Prosthetic knee joint tibial implant

Abstract

A prosthetic implant for replacement of the proximal end of the tibia includes a metal anchor member which is cemented into the intramedullary canal of the tibia and a replaceable high density polyethylene articulation member which is pinned to the anchoring member. The anchoring member and the replaceable articulation member slidably fit together by movement in a lateral direction by means of a dovetail fitting and a raised tab portion is provided as a stop means in order to assure proper positioning of one member with respect to the other. Once the two members are properly aligned, a vertical pin is inserted therethrough and is secured in position by a two prong horizontal clip arrangement which inserts through the articulation member and clips about a reduced diameter portion of the vertical pin member. Notches are provided in both the anchoring member as well as the replaceable articulation member for clearance of ligaments and the outer peripheral edge of the anchoring member includes a depending sharp lip and a depending groove therebehind which facilitate cementing of the anchoring member in place by compacting acrylic bone cement into the prepared surface of the tibia.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.