Abstract: A bone fusing implant device includes an elongated body extending along a longitudinal direction and having a star-shaped cross-section. The elongated body includes a central through-opening extending through the elongated body's center along the longitudinal direction and an outer surface with alternating elongated ridges and slit openings extending along the longitudinal direction. The outer surface is coated with bone growth enhancing additives.

Abstract: A shoulder implant system comprising a glenoid implant; a baseplate comprising an implant facing surface to face the glenoid implant; wherein the glenoid implant comprises at least one fixation element configured to engage with at least one fixation element of the baseplate; wherein the at least one fixation element of the glenoid implant comprises a center post having a distal end; wherein the at least one fixation element of the baseplate comprises a center post receptacle; wherein the baseplate comprises an outer periphery; wherein the implant facing surface of the baseplate comprises a channel which extends from the outer periphery of the baseplate to the center post receptacle of the baseplate; and wherein the channel is configured such that, during an assembly of the glenoid implant and the baseplate, the distal end of the post is movable in the channel from the outer periphery of the baseplate to the center post receptacle of the baseplate.

Abstract: A device for use during an arthroplasty procedure of a joint of a patient, the joint extending between a first joint end of a first bone and an abutting second joint end of a second bone of the patient. The device includes first and second components that can be mated together. The first component includes an attachment fitting configured for disposing over the first joint end of the first bone and a stem extending from the attachment fitting and suitable for extending along an intra-medullary canal of the first bone. The second component includes an end plate configured to mate with the attachment fitting and a longitudinal plate extending from the end plate and configured for disposing along a medial, longitudinal surface of the first bone. The device also includes at least one fastener for coupling the longitudinal plate to the first bone.

Abstract: A method of forming a sprayed coating includes preparing a spray target member having a surface on which openings of first ends of holes are formed, preparing a plurality of masking pins each of which comprises metal, and inserting each of the masking pins into a corresponding one of the holes so that each of the masking pins partially protrudes from the surface. The method also includes applying an adhesive agent for fixing the masking pins to the respective holes, to at least one of the holes or the masking pins, forming a ceramic layer by spraying on the surface of the spraying target member, the ceramic layer comprising a ceramic material, while the masking pins are fixed to the respective holes via the adhesive agent, and removing the masking pins from the holes after the spraying step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an articular joint replacement system. The system has first and second components. Each component has a tapered head piece for covering the end of a bone and for acting as an articular surface, an integrally formed screw stem having a length sufficient to extend into the medullary canal, and inwardly angled bone grips affixed to the underside of the head piece to allow solid fixation to the bone by compression press fit. The head piece of the first component is provided with a shaped exterior surface which complements the shaped exterior surface of the head piece of the second component and which allows motion in three planes.

Abstract: An intramedullary distraction device is provided. The device includes a first taper stem, a second taper stem, a first coupler and a second coupler. The first coupler includes a top end and a bottom end. The first taper stem is secured to the top end of the first coupler. The bottom end of the first coupler forms an inner sidewall. The second coupler includes a bottom end and a top end. The second taper stem is secured to the bottom end of the second coupler. The top end of the second coupler includes an inner sidewall that mates with the inner sidewall of the first coupler. A connector releasably connects the first coupler to the second coupler.

Abstract: A two-piece socket for a ball-and-socket arrangement, including a base and a cap. The socket includes a leg on one of the cap or base of the socket and a receiving groove on the other of the cap or base of the socket, wherein there is at least one opening in the leg which lines up with a corresponding opening in the groove for a fastener to extend through these openings to releasably secure the cap to the base of the socket. The orientation of the fastener is such that the fastener is under shear loading when the cap is pulled apart from the base.

Abstract: A composite article (e.g., prosthesis) and method of preparing the article is provided. An article may include a body having a matrix of a first hardness having a plurality of particles of a second hardness embedded in the matrix in fixed locations, the second hardness being harder than the first hardness, and the matrix having an external wear surface with a portion of the particles being proximal to or exposed at the external wear surface. The matrix with the particles may improve the life and durability of the article.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the treatment of an amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy substrate, which may have an altered surface roughness. The treatment of amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy substrates includes oxidation of the substrates. A zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful in various applications because the uniformly thick zirconium surface of controlled depth provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal substrates.

Abstract: A system, devices and methods for performing an osteotomy on a bone of a multi-axis joint are provided. A cutting guide system is provided for performing one or more cuts to the bone, using the articular surfaces of the articulating bones as a reference. If desired, a prosthesis can be used to emulate the osteotomy and substitute for a damaged articular surface of a bone of a multiaxis joint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing material that is excellent in durability and is capable of maintaining wear resistance over a long period of time. The bearing material of the present invention is a high wear-resistance bearing material 10 for being used under a humid environment comprising: a base body 12 made of a polymer material having a methylene group; and a polymer layer 30 covering a bearing surface 16 of the substrate 12, the polymer layer 30 comprising polymer chains which have a phosphorylcholine group and are grafted from the bearing surface 16, wherein a phosphoric index of the sliding surface 16 which is calculated by dividing a peak intensity of phosphate group in an infrared spectrum measured on the sliding surface by a peak intensity of the methylene group therein is not less than 0.28.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint (100) comprises a first component (110) having a first interface portion (111). The prosthetic joint (100) further comprises a second component (120) having a second interface portion (121) with a textured surface (122) to interface with the first interface portion (111) and form a skeletal joint. The textured surface (122) can include a plurality of concave features (123). Each or the concave features (123) can be configured to compress a lubricant (140) to facilitate hydrodynamic lubrication between the first and second interface portions (111, 121) to minimize wear between the first interface portion (111) and the second interface portion (121) of the prosthetic joint (100).

Abstract: A modular articulated spacer system provides for screw-based assembly of an articular spacer intended to replace an artificial joint temporarily, whereby the articulated spacer system comprises at least two modules connectable by means of a screw connection, whereby a first module of the articular spacer system comprises a surface for formation of a sliding surface of the joint of the articular spacer and a second module of the articular spacer system comprises a stem for connection to a bone. The modules are connectable by means of the screw connection comprising at last one screw-locking device for each screw connection, whereby the screw-locking device is connected to one of the modules or is provided in the form of the same part as one of the modules.

Abstract: A multi-component ankle joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper tibia bone and an opposing and lower talus bone. A first component is anchored into the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower talus reconditioned end surface of and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components. The spherical shaped component includes a multi-layer composition having a softer outer layer and at least one harder interior layer establishing an eccentric rotational interface therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, prosthetic joint components having textured surface(s) for improving lubrication and increasing the useful life of the prosthetic joint components. The textured surface includes solid features configured to stably contain a biological fluid or a synthetic biological fluid therebetween or therewithin for a non-zero residence time.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis including a first component having a cleaned silicon carbide layer, and an annealed graphs layer disposed on the cleaned silicon carbide layer, the annealed graphene layer being a contact layer interfacing a second component of the joint prosthesis, wherein at least one of the first component and the second component is moveable with respect to the other component

Abstract: An antibiotic delivery system including an intramedullary stem that is adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a bone. The stem includes a body having an inlet adapted to be in fluid communication with a source of liquid-borne antibiotic and a plurality of outlets disposed along the stem. A channel extends between the inlet and the plurality of outlets for delivering a fluid-borne antibiotic from the inlet to the plurality of outlets so as to distribute the antibiotic along the medullary canal in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: An antibiotic delivery system including an intramedullary stem that is adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a bone. The stem includes a body having an inlet adapted to be in fluid communication with a source of liquid-borne antibiotic and a plurality of outlets disposed along the stem. A channel extends between the inlet and the plurality of outlets for delivering a fluid-borne antibiotic from the inlet to the plurality of outlets so as to distribute the antibiotic along the medullary canal in a controlled fashion. A method of treating an infected joint during a two-stage re-implantation of an orthopedic implant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis for mounting in a first bone and presenting a prosthetic joint surface for engaging an opposing joint surface of a second bone, the joint prosthesis comprising: a sleeve which is adapted for partial disposition in an opening formed in the first bone; a center adapter which is adapted for disposition within the sleeve; and a prosthetic joint surface mounted to the center adapter; wherein the disposition of the center adapter is adjustable, both longitudinally and rotationally, relative to the sleeve, so that the disposition of the prosthetic joint surface is adjustable, both longitudinally and rotationally, relative to the opposing joint surface of the second bone.

Abstract: An implant that facilitates the fusion of a first bone part with a second bone part includes an implant body that extends between the first bone part and the second bone part. The implant body includes a first portion that fits within a first receiving aperture in the first bone part, and the implant body includes a second portion that fits within a second receiving aperture in the second bone part. At least one of the first portion and the second portion can be made of bone. Additionally, at least the second portion is formed to have a non-circular cross-sectional shape to inhibit relative motion between the bone parts and the implant body.

Abstract: A locking implant is provided for a long bone. The locking implant comprises a head portion, a stem portion extending from the head portion, and an anchor disposed at an end of the stem portion for engagement within a resected long bone. The anchor defines at least one locking feature, such as a cam, configured to engage an interior of the resected long bone upon rotation of the implant, thereby locking the head portion to the long bone. The implant may comprise a two component modular design. Methods of locking the implant to a long bone structure are also provided.

Abstract: A bone joint repair and replacement assembly. A first portion comprising a bone plate is configured to attach to a distal or proximal end of a bone proximate the joint, generally coaxially with an axis defined by the bone. A second portion comprising an articular surface is configured to attach to the first portion, generally normal with respect to the axis, and inserted into the joint. Although versions of the assembly can be configured for use with several different pivotal joints, the invention is particularly suitable for full or partial replacement of an elbow, wherein the articular surface is pivotally attached to the first portion. Another embodiment of the invention is provided to repair a fractured bone head proximate the joint, and still another embodiment of the invention is provided to repair rotator cuff-related shoulder injuries.

Abstract: A joint assembly incorporated into a reconditioned end surface established between upper and opposing lower bones. At least one first component is anchored into a first of the reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a rotatably supported wheel. A second component is anchored into a second opposing reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a second exposed support surface in contact with the rotatably supported wheel. The first component includes a supporting well anchored into the reconditioned bone end surface for supporting the wheel in rotatable fashion. A laterally inserting pin displaces relative to a side of the wheel well and into an interior thereof and includes a central axial through hole which receives the pin for supporting the shaft.

Abstract: Total joint replacements for implants include a first member configured to attach to a first bone, a second member configured to reside in an adjacent second bone and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to (i) lock the first and second members in alignment for full extension or other defined stabilized configuration and (ii) unlock to allow the first and second members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending.

Abstract: A prosthesis for primary artrodhesis can be used for artroplasty and a prosthesis for artroplasty comprises members for artrodhesis. The prosthesis (1b) for primary artrodhesis comprises a locking member (33b) with an attachment portion (16b) which is insertable into a hole (8b) in a first attachment member (4b) of the prosthesis for location of the locking member therein, and a lockable member (34b) integral with a second attachment member (5b) of the prosthesis. The lockable member (34b) is configured for adjustable setting thereof relative to the locking member (33b) and for fixation thereof, in set position, to the locking member. Alternatively, the lockable member comprises an attachment portion which is insertable into a hole in the second attachment member for location of the lockable member therein.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises a first component having a bearing surface and a second component having a bearing surface arranged to articulate with the bearing surface of the first component, said bearing surfaces of the first and the second component thus forming a bearing couple. The bearing surfaces consist of a silicon carbide whisker reinforced alumina. Thus, a bearing couple with low wear, low friction and high hardness is provided.

Abstract: An antibiotic delivery system including an intramedullary stem that is adapted to be removably mounted into a medullary canal of a bone. The stem includes a body having an inlet adapted to be in fluid communication with a source of liquid-borne antibiotic and a plurality of outlets disposed along the stem. A channel extends between the inlet and the plurality of outlets for delivering a fluid-borne antibiotic from the inlet to the plurality of outlets so as to distribute the antibiotic along the medullary canal in a controlled fashion. A method of treating an infected joint during a two-stage re-implantation of an orthopedic implant is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthesis for at least partial replacement of a tubular bone and of an adjacent joint, comprising an elongate shaft (1) with a first end and a second end, and a joint mechanism (2) arranged at the second end of the shaft (1), wherein a length-adjusting mechanism (3) is provided which actuates the shaft (1) along the axis (10) thereof in the manner of a telescope. The shaft (1) and the joint mechanism (2) are coupled via a plug connection with matching cone connectors (18, 29), wherein the length- adjusting mechanism (3) is of a modular design and, at the proximal and distal ends thereof, is provided with the matching cone plug connectors (18, 19), and it is further provided with an anti-rotation means (35, 37) that acts with a form fit.

Abstract: A joint assembly incorporated into a reconditioned end surface established between upper and opposing lower bones. At least one first component is anchored into a first of the reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a rotatably supported wheel. A second component is anchored into a second opposing reconditioned bone end surfaces and exhibits a second exposed support surface in contact with the rotatably supported wheel. The first component includes a supporting well anchored into the reconditioned bone end surface for supporting the wheel in rotatable fashion. A laterally inserting pin displaces relative to a side of the wheel well and into an interior thereof and includes a central axial through hole which receives the pin for supporting the shaft.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint member includes: a generally concave cup with an outer surface that is bone-implantable, the cup including a first indexing feature; a concave insert disposed inside the cup, the insert comprising a rigid material and including a concave interior defining a nominal surface, the interior including a cantilevered flange defined by an undercut in the insert, the flange defining a wear-resistant first contact surface which protrudes inward relative to the nominal surface, the insert including a second indexing feature. The first and second indexing features engage each other so as to retain the insert in a fixed angular orientation relative to the cup.

Abstract: An orthopedic prosthetic implant comprises a metal alloy stem element (13, 63, 113), which has one end portion (19, 69, 119) constructed to reside in the medullary cavity of a bone and an integral connector (23, 73, 123) at the opposite end to which crystalline brittle head (17, 67, 117), preferably made of pyrocarbon-coated graphite, is joined. The head interfaces with human bone, and its effective joinder to the stem element is achieved through a polymeric insert (15, 65, 115) of proportional shape and design which has selected elastic properties. The design and material of the polymeric insert allow it to be securely received within an interior cavity (35, 77, 131) of the pyrocarbon-coated graphite head and mated to the stem connector in an either rigidly or bi-polar arrangement. The method of joinder allows the construction of composite implants that utilize the most desirable properties of metallic and brittle crystalline materials.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis has a first component for cooperation with a first long bone, a second component for cooperation with a second long bone, and a bearing component positionable between the first component and the second component. The bearing component includes a reinforcing component and a polymeric material completely encapsulating the reinforcing component and molded thereto. The bearing component may be sterilized by a predominately surface sterilizing technology.

Abstract: A prosthesis assembly in one embodiment includes a stem configured to be implanted in a bone and including a first coupling portion, a head having a bearing surface configured to mate with at least one of a natural opposing joint component and a prosthetic opposing joint component, the head further having a second coupling portion, a coupler including a third coupling portion and a fourth coupling portion, the third coupling portion configured to couple with the second coupling portion, and an insert including (i) a fifth coupling portion configured to couple with the fourth coupling portion in any of a plurality of rotational orientations in combination with any of a plurality of roll angles and any of a plurality of pitch angles, and (ii) a sixth coupling portion configured to couple with the first coupling portion only when the insert assumes a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to the stem.

Abstract: An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adaptor. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adaptor to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup.

Abstract: A prosthetic knee joint includes: (a) a femoral member comprising rigid material with a convex, wear-resistant femoral contact surface including a convex ridge; (b) a tibial assembly including: (i) at least one cup comprising rigid material with a body and a rim substantially thicker than the body defining a wear-resistant cup contact surface; (ii) a rigid base; and (iii) a spring support interconnecting the cup and the base, the spring support elastically deflectable permitting controlled pivoting of the at least one cup; (c) wherein the cup contact surface bears against the femoral contact surface, transferring axial and lateral loads between the cup and femoral member, while allowing pivoting between the cup and femoral member; and (d) wherein the at least one cup allows the rim to deform elastically, permitting the cup contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the femoral contact surface, when the knee joint is loaded.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a minimally invasive ball joint implant and prosthesis for the treatment of arthritis, trauma, and other medical conditions leading to joint destruction and pain, as well as methods of use. In various cases, the prosthesis does not require reaming into the intramedullary canal and does not require diaphyseal fit for any bones associated with the joint, thereby resulting in more rapid and complete recovery. In various cases, the prosthesis incorporates an anchoring stem specifically designed to be impacted into the bone and to facilitate bony ingrowth after implantation, thereby strengthening the implanted prosthesis and preventing rotation thereof.

Abstract: An artificial joint associated with an implant including a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face, and which collectively defines a joint location. At least one plasticized layer is applied to one of, or both, the end faces in a coacting and substantially frictional reducing fashion. A lubricating plastic is defined upon an exposed face of the bladder. The plasticized layers may include a fluid receiving and inflatable bladder for filling a three dimensional area associated with the joint location. A curable/settable fluidic material can be injected into the bladder and which includes at least one of an epoxy, a urethane, a gelatin and a two-part hardener. The bones each further include an artificial implant constructed from at least one of a plasticized and a metallic material.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint according to the present invention includes a first implant component for attachment to a first bone and a second implant component for attachment to a second bone. The first implant component has a condylar portion that includes first and second condylar bearing surfaces and similarly, the second implant component has bearing surfaces that receive and are complementary to the first and second condylar bearing surfaces. Each of the first and second condylar bearing surfaces and each of the bearing surfaces of the second implant component has a cross-section in a coronal plane that exhibits two different radii and a contact point is established between the first and second condylar bearing surfaces and the bearing surfaces of the second implant component. The bearing surfaces of the respective implant components are configured such that varus and valgus rotation of the first implant component relative to the second implant component causes the contact point to move outwardly.

Abstract: A skeletal implant for replacing a human bone includes an inner reinforcing member and an outer plasticized and fluid resistant layer encasing the inner reinforcing member. A structurally rigid and foamable layer is disposed between the inner reinforcing member and the outer plasticized layer. An end of the outer layer is configured for receiving, in articulated engagement, an end of an adjoining bone. A plurality of ligaments are grafted between the implant and the adjoining bone and proximate the articulated engagement. Conduit passageways are also established between the inner reinforcing member and the end of the outer layer in order to communicate a fluid to an articulating engagement and ligament supporting location with an adjoining bone.

Abstract: An artificial joint implant in use with a bone and including a three dimensional shaped body have an exterior configured and joint defining face. An annular shaped recess is formed within a seating location of the implant for securing the body over a sectioned end of the bone. A stem extends from the body inwardly within the bone and exhibits at least one support for engaging an inner bone surface and in order to maintain the implant in secured fashion to the bone.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a dimensional change in a first object, wherein in an initial state said first object is connected to a second object via a joint, and wherein a first reference system is rigidly connected to the second object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing an (ultra) high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) article comprising:—incorporating into the HMWPE resin a Hindered Amine Light Stabilizer (HALS) and—cross-link the (U)HMWPE during or after molding the (U)HMWPE resin.

Abstract: The invention solves the problem of anchoring a prosthetic component into compliant, cancellous bone by a thin, preferably pure titanium, or a titanium-based alloy, perforated, hence hydraulically open, shell (1, 13), spaced apart from the second, non-perforated shell (2, 14). In most applications, dictated by the anatomical site of insertion, shells are approximately hemispherical in form, connected to each other at the equator. The solid shell may contain a further, articulating component of the joint, e.g. a polymer or a ceramic insert, or it may serve that function itself. One or both components of a joint prosthesis can be anchored according to the invention.

Abstract: An assembly comprises first and second parts which bear against one another, wherein said first part comprises a polyetherketoneketone and said second part comprises a polyetherketoneketone. The parts bear against one another such that one or both of the parts may have a tendency to wear and/or produce wear debris by virtue of contact between the parts. The materials used, however, minimise wear and the production of such wear debris.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint kit, particularly well suited for an elbow, transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, bearing structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one aspect, the method involves identifying link pivot locations, fixing base components and minimally invasive insertion techniques. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

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 oxidative treatment of an amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy 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 prosthesis for replacing a selected portion of the anatomy is disclosed. Also disclosed is an exemplary method and apparatus for performing a procedure. The procedure can be minimally or less invasive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new composition and medical implant made therefrom, the composition comprising a thick diffusion hardened zone, and preferably further comprising a ceramic layer. The present invention relates to orthopedic implants comprising the new composition, methods of making the new composition, and methods of making orthopedic implants comprising the new composition.

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.