Temporomandibular mini condyle prosthesis
AssigneeVitek, Inc.
InventorsJohn N, Kent, Charles A. Homsy
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The prosthetic mini-condyle is for use with a prosthetic glenoid fossa. The mini-condyle covers an excised natural condyle having a superior cut surface and a lateral cut surface. The mini-condyle has a superior, convexo-planar articular face and an inferior flat face. A shank extends inferiorly from the inferior face and is adapted to become secured to the lateral cut surface. The flat interior face is adapted to abut against the superior cut surface. Preferably, a porous bicompatible coating is bonded to the inferior face of the condyle and to the medial face of the shank.
Claims15
A prosthetic mini-condyle for use with a prosthetic glenoid fossa in the TMJ, said prosthetic fossa covering the natural glenoid fossa and articular eminence, and said mini-condyle covering an excised or deteriorated natural condyle having a superior cut surface and a lateral cut surface;
- said prosthetic fossa defining an articular, concavo-planar cavity, said mini-condyle comprising:
- a superior, convexo-planar articular face and an inferior flat face;
- a heel extending backwardly, a toe extending forwardly, and an oval sole extending rearwardly between said superior and said inferior faces;
- a shank extending inferiorly from said inferior face and being adapted to become secured to said lateral cut surface;
- said flat inferior face being adapted to abut against said superior cut surface;
- and
- said condyle, in use, translating and rotating within said fossa cavity so that said superior articular convexo-planar face of said condyle engages said articular concavo-planar cavity and establishes therewith a relatively wide planar contact area which minimizes stress concentrations therebetween.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.