Abstract: The invention concerns a prosthetic element (1) with an outer surface defining an interface to the surrounding bone or fibrous tissue, wherein the prosthetic element (1) is provided with at least one internal anchoring cavity (6) for the growing of tissue and a least one guide means (5) for a cutting tool. The guide means (5) and the anchoring cavities (6) are positioned essentially within the perimeter/circumference of the prosthetic element (1) defined by the outer surface of the prosthetic element (1). The anchoring cavities (6) and the guide means (5) are interconnected and at least one of the anchoring cavities (6) and/or the guide means (5) has an opening in the outer surface for the growing of tissue into the element (1).

Abstract: A method of installing a transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component, a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and the third component having an outer surface. The outer surface of the third component has a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of at least the first component and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: Modular bone implants, manner of assembly, and their method of use are presented. In one form thereof, a tibial component of a knee prosthesis is providing including a tray having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and an extension forming an elongate body having a top end and a bottom end. One of the tray and extension includes an outwardly projecting boss, with the boss having an outer wall including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion. The other of the tray and extension includes an inwardly extending bore forming a bore wall, the bore wall including a cylindrical portion and a tapered portion.

Abstract: A system and method for trialing a modular hip replacement system (10) permits evaluation and replication of the anatomic anteversion rotational angle of the femur. A distal stem component (18) of the hip replacement system (10) includes a proximal portion (34) having a locator feature (35) that is externally accessible when the stem component is mounted within the femur. A proximal trial body assembly (60) is mounted on the proximal portion (34) of the distal stem component (18) to permit rotation of a trial neck component (62). The trial neck component (62) also includes a locator feature (126) that can be externally referenced to determine the anteversion angle.

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: 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: An implantable prosthesis including at least one element defining a bone-engaging surface, the bone-engaging surface including an anchoring mechanism operative for enhancing anchoring and adhesion of the joint defining element to the bone and thus improving the stability and longevity of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Orthopaedic implants, orthopaedic implant sets, and/or methods for making the same. Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may include orthopaedic implants having an elongated insertion region including proximal, distal, and transition portions, wherein at least portions of at least one face each of the proximal and transition portions are defined by spaced apart constant radii of curvature. The same or other aspects and embodiments may include sets of orthopaedic implants in which proximal portions of the implants grow at different rates than distal portions of the implants. The same or other aspects and embodiments may include methods for making implants and/or sets of implants by studying the geometries of differently sized bony anatomies.

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

Abstract: A method for arthroplasty includes using a self-locking prosthesis that has a member structured to transfer a load produced by the weight of a patient to a bone. An expandable bone-locking portion that is integral to the member includes a shape-memory material and expands to produce a locking force. A portion of the bone is removed to form an aperture in the bone. The bone-locking portion is inserted into the aperture, and a temperature increase causes a change from a contracted state to an expanded state resulting in expansion of the bone-locking portion so as to contact the inner surface. The expanding is sufficient to create a locking force at the junction between the inner surface and the bone-locking portion of the prosthesis and the majority of the locking force is applied at or above the metaphysis. The length/width ration of the prosthesis may be less than or equal to 5. The resulting reconstructed long-bone may have improved primary and long-term stability.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis includes a first component configured for attachment to a bone, the first component including flutes or grooves on a surface thereof for deterring rotation of the prosthesis within a bone; a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells; and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and is adapted to extend directly from the skin surface in use, the third component having a coating of a non-stick material on an outer surface thereof, the coating having a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of the first and second components and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion.

Abstract: An orthopedic component comprising a first element and a second element, with the first element and the second element being secured to one another with a modular connection, wherein the modular connection comprises a taper junction and an engaged-fit junction.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for ball and socket joint reconstruction. The anchor stem is adapted to be anchored in a medullary canal. A proximal portion of the anchor stem includes a threaded hole oriented along a longitudinal axis thereof. Metaphyseal portion includes a proximal end with recess and a longitudinal bore in fluid communication with the recess, and a distal end adapted to interface with the proximal portion of the anchor stem. An anti-rotation structure is preferably located at an interface of the anchoring stem to the metaphyseal portion to prevent rotation of the anchor stem relative to the metaphyseal portion around the longitudinal axis. A fastener is provided to extend through the longitudinal bore and to engage with the threaded hole on the anchor stem to fix the metaphyseal portion to the anchoring stem. The locking assembly is located in the recess and mechanically couples the head of the fastener to the metaphyseal portion to limit rotation of the fastener relative to the metaphyseal portion.

Abstract: The system to implant a prosthetic device in a long bone such as a femur or a humerus includes a stem implant having a recess. The system of present invention also includes a broach to prepare the long bone that may receive the stem implant. The broach also has a recess that is similar to the recess in the stem implant. An adapter of a generally rectangular shape similar to the recess fits snugly in the recess in the stem implant. A trial neck that fits snugly in the recess formed in the adapter is also provided. A trial head may be assembled on the trial neck. A neck similar to the trial neck can be inserted in place of trial neck. A head may be assembled on the proximal end of the neck. A system for implantation of a prosthetic device in a long bone may be made available as a kit that includes at least two stems having the adapter inserted in each of the stem, at least two trial necks, at least two trial heads, at least two necks and at least two heads.

Abstract: A radial head implant including a head, a stem, and a locking mechanism, whereby the head laterally engages the stem, and an instrument for implanting and removing such implant is described.

Abstract: A method for arthroplasty includes using a self-locking prosthesis that has a member structured to transfer a load produced by the weight of a patient to a bone. An expandable bone-locking portion that is integral to the member includes a shape-memory material and expands to produce a locking force. A portion of the bone is removed to form an aperture in the bone. The bone-locking portion is inserted into the aperture, and a temperature increase causes a change from a contracted state to an expanded state resulting in expansion of the bone-locking portion so as to contact the inner surface. The expanding is sufficient to create a locking force at the junction between the inner surface and the bone-locking portion of the prosthesis and the majority of the locking force is applied at or above the metaphysis. The length/width ration of the prosthesis may be less than or equal to 5. The resulting reconstructed long-bone may have improved primary and long-term stability.

Abstract: A prosthesis for implantation in a femur has a metallic stem portion having a smooth outer surface and a distal tip. A polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) sleeve surrounds and is in contact with the stem portion. The sleeve has a cavity for receiving the stem tip and a bottom of said cavity spaced from the tip. A metal sheath has a cavity for receiving the sleeve. The metal sheath has a porous outer tissue ingrowth surface and a roughened inner surface. The PMMA sleeve is bonded to the inner surface of the metal sheath with a PMMA bone cement. The stem portion, sleeve and metal sheath all taper inwardly moving from a proximal stem portion to a distal stem portion.

Abstract: A prosthetic hip implant comprising: a neck portion including a prosthetic head mounted thereon; and a stem portion coupled to the neck portion having a generally u-shaped cross-section, the stem curving towards a medial side of a femur on moving in a proximal to distal direction when the stem is implanted, a base portion of the u-shaped cross-section extending between first and second legs of the u-shaped cross-section, the base portion decreasing in thickness while moving in a proximal to distal direction and a length of the first and second legs of the u-shaped cross-section decreasing on moving in a proximal to distal direction.

Abstract: A method and an insertion unit for inserting an elongate prosthesis into a prosthesis fixing device. This device comprises a bed of grains and biocompatible material, and a vibrating tool is used for insertion, the vibration head of which performs an oscillating motion back and forth about a swivelling axis (3?). According to the invention, said axis (3r) of the vibrating tool essentially coincides with the longitudinal axis (I1) of the elongate prosthesis (1). The method and the insertion unit provide a prosthesis fixing device consisting of said bed, in which the grains are evenly packed along the length of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A variable stiffness stem component for intramedullary fixation in total joint replacement implants or in a segmental replacement system. The stem component has a shaft with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal length therebetween. The diameter of the shaft is approximately constant along the longitudinal length. A taper or threaded connection may be provided adjacent the proximal end of the shaft for assembly to another implant component. At least three flutes are disposed in a portion of the length of the shaft from intermediate the proximal and distal ends extending towards the distal end. The flutes increase in one of width or depth, or a combination thereof, towards the distal end to provide variable stiffness.

Abstract: A prosthetic femoral implant for use in a hip joint, as a ball and socket type joint, is disclosed. The implant includes a modular neck having a variety of adjustable positions to adjust the lateral offset and version angle of the femoral implant in relation to the femur. The implant further includes a broad, full collar for providing a compression force increasing the interdigitation between the interface of the bone, implant and cement. The implant also includes a stem having a depression having a roughened porous surface for resisting the increased torsional loads placed on the implant due to the increased lateral offset and version angle. The stem further comprises three distinct zones, each zone having its own roughened surface creating a tripartite differential porosity.

Abstract: A system and method for trialing a modular hip replacement system (10) permits evaluation and replication of the anatomic anteversion rotational angle of the femur. A distal stem component (18) of the hip replacement system (10) includes a proximal portion (34) having a locator feature (35) that is externally accessible when the stem component is mounted within the femur. A proximal trial body assembly (60) is mounted on the proximal portion (34) of the distal stem component (18) to permit rotation of a trial neck component (62). The trial neck component (62) also includes a locator feature(126) that can be externally referenced to determine the anteversion angle.

Abstract: Two spacer components and a retaining ring are part of an orthopaedic system. The system may also include trial or implant stem components that are inserted or implanted in the proximal and distal ends of the long bone. One spacer segment has a male portion and the other spacer segment has a transverse female slot. The male portion and female slot are positioned to allow the male portion to be moved into and out of the female slot in a direction other than the proximal-distal direction. The retaining ring is then threaded into a locked position to limit relative movement between the male portion and female slot. The spacer segments can thus be connected after the segments have been connected to the native bone without damaging the soft tissue at the native bone through distraction.

Abstract: An intercalary prosthesis spans a space in the shaft of a long bone between native proximal and distal ends of the long bone. The intercalary prosthesis has first and second intercalary segments connected to proximal and distal stem components. The stem components are implanted in the proximal and distal ends of the long bone. One of the intercalary segments has a male dovetail and the other has a female dovetail. The male and female dovetails are positioned to allow the male dovetail to be moved into the female dovetail in a direction other than the proximal-distal direction. The intercalary segments can thus be connected after the segments have been implanted without damaging the soft tissue at the native bone through distraction. The intercalary segments and stem components are provided as part of a kit. The method of implanting the intercalary prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular system for the formation of a prosthesis for the replacement of a long bone in a human or animal body. The system provides a prosthesis having a proximal or distal end component such as a trochanter or condylar head, forming one component of a prosthetic joint, a shaft for assembly with a distal or proximal end component and a stem for engagement in a resected bone. The systems allows the assembly of a custom fitted prosthesis for a limited range of components.

Abstract: A cementless femoral hip stem component. The hip stem component includes an elongate stem, a proximal body, and a collar disposed on the proximal body and extending outward therefrom in a sideways direction to form a ledge. The proximal body defines at least a majority of a frustoconical shape. The ledge formed by the collar includes a tapered undersurface, beneath which extends the proximal body. The tapered undersurface of the ledge and the proximal body extend in different directions and thereby cooperatively define a double-flared contact surface configured to enable subsidable engagement of said double-flared contact surface with the femur at two different rates of subsidence within the femur. An abrupt, male corner is formed by the stem and the proximal body and is sufficiently abrupt to provide enhanced bone ingrowth stimulation.

Abstract: A prosthetic component includes an adaptor having a first end and a second end. The first end includes an elongated male tapered body. The second end includes a flange extending radially outwardly from the male tapered body and having an anti-rotational/anatomically orientation component formed therewith. The second end also includes a female tapered aperture formed therein which has an anti-rotational/anatomical orientation component formed therewith. The flange may include an elongated portion having a porous annular surface thereon.

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: Inverse prosthesis of the shoulder for the articulation of a humerus in a scapula of a shoulder comprising a glenoid cavity. The prosthesis includes an at least partly convex articulation element, including elements for support and attachment to the glenoid cavity, and able to articulate with an at least partly concave mating articulation element, associated with the top of the humerus. The articulation element includes a substantially hemi-spherical element and a pin-type implant element made as distinct and reciprocally removable elements, so as to allow them to be assembled sequentially with respect to the glenoid cavity.

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: An intercalary prosthesis spans a space in the shaft of a long bone between native proximal and distal ends of the long bone. The intercalary prosthesis has first and second intercalary segments connected to proximal and distal stem components. The stem components are implanted in the proximal and distal ends of the long bone. One of the intercalary segments has a male dovetail and the other has a female dovetail. The male and female dovetails are positioned to allow the male dovetail to be moved into the female dovetail in a direction other than the proximal-distal direction. The intercalary segments can thus be connected after the segments have been implanted without damaging the soft tissue at the native bone through distraction. The intercalary segments and stem components are provided as part of a kit. The method of implanting the intercalary prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixation device and method for attaching an external prosthesis to a bone. The fixation device includes a main body having a compliant portion operable to be expanded and contracted. The main body has a first end fixedly retained in the bone and a second end coupled to an extension for receiving the external prosthesis. The main body and the extension define respectively first and second engagement surfaces for constraining a bone graft therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing tissue including a fastener having an elongated member at least partially made of an expandable material. The present invention also relates to a method of stabilizing tissue. The method includes positioning the fastener in tissue, positioning an implant adjacent the tissue such that the fastener extends into the implant, and expanding the fastener.

Abstract: The invention provides a prosthesis structure for anchorage to the joint end of an articulatory part of a joint in a human or animal body which comprises an engagement element which presents a flat or a substantially flat engagement surface for engaging with a complementary joint end surface provided at the joint end and an elongate fixture connected to and spaced from the engagement surface for insertion into a complementary bore provided at the joint end at a distance from the joint end surface. The invention further provides that the elongate fixture forms an acute angle with the engagement surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses a modular system for the formation of a prosthesis for the replacement of a long bone in a human or animal body. The system provides a prosthesis comprising a proximal or distal end component such as a trochanter (1) or condylar head, forming one component of a prosthetic joint, a shaft (5) for assembly with the distal or proximal end component and a stem (8) for engagement in a resected bone. The system allows the assembly of a custom fitted prosthesis from a limited range of components.

Abstract: An easily assembled provisional orthopaedic implant having first and second components. The first component may include a stem which can be inserted into an intermedulary canal and may be a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis. The second component has a body and a sliding retention member. The retention member can be manually engaged with a groove on the stem of the first component to lock the two components together. The second component may form of an intercondylar box and have a projecting tab engageable with a recess on the femoral component to properly orient the two components when they are placed in registry with each other.

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: Percutaneous skin access devices include a plurality of locked connecting units mounted to the exterior surface of an implantable medical object which, in position, is configured to penetrate the skin of a subject. The locked connecting units may be mounted directly onto the desired surface of the exterior of the device or may be held on a substrate sheet, which is mounted to the exterior surface of the device. In position, the locked connecting units engage with soft tissue which can include the skin to form a bio-junction layer which includes mechanical and bio-sealing connection between the device body and the soft tissue. The configuration at the bio-junction layer secures the medical object in location in the subject even for long-term indwelling applications in a manner, which inhibits soft tissue infection.

Abstract: A binary attachment mechanism for a modular prosthesis comprises a body and a stem. The body has a top surface, a bottom surface, an internal surface bounding a bore extending between the top and bottom surface. The stem has a protrusion having an external surface adapted to be received in the bore of the body. Sliding the protrusion into the bore causes the external surface of the protrusion to form discrete, spaced apart, releasable connections with the internal surface of the body.

Abstract: Modular orthopaedic components are disclosed. One set comprises orthopaedic trials and the other set comprises orthopaedic instruments. Both sets provide several interchangeable elements. Two or more modular components can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled. Some of the modular components have open female ends with interior grooves that hold a garter-type canted coil spring. Others of the modular components have male ends with exterior grooves. When the two ends are pushed together, the canted coil spring is received in the aligned grooves, temporarily holding the elements together until the surgeon uses force to pull them apart. No special tool is needed to assemble and disassemble these modular components.

Abstract: A modular bone implant is connected together using linear compression rather than torque.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant comprising a thermoplastic polymer or a composite comprising, in one embodiment, polyetheretherketone reinforced with 10% by volume of glass fibers, with an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone. A porous coating is formed on the implant surface by creating a roughness thereon, by coating the surface with hydroxyapatite or by embedding a biocompatible material such as titanium in the surface. A two piece embodiment of the implant is joined and locked together, after the opposite ends of each piece are inserted in the medullary canal, using an interlocking mechanism comprising a fluted protrusion on one piece and a corresponding fluted cavity in the other piece with the fluted portions being complementarily tapered.

Abstract: Joint endoprosthesis with an anchoring part (3) and a cone connection (4) between a joint part (1) and the anchoring part (3). According to the invention, the cone connection is provided with an anti-rotation arrangement (13, 14). It can also be equipped with a securing screw (8).

Abstract: An arthroplasty joint assembly for medically and articulately interconnecting first and second opposed end regions of lengthwise adjacent first and second bones. The artificial joint assembly includes a first assembly including external threading extending lengthwise from a generally pointed end of the first assembly for anchoring the first assembly within a cavity of the first bone such that an opposite end of the first assembly extends toward the second bone. The artificial joint assembly also includes a second assembly having external threading extending lengthwise from a generally pointed end of the second assembly for anchoring the second assembly within a cavity in the second bone and such that an opposite end of the second assembly extends toward the first bone.

Abstract: An alignable orthopedic prosthesis system includes a prosthesis and an alignment guide. The prosthesis includes a stem having at least one keyed component extending along its outer surface. The alignment guide has an alignment body with a guide surface disposed on an inner portion thereof. The guide surface has a key element formed therein for engageably receiving the keyed component of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A modular hip implant that can be custom fit to an individual patient, including a shock absorption system that absorbs compressive stresses that are imparted to the implant. The size of the femoral ball member, size of the femoral stem, femoral neck length, and tension in the shock absorption system are all individually adjustable parameters, depending on the particular patient. A unique coupling member houses a modular spring mechanism that serves as the shock absorber. The coupling member is received into the ball member to an adjustable depth, the adjustment of which varies the length of the femoral neck. The length of the femoral neck can be adjusted during surgery without requiring additional parts.

Abstract: A glenoid component for securement to a glenoid surface of a scapula so as to provide a bearing surface for a head portion of a humerus includes a body portion having a first surface configured to contact the glenoid surface of the scapula and a second surface configured to receive the head portion of the humerus. The glenoid component also includes an anchor peg extending from the first surface of the body portion for penetrating the glenoid surface of the scapula so as to secure the body portion to the glenoid surface of the scapula. The anchor peg has a first end portion and a second end portion with the first end portion of the anchor peg being secured to the first surface of the body portion, and the second end portion of the anchor peg having a number of fins secured thereto.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a side-dependent prosthetic device. The side-dependent prosthetic device is a composite prosthetic device with a longitudinal direction. The composite prosthetic device includes a plurality of plies wherein each ply being composed of a plurality of reinforced fibers aligned in a ply orientational angle &thgr;i relative to the longitudinal direction of the prosthetic device, where i=1,2,3, . . . ,N and N being the number of the plies. The plurality of plies are laminated together for forming the prosthetic device wherein the ply orientational angles being arranged such that &thgr;1+&thgr;2+&thgr;3+ . . . +&thgr;N−0 thus forming an unbalanced composite prosthetic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic device for placement in an implant area of the body. The prosthetic device comprises an elongated stem portion, a neck portion, and a head portion. Each of the stem, neck, and head portions comprise a material impregnated with an antibiotic agent such that, when the prosthetic device is inserted into the implant area in place of a weight-bearing prosthesis, the antibiotic agent can leach out of the material to fight infection in the implant area. As an added benefit, the structure of the prosthetic device maintains adequate joint spacing in opposition to contraction of the muscles and tendons of the patient over a period of time so that a weight-bearing prosthesis can again be implanted into the implant area after the infection has been overcome.