Implant for a bone joint

US11213401B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• National University of Ireland, Galway · IE

Inventors

• Gerry Clarke · Lackagh, IE
• Brendan Boland · Lumville Cross, IE
• Mark Bruzzi · Galway, IE
• Amy L. Ladd · Stanford, US
• Arnold-Peter C. Weiss · Barrington, US
• Filip Stockmans · Marke, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 8, 2019
• Grant date: Jan 4, 2022
• Expiry date: Apr 16, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2310/00173
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An implant (30) for a mammalian bone joint (3) for spacing a first bone (2) of the joint from a second bone (1) of the joint while allowing translational movement of the second bone in relation to the first bone is described. The implant comprises (a) a distal part (31) configured for intramedullary engagement with an end of the second bone, (b) a proximal part (34) having a platform (15) configured for non-engaging abutment of an end of the first bone and translational movement thereon, and (c) an articulating coupling (10, 16) provided between the distal and proximal ends allowing controlled articulation of the first and second bones. The bone-abutting platform is shaped to conform to and translate upon the end of the first bone. A kit for assembly to form the implant of the invention, and the use of the implant to treat osteoarthritis in a bone joint, are also described.