Radial Head Orthopedic Implant Apparatus and Method of Using Same

Abstract

An orthopedic implant apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a body, said body having a generally cylindrical shape, a flat bottom surface, and a top surface; at least one stem, said at least one stem connected to said bottom surface of said body; an articular component, said articular component having a bottom connecting side and a top bearing side; and a flexible component, said flexible component disposed between said body and said articular component, said flexible component attached to said top surface of said body and said bottom side of said articular component.

Claims

1. An orthopedic implant apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a body, said body having a generally cylindrical shape, a flat bottom surface, and a top surface; at least one stem, said at least one stem connected to said bottom surface of said body; an articular component, said articular component having a bottom connecting side and a top bearing side; and a flexible component, said flexible component disposed between said body and said articular component, said flexible component attached to said top surface of said body and said bottom side of said articular component.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said body is comprised of a biocompatible metal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said biocompatible metal is selected from the group consisting of cobalt chrome, stainless steel, and titanium.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plug is comprised of a biocompatible plastic.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said biocompatible plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stem is porous.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said stem is smooth.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only.

[0028] In the drawings:

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an apparatus in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplary embodiments set forth herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.

[0033] Thus, all the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

[0034] Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0035] While there are many acceptable exposure methods, the Kaplan interval in a line from the lateral epicondyle toward Lister's tubercle, with the forearm in neutral rotation, permits the collateral ligament to be left intact. In fracture dislocations, the exposure is through the traumatic opening in the ligament complex. Proximally, the ECRL origin is released with the anterior capsule to permit direct access to the front of the radial head.

[0036] Thus, the surgical technique for implanting a radial head device generally comprises templating the radial head prior to surgery to determine the appropriate level of resection; resecting the radial head with a surgical saw as close to the surgical neck as possible; preparing the canal for the stem using sequentially larger broaches; reaming the radial canal prepare the same for the implant; planning the neck of the radius to ensure a flat surface perpendicular to the canal for the head of the implant; inserting the trail implant into the radius to evaluate the stem size, head diameter and head height; and replacing the trial implant with the final implant.

[0037] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-2, there is shown implant apparatus 1000. Apparatus 1000 generally comprises body 100 having distal stem 110 and proximal portion 120. Body 100 of apparatus 1000 comprises a biocompatible metal such as stainless steel, cobalt chrome, or titanium. Apparatus 1000 further comprises flexible component 130 attached to proximal portion 120 of body 100. Flexible component 130 may comprise silicone or any other flexible biocompatible material.

[0038] Referring still to FIGS. 1-2, apparatus 1000 further comprises floating articular component 140. Component 140 comprises a biocompatible metal such as stainless steel, cobalt chrome, or titanium. Component 140 further comprises concave upper surface 141. Surface 141 is a highly polished concave surface adapted to articulate against bone. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, component 140 further comprises lower surface 142 fixedly attached to flexible component 130.

[0039] Flexible component 130 can compress and/or tilt as it encounters on and off axis loading from articular component 140. Flexible component 130 functions as a shock absorber to protect the capitellum from the harsh solid metallic loading present in some prior art devices.

[0040] Referring still to FIGS. 1-2, body 100 of apparatus 1000 further comprises at least one stem 110. Stem 110 extends from the bottom of body 100 in a direction opposite flexible component 130. Stem 110 may comprise a smooth surface, a porous surface, or bone growth promoting material as desired. It is further contemplated that a plurality of stems 110 may be provided to attach body 100 to a human radius.

[0041] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.