when being arranged in said fastened state and when said femur implant (20) is arranged in or on the femur (2) as intended.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopaedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an orthopedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.

Abstract: A bone fixation device includes an elongated body (a) having a first channel extending therethrough and configured for insertion into a bone, a first opening (b) formed on a first side wall of the body, the first side wall facing a lateral direction when implanted in a target orientation within the bone and a second opening (c) formed on a second side wall of the body opposite the first opening. A second channel (d) extends through the body from the first opening to the second opening and is dimensioned to permit insertion of an implant therethrough. A first bump (e) is positioned about a periphery of the first opening at a location at which a stress concentration would be a maximum if no such first bump were formed. The first bump is dimensioned to diffuse a concentration of stress about the periphery due to forces applied thereto by an implant extending through the second channel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems that control the application of a material onto micro-rough implant surfaces. Thus, the present invention provides method of applying crystalline nanoparticles onto the surface of an implant to produce an implant with a crystalline nanoparticle layer on its surface, the method comprising: providing an implant substrate body; applying crystalline nanoparticles onto the surface of the implant; and rotating the implant, to produce an implant with a crystalline nanoparticle layer on its surface. This method of nanoparticle application is designed to promote the integration of implants, such as dental and orthopedic screws, into living tissue, and offers the ability to control the thickness and uniformity of the nanoparticle layer, in one or several layers, while simultaneously retaining the microroughness of the implant.

Abstract: A system for securing a prosthesis in a bone includes a reference anchor for insertion into a cavity of a bone to define a reference point during prosthesis implantation, the reference anchor including a body having a mating feature and a gripping projection for engaging an inner surface of the bone cavity. The system also includes a stem having a terminal end adapted to mate with the engagement feature of the reference anchor such that the stem is disposed at a desired position relative to the reference point.

Abstract: A system for implanting a prosthetic device with an opening into a bone includes a plug that is removably received within the opening of the prosthetic device. The system also includes a bone removal tool that advances into the bone from outside the bone and that removes a portion of the bone while advancing into the bone to reveal the plug. The bone removal tool includes a plug engaging portion that engages with the plug. The bone removal tool at least partially removes the plug from the opening of the prosthetic device while engaged with the plug. Moreover, the system includes an alignment system that detects whether the bone removal tool and the plug are substantially axially aligned.

Abstract: An external proximal femoral prosthesis for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is described, which fundamentally comprises a shell configured a hollow, thin-wall, asymmetric bell shape and a plurality of tension anchor means. An inner transverse cross contour of the shell forms a cavity, which could be affixable to a profile of outer surface of the area of neck, trochantic bed and calcar of the proximal femur. A neck portion of the shell is compatible with acetabular components (ball and cup). The prosthesis is mechanically fastened by tension anchor means during the operation and further biologically secured by in-growing bone through the side holes on the shell wall and into its interior coating surface of implant wall thereafter. The loading force on the femoral head would be well transferred and distributed on the shell and then directly conducted into the cortical bone of the femoral shaft therearound.

Abstract: A femur fixture for a hip-joint prosthesis comprising an intraosseous anchoring structure of a generally circular cross-section for screwing laterally into a complementary bore drilled laterally into the neck of a femur after resection of the femur head to an anchored position. The intraosseous anchoring structure has a proximal end, a distal end, a relatively short frusto-conical proximal section at the proximal end, and a proximal cylindrical section having a screw thread profile thereon. The proximal cylindrical section extends from the frusto-conical proximal section towards the distal end of the anchoring structure. The frusto-conical proximal section and the proximal cylindrical section each being dimensioned so as to bear against the cortex of the femur neck when the intraosseous anchoring structure is in the anchored position.

Abstract: An implant (1) for insertion into and permanent anchorage in bone tissue having an intraosseous anchoring structure (3). The anchoring structure (3) has a generally circular cross-section and comprises a first cylindrical section (11) of a first diameter, a second cylindrical section (13) of a second diameter less than the first diameter, said first and second cylindrical sections (11, 13) each being provided with a screw thread profile. The anchoring structure (3) also comprises a tapered connecting section (15) provided between an interconnecting said first and second cylindrical sections (11, 13).

Abstract: A universal shaft component capable of insertion as an anchorage in skeletal bone including a proximal humerus, phalange, distal or proximal tibia, distal or proximal femur, or thumb wherein the shaft is insertable axially within an internal bone cavity such that the outer surface of the shaft engages inner walls of said cavity, characterized in that the shaft has a proximal end and a distal end and on said outer surface of said shaft between said ends, at least one thread such that when the shaft is screwed into said bone cavity the at least one thread induces an axial compression force in said bone and distributes that compression force evenly along the bone over the length of the at least one thread.

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 femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis which extends coaxially through the canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.

Abstract: Arthroplasty devices having improved bone in growth to provide a more secure connection within the body. Different embodiments disclosed include devices having threaded intramedullary components, devices configured to receive bone growth promoting substances, devices with resorbable components, and devices configured to reduce shear stress.

Abstract: A femoral neck fixation prosthesis and method of using same which reduces bone loss and the avoids the other shortcomings of the prior art by allowing the fixation of a stable femoral head replacement while reducing the amount of the femur which must be reamed for the insertion of the prosthesis. The preferred embodiment provides that the femoral head is attached to a fixation prosthesis which extends coaxially through the canal of the femoral neck, into the femur, and is then attached to the opposite lateral wall of the femur. In this manner, the prosthesis serves to imitate the original structure of the femoral neck. No other support members, either crosspins or arms extending into the length of the femur, are required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fixture for insertion into and permanent anchorage in a cavity (32) formed in bone tissue. The fixture is made of a fixture member (2), which has an insertion end surface (10) and a cylindrical peripheral surface (6) provided with screw threads, and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced cutting recesses (9), which are formed in a forward, self-tapping end portion (7) of the threaded peripheral surface (6) adjacent to the insertion end surface (10) and which open axially into the insertion end surface (10). A plurality of circumferentially-spaced tissue-collecting and tissue-distributing grooves (17) are formed in a rear, non-self-tapping portion (8) of the threaded peripheral surface (6).

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacement of a ball and socket joint in the human body. The prosthetic components comprise a plurality of separate parts which may be inserted through a hole in the femur of the patient and assembled and attached to the prepared acetabulum of the hip bone to form a cup-shaped first shell. A cup is also passed through the hole in the femur and attached to the first shell to form the socket portion of the joint. A shaft having a first end with a ball formed thereon is inserted in the hole through the femur so that the ball engages the cup for movement therein.

Abstract: A femoral stem for use with an artificial hip joint assembly having helical cuts formed in the shaft thereof. The helical cuts form a restoring force spring-like shock absorbing geometry which permits the rigid metal material to grossly conform to the elastic modulus of the patient's bone. This femoral stem reduces the shock loading and attending pain associated with activities, such as standing, walking, and descending stairs, which often plague hip replacement patients.

Abstract: Screw-based primary fixation of the prosthetic components within the medullary cavity solves the problem of micro-movements encountered in conventional press-fit cementless fixation. For a total hip prosthesis, the stem is fixed to the medial cortex of the proximal femur by the medial approach alone, obviating the need for drilling of the lateral cortex. The stem may be implanted using special drill guide instrumentation. Anchoring screws are locked into the stem of the femoral component, while self-cutting threads on the screw head engage the pre-drilled medial cortex. This novel fixation principle can also be applied to other joint prostheses, e.g. finger, shoulder, elbow and knee, as well as to dental and spinal implants.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis is provided which includes an implantable elongate stem member having a bore extending therethrough. The stem member has a proximal end and a distal end with at least one slot formed in the distal end. The slot extends along at least a portion of the stem member, in a longitudinal direction, from the distal end towards the proximal end to form at least two tines at the distal end of the stem. A bolt member is disposed within the bore of the stem member and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the bolt member proximate the distal end is threaded. An expander nut is disposed between the tines and is threadably matable with the distal end of the bolt member such that rotation of the bolt member in a first direction is effective to draw the expander nut towards the proximal end of the stem member to separate the tines at the distal end of the stem member.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail system for use in all human and animal bones for healing fractures or lengthening bones, in particular for use in the femoral region, including an intramedullary nail as the base element, which can optionally be connected at its top and/or bottom end to at least one further implant component via connecting members (3, 4, 6, 10).

Abstract: The present invention provides a femoral prosthesis to be utilized as an implant into a human femur to connect the coxa. The femoral prosthesis comprises a stem body to be inserted into a femur bone, a neck portion fixed integrally at the proximal portion of the stem body, a spherical head member having an opening to receive the neck potion, and a cross pin for fixing the stem body to the femur bone, wherein the stem body is formed with a pinnig hole through a proximal portion thereof corresponding to a greater trochanter of the femur bone, and the cross pin is in a unthreaded cylindrical shape and inserted into the pinning hole, both ends of the cross pin being projected out of the stem body to be engaged with the bone wall of the femur bone.

Abstract: A bone stabilizing apparatus includes a stem member and an extension member, the stem member having a distal end for insertion within the intramedullary canal of a human humerus and the proximal end connected to the extension member. The extension member has radially directed threaded holes either pre-formed or created after the bone stabilizing apparatus is installed into the humerus. The threaded holes allow fixation of stabilizing screws with suture posts, or a washer structure to grip the surface of the bone and/or surrounding ligaments or muscle. A prosthetic or the natural humeral head can be attached to the extension member. In a preferred embodiment a guide structure directs the drill and stabilizing screws radially through the central axis of the extension member.