Bearing surface for prosthesis and replacement of meniscal cartilage
OwnerJohn E. Fox, Stephen J. Foxinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A cartilage replacement apparatus. This apparatus is a hollow plastic pad with a load bearing material within the plastic pad. The load bearing surface provides the shock absorbing compliance of natural cartilage and is effective in absorbing the peak contact stresses imposed on a prosthesis when placed in an extreme, load bearing situation. The unique characteristics of the invention makes it a permanent replacement for cartilage, thus permitting patients to avoid further replacement surgery. It also would provide a unique bearing surface for total joint replacement surgery, such that it would obviate the destructive effects of particulate debris.
Claims9
An implantable cartilage replacement apparatus comprising:
- a pad of pliable and compliant shock absorbing material with a hollow interior;
- load bearing material which fills the interior of said pad, and moves in response to varying load vectors applied to said pad;
- wherein said load bearing material further comprises numerous, small ball bearings of surgical-grade stainless steel;
- and
- wherein, said pad with said load bearing material is capable of self-modulation, congruency and shock absorbency in a manner similar to actual cartilage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.