Knee-joint-endoprothese

US4178641A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Schutt and Grundei O.H.G. · DE

Inventors

• Hans Grundei · Lübeck, DE
• Wolfram Thomas · Winnenden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 1, 1977
• Grant date: Dec 18, 1979
• Expiry date: Dec 1, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2002/3895
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

This invention relates to knee-joint endoprostheses, and provide an endoprosthetic member embodying condylar replacement surface means to simulate the natural slideway for the knee cap, said slideway defining a space for the cruciate ligaments of the natural joint, and also having a curved boundary to be brought into alignment with the transverse edge of the natural joint which forms the upper boundary of the space for the cruciate ligaments relative to the intercondylar eminence. The prosthesis for the inner tibial plateau is made concave and the prosthesis for the outer tibial plateau is made saddle-shaped to match the natural tibial plateaus, all the prosthetic parts being made from a wear-resistant plastics material such as polyethylene for example. More generally, the invention provide an endoprosthetic condylar surface member comprising a shell of wear-resistant plastics material having a cupped shape connected to a slideway projecting laterally therefrom or alternatively the shell may comprise two cup-shaped parts interconnected by a slideway bridging piece.