Modular total ankle prosthesis apparatuses and methods

A method of preparing an ankle prosthesis apparatus for installation, comprising:

• a. providing a talar component having a lower surface having a bone fixation portion for fixation to a talus bone, and the talar component having an upper surface;
• b. providing a tibial component having an upper surface having a bone fixation portion for fixation of the tibial component to a tibia bone and/or a fibula bone, and the tibial component also having a lower surface having at least one protrusion extending from the lower surface;
• and
• c. selecting from a plurality of bearing components, each defining a recess of a different shape, a bearing component for placement between the tibial and talar components, the bearing component having a lower surface for cooperative engagement with the upper surface of the talar component, the bearing component also having an upper surface defining a recess, wherein selection of the bearing component can provide desirable rotational and translational movement of the tibial component relative to the bearing component.

A method of installing an ankle prosthesis apparatus comprising:

• a. installing a talar component having a lower surface having a bone fixation portion for fixation to a talus bone, and the talar component having an upper surface;
• b. installing a tibial component having an upper surface having a bone fixation portion for fixation of the tibial component to a tibia bone and/or a fibula bone, and the tibial component also having a lower surface having at least one protrusion extending from the lower surface;
• c. selecting one of a plurality of bearing components for placement between the tibial and talar components, each bearing component having a lower surface for cooperative sliding engagement with the upper surface of the talar component, each bearing component also having an upper surface defining a recess, and wherein each recess is adapted for engagement with the protrusion of the tibial component and each recess is of a different shape;
• and
• d. whereby rotational and translational movement of the tibial component relative to the bearing component can desirably be limited depending upon selection of the bearing component.