Sutter Biomedical, Inc.

James M Christensen

Thomas E Sgarlato

Bruce R Lawrence

David A Westerfield

Guido A Laporta

Allan H Mizoguchi

A surgically implantable prosthesis for replacing a bone joint, specifically the knuckle, of an individual is disclosed herein. The prosthesis includes a one-piece main body of flexible, inert material including first and second spaced apart end sections and a narrower web extending between and joining the sections together for flexing movement about a particular flexing axis through the web, whereby the main body functions as a hinge. First and second elongated stems connected to and extend out from these end sections in directions normal to the flexing axis and away from one another. In accordance with one feature of the prosthesis disclosed herein, a specific one of the stems is laterally offset in a specific way with respect to the flexing axis. In accordance with another feature, the end sections and web of the main body together define the key-hole shaped groove across one side of the web between the end sections.

Surgically implanted prosthesis

Great toe metatarsal phalangeal implant

Lesser toe metatarsal phalangeal implant

A portable device used for expediting the healing of bone or soft tissue fractures or defects in a patient is disclosed herein and utilizes at least one cathode electrode, an anode electrode and a circuit arrangement for applying a regulated flow of current between the electrodes and through the fracture or defect site. A specifically designed electrode assembly including the cathode electrode is also disclosed herein along with a particular technique for placing the cathode electrode in position at the fracture or defect site.

Bone and tissue healing device including a special electrode assembly

Subtalar arthroereisis implant

A completely portable, continuously self-monitoring device for expediting the healing of bone or soft tissue fractures or defects in a patient is disclosed herein along with its method of use. This device includes an electrical power supply, electronic circuitry and an arrangement of electrodes for applying current in a regulated manner through the fracture or defect site in a way which has been found to expedite the healing of bone fractures or bone defects at the site. The device also includes a monitoring arrangement cooperating with its power supply, electronic circuitry and arrangement of electrodes for continuously detecting and visually indicating whether or not the power supply is in proper working order and whether or not current is flowing through the fracture or defect site.

Portable continuously self-monitoring bone healing device and method

Growing community of inventors

San Diego, CA, United States of America

James M Christensen