Polymeric composite orthopedic implant

An orthopedic implant for replacing a missing or diseased portion of bone, the implant comprising:

• a thermoplastic polymer having an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone;
• a biocompatible material partially embedded in a surface of the implant;
• a first piece and a second piece, the first and second pieces being joined and locked together by an interlocking means comprising:
• a protruding member on the first piece;
• and
• a cavity in the second piece for receiving the protruding member,
• wherein the protruding member and the cavity are complementarily tapered;
• and
• means for resisting rotation between the first and second pieces.

An intramedullary implant for replacing a missing or diseased portion of bone comprising:

• a first piece comprising a first end for insertion into the medullary cavity of a bone and a second end having a protruding member thereon;
• a second piece comprising a first end for insertion into the medullary cavity of a bone and a second end having a cavity formed therein for receiving the protruding member on the second end of the first piece;
• and
• means for resisting rotation between the first and second pieces;
• wherein the rotation resisting means comprises a flute on the protruding member and a corresponding fluted opening in the cavity.

An orthopedic implant for replacing a missing or diseased portion of bone, the implant comprising a composite comprising:

• a thermoplastic polymer;
• a material for reinforcing the polymer;
• a biocompatible material partially embedded in a surface of the implant;
• a first piece and a second piece, the first and second pieces being joined and locked together by an interlocking means comprising:
• a protruding member on the first piece;
• and
• a cavity in the second piece for receiving the protruding member;
• and
• means for resisting rotation between the first and second pieces, wherein the rotation resisting means comprises a flute on the protruding member and a corresponding fluted opening in the cavity;
• wherein the composite has an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone.

An orthopedic implant for replacing a missing or diseased portion of bone, the implant comprising a composite comprising:

• polyetheretherketone (PEEK);
• glass fibers for reinforcing the polymer, the glass fibers comprising 10% of the implant by volume;
• a biocompatible material partially embedded in a surface of the implant;
• a first piece and a second piece, the first and second pieces being joined and locked together by an interlocking means comprising:
• a protruding member on the first piece;
• and
• a cavity in the second piece for receiving the protruding member;
• and
• means for resisting rotation between the first and second pieces, wherein the rotation resisting means comprises a flute on the protruding member and a corresponding fluted opening in the cavity;
• wherein the composite has an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone.

An orthopedic implant for replacing a missing or diseased portion of bone, the implant comprising a composite comprising:

• a thermoplastic polymer;
• a material for reinforcing the polymer;
• a biocompatible material partially embedded in a surface of the implant;
• a first piece and a second piece, the first and second pieces being joined and locked together by an interlocking means comprising:
• a protruding member on the first piece;
• and
• a cavity in the second piece for receiving the protruding member wherein the protruding member and the cavity are complementarily tapered;
• and
• means for resisting rotation between the first and second pieces;
• wherein the composite has an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone.

An orthopedic implant for replacing a missing or diseased portion of bone, the implant comprising a composite comprising:

• polyetheretherketone (PEEK);
• glass fibers for reinforcing the polymer, the glass fibers comprising 10% of the implant by volume;
• and
• a biocompatible material partially embedded in a surface of the implant;
• a first piece and a second piece, the first and second pieces being joined and locked together by an interlocking means comprising:
• a protruding member on the first piece;
• and
• a cavity in the second piece for receiving the protruding member, wherein the protruding member and the cavity are complementarily tapered;
• and
• means for resisting rotation between the first and second pieces;
• wherein the composite has an elastic modulus approximating the elastic modulus of bone.