Lockable knee implants and related methods

US9693867B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• CLEMSON UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION · US
• UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · US

Inventors

• Eric Montgomery Lucas · Clemson, US
• John David DesJardins · Clemson, US
• Kim John Chillag · Columbia, US
• Frank Voss · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 4, 2015
• Grant date: Jul 4, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 18, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2250/0073
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Total knee replacements for hinged knee implants include a tibial member, a femoral member, a hinge assembly having a laterally extending axle configured to hingedly attach the femoral member to the tibial member, and a lock mechanism in communication with the hinge assembly. The lock mechanism is configured to (i) lock the femoral member in alignment with the tibial member for a full extension or other defined stabile walking configuration to thereby allow an arthrodesis or stiff knee gait and (ii) unlock to allow the femoral and tibial members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending when not ambulating.