US 7,247,170 B2 · Elbow prosthesis

Abstract

A prosthetic joint kit that is particularly well suited for an elbow. In each of the various embodiments, the prosthetic joint kit transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, being structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A linked prosthetic elbow joint comprising:

a first stem structure;
a second stem structure;
a first bearing coupled to the first stem structure including at least a first portion that defines a portion of a hemisphere;
a second bearing coupled to the second stem structure and including a slotted aperture;
and
a coupling structure for coupling the first and second bearings, the coupling structure including a coupling member that is fixedly coupled to the first bearing, the coupling member being received by the slotted aperture;
wherein the first and second bearing components are mated together to permit a load associated with the operation of the linked prosthetic joint to be transmitted therebetween and wherein the load is not transmitted through the coupling member;
and
wherein the second bearing is rigid and the slotted aperture is unobstructed to permit reception of the coupling member without deforming the slotted aperture.

6 more elements

A linked prosthetic elbow joint comprising:

a first stem structure;
a first bearing coupled to the first stem structure, the first bearing having a concave bearing surface;
a second stem structure;
a second bearing coupled to the second stem structure, the second bearing including a convex bearing surface that is configured to matingly engage the concave bearing surface;
a slotted aperture formed into at least one of the first and second bearings, the slotted aperture includes a spherically shaped cavity having an opening that extends from a first surface facing the other of the first and second bearings to a second surface that is approximately 90 degrees relative to the first surface;
and
a coupling structure for coupling the first and second bearings, the coupling structure including a coupling member that is fixedly coupled to the other one of the first and second bearings and, the coupling member positioned through the slotted aperture;
wherein the first and second bearing components are mated together to permit a load associated with the operation of the linked prosthetic joint to be transmitted therebetween and wherein the load is not transmitted through the coupling member.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Elbow prosthesis

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Elbow prosthesis

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25