Bi-axial elbow joint replacement

Abstract

A bi-axial orthopaedic device includes a hinge block having longitudinal and transverse axes, an ulna pivot, a humerus pivot, and ulna and humerus spike mounting devices; and humerus and ulna spikes which each have a longitudinal axis, a first end portion having a pivot, a second end portion adapted to be inserted in an ulna or humerus. The ulna spike first end portion is pivotally mounted in the ulna spike mounting device and the humerus spike first end is pivotally mounted in the humerus spike mounting device. Each spike mounting device includes mechanisms for permitting the respective spike to pivot substantially through 90.degree.. The spikes have a first extended position relative to the hinge block and each other where their longitudinal axes are offset from one another and substantially extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the hinge block, and a second folded position where their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hinge block. In the folded position, the second ends portions of the spikes extend in the same direction; and the second ends extend in an opposite direction when in the extended position. Further, the humerus and ulna spike second ends include surfaces for providing orthopaedic support thereon.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.