An electronically assisted artificial vertebral disc having an upper disc plate and a lower disc plate is disclosed. An actuator imparts movement to at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. A control device controls the actuator and the amount of movement between the disc plates. The actuator includes a plurality of either linear actuators or rotary actuators that are driven by electric motors in response to the control device. The control device includes at least a first sensor for detecting the position of the actuator and at least a second sensor for detecting the spatial orientation of at least one of the upper and lower disc plates. The control device also preferably includes a microprocessor that calculates the desired positions of the upper and lower disc plates and provides a control signal to the actuator to drive the upper and lower disc plates to their desired positions.

The invention relates to a method of installing a medical device for reducing the risk of permanent damage to a hip joint of a human patient, said method comprising the steps of: exposing the hip joint through a surgical or arthroscopic procedure, fixating a first piece of said medical device to the femoral bone, fixating a second piece of said medical device to the pelvic bone, placing said first piece in connection with said second piece, holding said first piece to said second piece using a releasing member, and releasing said first piece from said second piece when a pre-determined strain is placed on said releasing member.

A method of implanting a joint prosthesis assembly for joint arthroplasty using a coupling mechanism is disclosed. The method includes exposing a joint of a patient, resecting a portion of the joint, inserting a second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly into a medullary canal, and inserting a first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly from a lateral side of the joint. The joint prosthesis assembly includes a magnet. The magnet is configured to lock the first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly to the second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly. The first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a recess. The second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a protrusion. The recess is configured to house the protrusion. Alternatively, the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis may be assembled in a direct line using the magnet for secure coupling of the components.

An orthopedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component, a tibial bearing, a tibial component, a first magnetic portion associated with the femoral component and including a first pole having a first pole polarity the first magnetic portion not physically interrupting any articulating portion of the curved medial condyle surface or curved lateral condyle surface, and a second magnetic portion associated with one or both of the tibial bearing and/or the tibial component and including a second pole having a second pole polarity, the second pole polarity the same as the first pole polarity, the second magnetic portion not physically interrupting any articulating portion of the concave medial bearing surface or concave lateral bearing surface, wherein the first pole and the second pole are in sufficient proximity to each other such that a magnetic repulsive force is present therebetween.

A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device comprising a first piece being adapted to be fixated to the femoral bone and a second piece adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone. The medical device further comprises a releasing which in a first state is adapted to hold said first piece attached to said second piece, and in a second state release said first piece from said second piece. The releasing member is adapted to change from said first state to said second state when a predetermined strain is placed on said releasing member by the connection with the first or second piece. The medical device further comprises a calibration member for calibrating the pre-determined strain required for said releasing member to change from said first state to said second state.

The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged or degenerated disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that have either or both interlocking and magnetic components.

The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to prosthetic spinal disc designs that have interlocking components.

An implantable knee prosthesis comprising a femoral stem component, a tibial stem component and a hinged joint having at least one hinge pivot point and an axis of limited rotation, the implantable knee prosthesis having a prosthetic extensor system configured to simulate a level of natural movement for patients with compromised extensor systems.

A medical device for implantation in a hip joint of a patient is provided. The medical device is adapted to be fixated to the pelvic bone of the patient. The medical device comprises an inner and an outer surface, wherein a contacting portion, of said inner surface is spherical and adapted to face the center of the hip joint when said medical device is implanted. The medical device is adapted to receive a caput femur or a prosthetic replacement therefor having a spherical portion, wherein said medical device comprises at least one extending portion, extending said contacting portion of said inner surface such that said at least one extending portion clasps said spherical portion of said caput femur, or a prosthetic replacement therefor, such that said spherical portion is restrained in said medical device. Restraining the caput femur in the medical device reduces the risk that the hip joint dislocates when in use by the patient.

A medical device for implantation in a hip joint and fixated to the pelvic bone of a patient is provided. The medical device has an inner and an outer surface. A contacting portion, of the inner surface is spherical and adapted to face the center of the hip joint when the medical device is implanted. The medical device is adapted to receive a caput femur or a prosthetic caput femur which has a spherical portion. The medical device has at least one extending portion, extending the contacting portion of the inner surface such that the at least one extending portion clasps the spherical portion of the caput femur or a prosthetic caput femur, such that the spherical portion is restrained in the medical device. Restraining the caput femur in the medical device reduces the risk that the hip joint dislocates when in use by the patient.