Shoulder prosthesis with anatomic reattachment features

Abstract

A humeral prosthesis features improved anatomic attachment areas for tendon or bone. In the preferred embodiment, in contrast to existing devices, at least one set of tendon/bone attachment points are provided along a line, at least a portion of which is divergent with respect to the axis of the stem. One or more sets of attachment points may be further be provided along a line which is substantially parallel to the axis of the stem, resulting in a “T” “L” or “U” shape. Alternatively, attachment points having a changing degree of diversion with respect to the axis of the stem may be provided along a common, curved line. The attachment points may simply be apertures formed through the body of the implant though, in the preferred embodiment, the apertures are provided on raised tabs. An area of bone-ingrowth material may be provided adjacent the attachment points, and may include a separate fastening mechanism such as a threaded hole to receive a screw. A groove may also be provided in any embodiment to receive the biceps tendon. Particularly with respect to fractures, including multi- and ‘four-part’ fractures, means specifically intended for the rigid reattachment of the greater or lesser tuberosities may be provided separately or in conjunction with other sets of reattachment configurations.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.