Modular joint replacement implant with hydrogel surface
OwnerReinhold Schmiedinginventor
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Abstract
An endoprosthetic joint implant includes a fixation element and a hydrogel hinge portion. The fixation element supports the hydrogel hinge portion on a resected bone-end, for example, for use in surgical joint replacement. The fixation element of one embodiment features a stem made of titanium. The stem is threaded for insertion distally into an intramedullary canal. The hydrogel hinge portion connects to the stem using a snap-fit arrangement. The hydrogel is available in various surface configurations and can articulate against a natural joint surface or a synthetic joint surface. A total joint-replacement implant is provided by attaching a second stem to an opposite side of the hinge for insertion into bone on the opposed side of the articulation.
Claims20
An endoprosthetic joint implant comprising:
- a fixation element having a distal portion and a proximal portion;
- an attachment part formed on the distal portion;
- and
- an articular element disposed on the proximal portion, the articular element comprising hydrogel
A total joint replacement system comprising:
- a pair of fixation elements each having a distal portion and a proximal portion, and an attachment part formed on the distal portion;
- and
- an articular element disposed on the attachment parts of the fixation elements, the articular element comprising hydrogel.
A method of joint surgery comprising:
- resecting a bone to remove an articular head;
- and
- installing in place of the articular head a first endoprosthetic joint implant comprising:
- a fixation element having a distal portion and a proximal portion;
- an attachment part formed on the distal portion;
- and
- an articular element disposed on the proximal portion, the articular element comprising hydrogel
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.