Prosthesis for replacement of cartilage
First Claim
1. A replacement prosthesis for all or part of the natural cartilage in a mammalian joint, comprising:
- a pad formed as a spaced array of a single layer of streamlined elastomeric elements with diametrically opposed points on each of the elements being disposed on opposed surfaces of the pad, the streamlined elastomeric elements having a first resistance to deformation; and
a matrix contacting each of the streamlined elements at points between said diametrically opposed points so as to retain the streamlined elements in position relative to one another under the loading of the joint, the matrix having a second resistance to deformation which does not exceed about one sixth of the streamlined elements so that the matrix does not significantly influence the deformation characteristics of the streamlined elements under loading.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A cartilage replacement or repair prosthesis comprises a layer of streamlined elastomer elements, preferably in the form of spheres, supported in a matrix material so that the radially opposed surfaces of the spheres are positioned on opposite surfaces of the layer and make contact with the opposed surfaces of the femur and tibia and the forces exerted between these bones extend through the streamlined elements. The matrix material has a substantially lower resistance to deformation than the spheres to control the position of the spheres relative to one another without significantly restraining their load-responsive deformation under forces exerted between the femur and tibia. The layer, with its elastomeric inserts, is sufficiently thin and flexible to allow it to be rolled for arthroscopic insertion into a knee joint.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A replacement prosthesis for all or part of the natural cartilage in a mammalian joint, comprising:
-
a pad formed as a spaced array of a single layer of streamlined elastomeric elements with diametrically opposed points on each of the elements being disposed on opposed surfaces of the pad, the streamlined elastomeric elements having a first resistance to deformation; and a matrix contacting each of the streamlined elements at points between said diametrically opposed points so as to retain the streamlined elements in position relative to one another under the loading of the joint, the matrix having a second resistance to deformation which does not exceed about one sixth of the streamlined elements so that the matrix does not significantly influence the deformation characteristics of the streamlined elements under loading. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A prosthesis pad for replacement of cartilage in a human joint, comprising:
a substantially planar pad having a thickness in the range of 0.25-4 millimeters, the pad comprising an array formed of a single layer of spherical elastomeric elements having a first resistance to deformation, the spherical elements each having diameters equal to the thickness of the pad in the area of placement of said spherical element, and having diametrically opposed points on their surfaces on the opposite surfaces of the pad, and a matrix whose resistance to deformation does not exceed about one sixth of the first resistance to deformation disposed in contact with the surfaces of each of the spheres so as to fill the volume of the pad not occupied by the spheres.
Specification