Abstract: Implants, devices, systems and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are disclosed. The implant including a first member, a second member, and a coupling member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end engages the first member and the second end engages the second member. Methods of using the implants for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixation system for coupling a first and a second portion of bone together. The fixation system includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an interconnect. The first fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the first portion of bone and a first tapered mating surface. The second fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the second portion of bone and a second tapered mating surface. The interconnect includes a first and a second tapered surface disposed at generally opposite ends. The first and the second tapered surfaces are configured to frictionally engage the first and the second tapered mating surfaces of the first and the second element, respectively, to form frictional interference connections therebetween.

Abstract: Implants, devices, systems and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are disclosed. The implant including a first member, a second member, and a coupling member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end engages the first member and the second end engages the second member. Methods of using the implants for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for the repair of a phalangeal joint comprises a first anchor, a second anchor, and a flexible spacer connecting the first and second anchors. The flexible spacer comprises a plurality of elongate fibers extending axially or criss-crossed between the first and second anchors and a polymeric matrix interspersed with the plurality of elongate fibers. Specifically, a prosthetic metatarsophalangeal joint device comprises a porous metallic metatarsal bone anchor, a porous metallic phalangeal bone anchor, and a polymeric spacer element comprising parallel or criss-crossed elongate fibers that can connect the metatarsal bone anchor and the phalangeal bone anchor. Methods for manufacturing prosthetic joint devices comprise using three-dimensional printing processes or molding processes.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis is disclosed. The orthopaedic prosthesis includes a frame including a plurality of beams defining an open-cell structure and a shell applied to the frame. The frame includes a proximal arm, a distal arm, and a central body connecting the proximal arm to the distal arm. The shell extends over the proximal arm, the distal arm, and the central body of the frame. A method of implanting an orthopaedic prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: Implants, devices and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are disclosed. The implant including a first member, a second member, and a coupling member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end engages the first member and the second end engages the second member. Methods of using the implants for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a joint between a first bone and a second bone in a human hand or foot includes first and second rigid blocks (110, 120) interconnected by a flexible bridging structure (130). In certain embodiments, the flexible bridging structure employs a helical spring oriented with its central axis aligned with a central axis of a bone anchor portion of the first rigid block. One or more shear-limiting element (101, 140) is deployed within an internal volume of the helical spring (130) to limit an extent of shear deformation applied to the helical spring. Other aspects of the invention relate to adjustable bone-abutment flanges, an alternative bridging structure employing a helically-twisted leaf spring, and a structure and method for bridging between the first metacarpal and the scaphoid in case of removal of the trapezium from the hand.

Abstract: A vertical suspension system for a prosthetic foot includes a first member operatively coupleable to an amputee's residual leg. The suspension system can also include a second member coupleable to a prosthetic foot. One or more upper leaf springs and one or more lower leaf springs extend between and are attached to the first and second members such that at least one of the ends of each leaf spring is rotationally fixed to the first or second members, where the upper an lower leaf springs are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Load transferring systems and related methods for transferring load in a joint are provided. The load transferring system may include two bases configured to couple to bones defining a joint and a spring configured to couple to the bases. The spring may be configured to exert a tensile force between the bases during flexion of the joint. The load transferring system may be employed to treat symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment of the knee joint. Thus, the bases may respectively couple to the femur and tibia. The spring may exert tensile force therebetween during flexion of the knee joint so as to unload the lateral compartment of the knee joint by transferring load from the lateral compartment of the knee joint to the medial compartment of the knee joint.

Abstract: Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches. In one particular approach, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is addressed by unloading one or more of the lateral and medial compartments.

Abstract: An orthopaedic prosthesis for use in a hip replacement surgery includes an implantable stem component. The implantable stem component includes a core and a shell extending over the core. The shell includes a polymeric material and is configured to receive a femoral head component. Metal foam may extend over a portion of the shell.

Abstract: A bionic joint device with closed lubrication comprises a main body bionic bone (1), a driven bionic bone (4), an elastic easily-stretching cavity housing (2), a cavity sealing hoop (3), an elastic shock-proof material (5), a high-strength wear-resistant self-lubricating material (6) and a powerful inelastic limit connection (7). The elastic easily-stretching cavity housing (2) is internally filled with lubricating grease (8). The device is applicable to the robotics field and the artificial joint field.

Abstract: A femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip replacement procedure includes a plurality of femoral stem components in a range of various sizes and a plurality of femoral head component in a range of various sizes. The anterior/posterior stem taper angle of the femoral stem component varies across its range of sizes.

Abstract: An acetabular cup includes an articular insert (1) having a substantially semi-spherical articular cavity (1c), and a spherical head (2) engaged in the articular cavity (1c). A retaining device (10a) opposes the axial release (4) of the spherical head (2) from the articular cavity (1c) of the articular insert (1). For example, the retaining device can take the form of a back-tapered segment (10a) of the articular insert (1). The spherical head (2) is factory mounted in the articular insert (1), by temporarily heating the articular insert (1) and performing sterilization after assembly. In this way, the spherical head (2) retention capacity in the articular insert (1) is increased substantially in order to reduce the risk of luxation.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant having a porous tissue ingrowth structure and a bearing support structure. The method includes depositing a first layer of a metal powder onto a substrate, scanning a laser beam over the powder so as to sinter the metal powder at predetermined locations, depositing at least one layer of the metal powder onto the first layer and repeating the scanning of the laser beam.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system is an unlinked structure which facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprises a distal component for anchoring to a first bone, a proximal component for anchoring to a second bone, and a coupling piece that, together with the first component, forms a flexion bearing around a first axis and, together with the second component, forms a rotary bearing formed by the pin and the bearing bush around a second axis oriented transversely to the first axis. The rotary bearing comprises a multi-layer bearing insert, having a sliding sleeve surrounding the pin and a support sleeve that encloses said sliding sleeve and is fastened to the coupling piece by means of a securing element, wherein the securing element comprises an actuation unit within the support sleeve and can be connected to the coupling piece such as to ensure tensile strength by means of two aligned bores in the support sleeve and the coupling piece.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, provided is a prosthesis system for replacement of a head portion of a proximal radius. The system can include a first polymeric articulation component having a first locking portion and a metal head component having a second locking portion. The second locking portion can mate with the first locking portion to form a first locking mechanism to initially couple the first articulation component to the head component. The head component can define a locking channel. The system can also include a stem component having a protrusion receivable in the locking channel. The protrusion can define a bore, and the stem component can be adapted to be coupled to the radius. The system can also include a fastener received through the locking channel and into the bore to provide a second locking mechanism that couples the head component to the stem component.

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: An implant stabilizes two adjacent bones of a joint, while enabling a natural kinematic relative movement of the bones. Support components are connected to each bone of the joint, and a flexible core is interposed between them. The core and at least one of the support components are provided with a smooth sliding surface upon which the core and support component may slide relative to each other, enabling a corresponding movement of the bones. The surfaces may have a mating curvature, to mimic a natural movement of the joint. The core is resilient, and may bend or compress, enabling the bones to move towards each other, and or to bend relative to each other.

Abstract: A hip implant assembly including a spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem. An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in a maximum inserting condition, over an exterior reconditioned surface of the femur and upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway formed within the femur. A cup shaped support seats the ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion via a flexible and resilient ligament which extends from the ball and is received within a recess passageway of the cup. The cup also includes a mounting surface with a central projecting portion which is in turn resistively fitted within an undercut defined recess formed in the ilium bone in communication with a base surface of the reconditioned acetabulum socket.

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: A system for manipulating energy transferred by members defining a joint. The system includes a first attachment structure configured to be attached to a first member of the joint and a second attachment structure configured to be attached to a second member of the joint. There is also an adjustable energy absorbing device attached to the first attachment structure and second attachment structure, wherein adjusting the energy absorbing device changes the load manipulating characteristics of the energy absorbing device.

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: The invention relates to a single-piece metal strip having no weld seams and made of a polycrystalline metal, comprising at least one region in which the crystallites have a comparatively stronger anisotropic orientation, and at least one region in which the crystallites have a comparatively less strong anisotropic orientation, and wherein 0-20 X-ray diffractograms measured at two arbitrary points of the strip by way of CuKalpha radiation produce no statistically significant differences with respect to the position and shape of the respectively corresponding pikes, and to tweezers, supporting implants, and joint prostheses comprising said metal strip. The invention further relates to a roll method for obtaining said metal strip.

Abstract: A joint replacement prosthesis and procedure reduce the number of steps to complete a joint replacement. The joint replacement prosthesis comprises a ball and socket unit that fixes the ball in the socket prior to surgery. The unit is coupled to a bone structure in the patient and is coupled with a prosthesis that is fixed to another bone of the patient, such as a femoral implant fixed in a femur and providing a coupling at the end of a neck portion that is easily fit into a femoral head and acetabulum unit. A tether may be used to retain the ball in the socket and/or the ball may be retained by extension in the socket that do not restrict patient motion.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to base components that are usable with implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems. According to one embodiment, the base component includes a low-profile body having a elongate, straight portion at a first end and a curved body portion at a second end. The second end is elevated as compared to the first end. An inner surface of the low-profile body has a raised portion extending along the elongate, straight portion of the low-profile body. The base component also includes a plurality of openings positioned along the low-profile body for alignment and purposes of affixation to body anatomy.

Abstract: A biocompatible prosthetic device comprising a thin low friction spacer for location to overlie a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces. The prosthesis is preferably a thin spacer with at least one low friction surface, the spacer being adapted for location about a bone member in an interpositional location between opposed bone joint articular surfaces preferably about a margin of articular cartilage of a bone member's condyle, preferably without any modification of the articular surface of the condyle. One preferred use of a prosthesis is in a human temporomandibular joint as a thin cap-like member fitted closely over the mandibular condyle to be disposed intermediate of the mandibular condyle and the mandibular fossa of the temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: A system and method for sharing and absorbing energy between body parts. In one particular aspect, the system facilitates absorbing energy between members forming a joint such as between articulating bones.

Abstract: A implant is provided for placement in a space between boney structures. The implant may comprise a flexible section. The flexible section may be either the anterior side or the posterior side of the implant or both, among other sides. The flexible section or sections may comprise one or more orifices, cavities, or low modulus of elasticity materials among others. The flexible section or sections may facilitate a wider range of motion than otherwise possible for a spinal column comprising a Lumbar Interbody Fusion (LIF) device. Additionally, the anterior side comprising a flexible section may have a different modulus of elasticity than the posterior side comprising a flexible section. The difference may facilitate a wider range of responses from the implant to movement generated forces in at least two directions.

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: The acromioclavicular joint prosthesis of the present invention provides a mechanism for securing the distal or outer end of the clavicle to the acromion of the scapula. The present prosthetic device includes an acromion attachment component, an opposite clavicle attachment component, and an articulated joint between the two components. The intermediate joint may include a “breakaway” component, allowing the joint to be temporarily misaligned in the event that a severe force is applied to the shoulder, rather than damaging the joint or shoulder structure. The breakaway joint may be quickly and easily realigned by a medical professional. The joint may also include a spring loaded shock absorption component as well, to avoid damage to the joint due to excessive tensile forces. Tools and a method for surgically installing and locking the present prosthesis securely to the respective bones of the skeletal structure, are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A 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 hip joint endoprosthesis which comprises a shank, a joint ball at the upper end region of the shank, a joint socket, within which the joint ball is mounted to be rotationally movable, and a joint gap present between the joint ball and the joint socket. The joint socket and/or the joint ball has in the interior thereof a closed liquid-filled, gas-filled or gel-filled region. This is separated from the joint gap only by a thin, resiliently deformable edge region of the joint socket or joint ball.

Abstract: A hip joint endoprosthesis comprises a shank, a joint ball at the upper end region of the shank, a ball socket, within which the joint ball is mounted to be rotationally movable, and a joint gap present between the joint ball and the joint socket. A liquid-filled or gas-filled rolling-contact bag is provided in the joint gap.

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

Abstract: Artificial disc (ADR) and joint replacement components, particularly those associated with the knee and hip, use compressible, resilient materials to approximate natural kinematics, often in conjunction with elastic or spring components to tether articulating components to avoid dislocation, excessive compression, flexion or other out-of-range movements. The preferred embodiments require only two or a few articulating components. The designs allow for normal flexion, extension, lateral bending, rotation, and translocation, depending upon the application.

Abstract: Fluids and/or elastomeric materials are used to dampen forces across rigid endplates in an artificial disc replacement (ADR) or other artificial joints within the body (animal or human) including, for example, the tibial component of a knee replacement. Preferred embodiments use a fluid/elastomer combination to dampen forces in the ADR. Much like the normal human disc, fluid within the center of the ADR transfers compressive loads to a component surrounding the fluid. The surrounding component, preferably an elastomer, expands to dampen the forces transmitted by the fluid. According to the invention, a flat elastomeric ring is positioned adjacent to a flat inner surface of the ADR endplates.

Abstract: One or more rigid components associated with an articulating bone are used to encase, encapsulate, contain, or otherwise protect a compressible/resilient member. The embodiments are applicable not only to artificial disc replacement (ADR) devices, but also to joint situations including total knee and hip arthroplasty. The cushion elements in the preferred embodiments include synthetic rubbers, hydrogels, elastomers, and other polymeric materials such as viscoelastic polymers and foam polyurethanes. The invention effectively combines the advantages of such materials (cushioning, shape memory, and expansion after insertion in the case of hydrogels), while providing increased protection, particularly the elimination of shear stresses. When applied to an ADR, the invention also minimizes the risk of extrusion.

Abstract: A joint prosthesis comprising at least a first and a second load carrying member, the first load carrying member being substantially more shock absorbing and resilient than the second load carrying member.

Abstract: A movable joint has a first portion and a second portion and at least a deposition of chromium material forming an interface between the first and second portions. The first portion has an outer surface. The second portion also has an outer surface. The deposition of chromium material forms an interface between the outer surface of the first portion and the outer surface of the second portion.