Zimmer Usa, Inc.

Zimmer Gmbh

Barry L Gold

Richard C Bolesky

Gene M Farling

This invention relates generally to the art of orthopaedic prostheses, and more particularly to the type of prosthesis which is adapted to promote the ingrowth of bone and/or tissue into the portion of the prosthesis surface in contact with the bone surface. The prosthesis is comprised of a bottom base layer of porous fiber metal material an intermediate metal reinforcing layer including at least one opening therein and a top non-metal surface which is molded to the base layer. The portion of the polyethylene layer that is in contact with the base layer penetrates into the interstices of the porous metal material, hence securing the non-metal layer to the porous metal base layer.

Prosthetic device adapted to promote bone/tissue ingrowth

The prosthesis disclosed is an unrestrained or hingeless elbow prosthesis including a humeral implant component and an ulnar implant component. The metal humeral component is comprised of an elongated stem with a substantially cylindrical articulating surface on the distal end of said stem wherein said cylindrical articulating surface is convex such that the diameters of the end surfaces of the cylindrical shape are smaller than the diameter about the midportion of the cylindrical shape. The ulnar component is comprised of a metal retainer and a polyethylene bearing. The metal retainer includes an elongated stem attached to a metal base such that the stem depends from the base and anatomically curves slightly outward or laterally from the base. The polyethylene bearing is slidably engaged to the metal retainer and locks into position on the retainer. The polyethylene bearing contains a concave cylindrical cavity for receiving the convex cylinder of the humeral component. The metal humeral component then rotates about the axis of its cylindrical articulating surface within the cavity of the polyethylene ulnar bearing of the ulnar component.

Unrestrained elbow prosthesis

A surface replacement knee joint prosthesis is provided which restrains axial and lateral rotation of the knee joint when the leg is fully extended, and superior-inferior dislocation at all times. The prosthesis has femoral and tibial members articulated by spaced spheroidal load-sharing condylar surfaces with substantially matching radii of curvature. The femoral member defines a tapering channel positioned between the spaced condylar surfaces. A stem having a truncated head projects superiorly from the tibial member and progressively engages the tapering channel during extension, for restraining the rotation and dislocation of the knee joint when the leg is fully extended. When the leg is in flexion, the clearance between the stem and the diverging arms which define the channel allows axial and lateral rotation as in a natural knee joint.

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Warsaw, IN, United States of America

Barry L Gold