Abstract:
An endoprosthesis for a knee joint comprising a femur part (6), a tibia part (8), and a middle part (18) which is articulated on the femur part (6) by a pin (14). The middle part (18) is pivotable with respect to the tibia part (8) about a centering pin (20), and a stop is pivoted which is dependent on the flexion angle. A bearing part (54), acting as artificial meniscus, is arranged between the femur part (6) and the middle part (18), and has a first guide element (56) coaxial to the flexion axis and in engagement with the bearing member (58) of the femur part (6). The bearing part (54) is displaceable with respect to the middle part (18) and also comprises a second guide element (60) in engagement with a guide track (62) of the middle part (18); the pin (14) is arranged eccentric to the bearing member (58), and movement of the flexion axis is forced along an evolute curve. The invention avoids localized load peaks while accomplishing the physiological functions of the knee joint during movement and load.
Abstract:
Hip prosthesis. The femur side hip prosthesis includes both a ball and socket bearing and another (secondary) bearing system which facilitates motion of the type which is primarily in the forward and backward swinging of the leg. In certain embodiments of the invention, the secondary bearing system includes needle bearings and thrust bearings. That secondary bearing system lessens the motion of the ball and socket joint required during common activities such as walking. Certain embodiments of the invention include a modular connection between the stem for placement within the femur and the assembly that includes the secondary bearing.
Abstract:
Wheels, bearings, or other rotating elements are used to decrease friction in artificial joint components associated with knee and hip replacements, artificial ankles, elbows, wrist, finger joints, toe joints, and intervertebral discs. One or more seals may be used to trap debris inside the artificial joint. The seal may surround the periphery of the component(s), and may be used to hold a fluid within the joint. Various fluids or lubricants are applicable to these embodiments, including water or aqueous solutions, triglyceride oil, soybean oil, an inorganic oil (e.g. silicone oil or fluorocarbon), glycerin, ethylene glycol, or other animal, vegetable, synthetic oil, or combinations thereof could be used. The seal could be made of an expandable elastomer such as those used in medical devices for the cardiovascular system.
Abstract:
An improved mechanism for expanding or lifting a device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is a coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanism. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms includes a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing a device utilizing such a mechanism to expand or lift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
Abstract:
Improved methods and apparatuses for vertebral body distraction and fusion in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to distract.
Abstract:
Improved methods and apparatuses for vertebral body distraction and fusion in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to distract.
Abstract:
An improved mechanism for expanding or lifting a device in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is a coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanism. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms includes a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing a device utilizing such a mechanism to expand or lift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.
Abstract:
Improved methods and apparatuses for vertebral body distraction and fusion in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to distract.
Abstract:
Hip prosthesis. The femur side hip prosthesis includes both a ball and socket bearing and another (secondary) bearing system which facilitates motion of the type which is primarily in the forward and backward swinging of the leg. In certain embodiments of the invention, the secondary bearing system includes needle bearings and thrust bearings. That secondary bearing system lessens the motion of the ball and socket joint required during common activities such as walking. Certain embodiments of the invention include a modular connection between the stem for placement within the femur and the assembly that includes the secondary bearing.
Abstract:
Medical devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention employ one or more coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms. In various embodiments, coaxial screw gear sleeve mechanisms include a post with a threaded exterior surface and a corresponding sleeve configured to surround the post, the corresponding sleeve having a threaded interior surface configured to interface with the threaded exterior surface of the post and a geared exterior surface. A drive mechanism can be configured to interface with the geared exterior surface of the sleeve, causing the device to expand.