US 2007/0185584 A1 · SMALL JOINT HEMIARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for digit joint arthroplasty. The present invention preferably allows for the treatment of disorders of digit joints generally and interphalageal joints more specifically. The present invention provides implants for the replacement of digit joint cartilage. The implants of the present invention preferably include a head and a shaft. The head may be shaped similarly to the cartilage that is being replaced. The shaft is adapted so as to be able to be fit into, for example, the phalanx. In certain preferred embodiments, the shaft is threaded so that it may gain purchase to the phalangeal cortex. The articulating portion of the implant preferably mimics the articular surface of the native phalanx and thereby places minimal motion restriction on the patient. The implants and methods of the present invention have particular utility with the DIP joint of the hand.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An implant adapted for use in arthroplasty of a digit joint, comprising

a head;
and
a shaft, wherein said shaft is adapted to fit into an intramedullary hole of a phalanx.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

11/670,578Filed 2 Feb 2007

Priority

2 Feb 2006

Published

9 Aug 2007

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

A61F 2/4241
For wrists or ankles; for hands, e.g. fingers; for feet, e.g. toes: for hands, e.g. fingers
A61F 2002/30232
Cylindrical: half-cylinders
A61F 2002/3085
Applied in original prostheses, e.g. holes or grooves: with a threaded, e.g. self-tapping, bone-engaging surface, e.g. external surface
A61F 2002/4243
For hands, e.g. fingers: for interphalangeal joints, i.e. IP joints

Small joint hemiarthroplasty

Life of this patent

Small joint hemiarthroplasty

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21