IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF USE, ASSEMBLY AND FABRICATION

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20230115254
  • Publication Number
    20230115254
  • Date Filed
    December 12, 2022
    a year ago
  • Date Published
    April 13, 2023
    a year ago
Abstract
Implants, devices, and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are disclosed. The implant a first member, a second member, and an insert with a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface couples to the first member and the bottom surface engages the second member. Kits and methods of using the implants for maintaining, correcting and/or fusing joint deformities are also disclosed.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to general, podiatric, and orthopaedic surgery related to joint deformities. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to implants, devices, and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or resurfacing joint surfaces.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently available implants for total ankle replacement may experience loosening of the tibial component. In addition, some currently available implants for total ankle replacement may cause stress concentrations in the medial malleolus. In other currently available implants for total ankle replacement, the sizing of the talus component lacks proper bone coverage. Finally, some currently available implants for total ankle replacement lack vertical stabilization features on the tibia.


Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above-described drawbacks and/or disadvantages of the currently used implants. For example, in view of the deficiencies of the current implants, it would be desirable to develop implants, devices, and/or systems which avoid loosening of the tibial component, remove the stress concentration from the medial malleolus, provide proper coverage of the talus bone, and provide features for vertical stabilization of the tibia.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed toward implants, devices and methods for use in maintaining, correcting and/or resurfacing joint surfaces.


In one aspect of the present disclosure provided herein, is an implant. The implant including a first member, a second member, and an insert with a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface couples to the first member and the bottom surface engages the second member.


In another aspect of the present disclosure provided herein, is method for using the implant. The method includes obtaining an implant. The implant includes a first member, a second member, and an insert with a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the insert couples to the first member and the bottom surface of the insert engages the second member. The method also includes making an incision to expose a joint with a first bone and a second bone and preparing the bones for receiving the implant. The method further includes coupling the first member to the first bone and the second member to the second bone. In addition, the method includes inserting a second end of the insert into a first end of the first member. Then, the method includes closing the incision.


In yet another aspect of the present disclosure provided herein, is a kit. The kit including a plurality of first members of an implant, wherein the first members include a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of second members of the implant, wherein the second members include a top surface and a bottom surface, and a plurality of inserts of the implant, wherein the plurality of inserts include a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of each of the plurality of first members includes a radius and the radius is the same for each of the first members and the bottom surface of each of the plurality of second members has the same dimensions for each of the second members.


These and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description herein, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure.



FIG. 1 is a front, top perspective view of one embodiment of an implant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 2 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 3 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 5 is a first side view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 6 is a second side view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 7 is a first end view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 8 is a second end view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 9 is a first exploded, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 10 is a second exploded, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 11 is an exploded, first end view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 12 is an exploded, second end view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 13 is an exploded, first side view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 14 is an exploded, second side view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 15 is an exploded, top view of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 16 is an exploded, bottom of the implant of FIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 17 is a flow chart depicting a method of inserting the implant of FIG. 1 into a joint, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;



FIG. 18 is a front, perspective view of an embodiment of an implant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 19 is a rear, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 20 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 22 is a first side view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 23 is a second side view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 24 is a first end view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 25 is a second end view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 26 is a first exploded, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 27 is a second exploded, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 28 is an exploded, first end view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 29 is an exploded, second end view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 30 is an exploded, first side view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 31 is an exploded, second side view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 32 is an exploded, top view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 33 is an exploded, bottom view of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 34 is a first end view of a first member of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 35 is a top view of the first member of the implant of FIG. 18, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 36 is a front, perspective view of an embodiment of an implant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 37 is a rear, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 38 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 40 is a first side view of the implant of the of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 41 is a second side view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 42 is a first end view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 43 is a second end view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 44 is a first exploded, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 45 is a second exploded, perspective view of the implant FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 46 is an exploded, first end view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 47 is an exploded, second end view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 48 is an exploded, first side view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 49 is an exploded, second side view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 50 is an exploded, top view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 51 is an exploded, bottom view of the implant of FIG. 36, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 52 is a front, perspective view of an implant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 53 is a rear, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 52, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 54 is a first side view of the implant of FIG. 52, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 55 is a second side view of the implant of FIG. 52, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 56 is an exploded, front, perspective view of an insert of the implant of FIG. 52, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 57 is an exploded, back perspective view of the insert of FIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 58 is a first end view of the insert of FIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 59 is a second end view of the insert of FIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 60 is a first side view of the insert of FIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 61 is a second side view of the insert of FIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 62 is a top view of the insert of FIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 63 is a bottom view of the insert of FIG. 56, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 64 is a front, perspective view of an implant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 65 is a rear, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 66 is a first side view of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 67 is a second side view of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 68 is a front, perspective view of another insert of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 69 is a rear, perspective view of another insert of the implant FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 70 is a first end view of the insert of FIG. 69, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 71 is a second end view of the insert of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 72 is a first side view of the insert of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 73 is a second side view of the insert of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 74 is a top view of the insert of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 75 is a bottom view of the insert of the implant of FIG. 64, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 76 is a front, perspective view of an implant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 77 is a rear, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 78 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 79 is a bottom view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 80 is a first side view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 81 is a second side view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 82 is a first end view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 83 is a second end view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 84 is an exploded, first perspective view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 85 is an exploded, second perspective view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 86 is an exploded, first end view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 87 is an exploded, second end view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 88 is an exploded, first side view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 89 is an exploded, second view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 90 is an exploded, top view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 91 is an exploded, bottom view of the implant of FIG. 76, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 92 is an exploded, front, perspective view of an implant kit, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 93 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of the implant kit of FIG. 92, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 94 is an exploded, first end view of the implant kit of FIG. 92, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 95 is an exploded, second end view of the implant kit of FIG. 92, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 96 is an exploded, first side view of the implant kit of FIG. 92, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 97 is an exploded, second side view the implant kit of FIG. 92, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 98 is a front, perspective view of an embodiment of an implant, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 99 is a rear, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 100 is a top view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 101 is a bottom view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 102 is a first side view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 103 is a second side view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 104 is a first end view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 105 is a second end view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 106 is an exploded, front, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 107 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 108 is an exploded, first end view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 109 is an exploded, second end view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 110 is an exploded, first side view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 111 is an exploded, second side view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 112 is an exploded, top view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 113 is an exploded, bottom view of the implant of FIG. 98, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 114 is a perspective view a second member of an implant showing the articulation paths, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 115 is a top view of the second member of FIG. 114, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 116 is a side view of the second member of FIG. 114, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 117 is a first perspective view of the second member of FIG. 114 showing the axes of the articulation paths, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 118 is a second perspective view of the second member of FIG. 117, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 119 is a first side view of the second member of FIG. 117, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 120 is a second side view of the second member of FIG. 117, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 121 is a first end view of the second member of FIG. 117, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 122 is a second end view of the second member of FIG. 117, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 123 is a lateral perspective view in the sagittal plane of the talus, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 124 is a superior perspective view in the transverse plane of the talus, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 125 is a lateral and medial perspective view of the talus in the sagittal plane identifying measurement regions, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;



FIG. 126 is a lateral and medial perspective view of the distal tibia in the sagittal plane identifying measurement regions, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and



FIG. 127 is a chart of ratios associated with the tibia and talus and formulae for calculating the ratios, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Generally stated, disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or resurfacing joint surfaces. Further, methods for using the implants, devices, and methods for maintaining, correcting and/or resurfacing joint surfaces are discussed.


In this detailed description and the following claims, the words proximal, distal, anterior or plantar, posterior or dorsal, medial, lateral, superior and inferior are defined by their standard usage for indicating a particular part or portion of a bone or implant according to the relative disposition of the natural bone or directional terms of reference. For example, “proximal” means the portion of a device or implant nearest the torso, while “distal” indicates the portion of the device or implant farthest from the torso. As for directional terms, “anterior” is a direction towards the front side of the body, “posterior” means a direction towards the back side of the body, “medial” means towards the midline of the body, “lateral” is a direction towards the sides or away from the midline of the body, “superior” means a direction above and “inferior” means a direction below another object or structure. Further, specifically in regards to the foot, the term “dorsal” refers to the top of the foot and the term “plantar” refers the bottom of the foot.


Similarly, positions or directions may be used herein with reference to anatomical structures or surfaces. For example, as the current devices, systems, instrumentation and methods are described herein with reference to use with the bones of the ankle, the bones of the foot, ankle and lower leg may be used to describe the surfaces, positions, directions or orientations of the devices, systems, instrumentation and methods. Further, the devices, systems, instrumentation and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, disclosed herein are described with respect to one side of the body for brevity purposes. However, as the human body is relatively symmetrical or mirrored about a line of symmetry (midline), it is hereby expressly contemplated that the devices, systems, instrumentation and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, described and/or illustrated herein may be changed, varied, modified, reconfigured or otherwise altered for use or association with another side of the body for a same or similar purpose without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, the devices, systems, instrumentation and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, described herein with respect to the right leg may be mirrored so that they likewise function with the left leg. Further, the devices, systems, instrumentation and methods, and the aspects, components, features and the like thereof, disclosed herein are described with respect to the ankle for brevity purposes, but it should be understood that the devices, systems, instrumentation and methods may be used with other bones of the body having similar structures.


Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to indicate like or analogous components throughout the several views, and with particular reference to FIGS. 1-16, there is illustrated an implant 100. The implant 100 includes a first member or tibia base 110, an insert 150, and a second member, talus component, or articulating member 200. The insert 150 includes a top surface 160 and a bottom surface 162. The top surface 160 of the insert 150 couples to the first member 110 and the bottom surface 162 engages the second member 200.


As shown in FIGS. 9-16, the first member 110 includes a first end or anterior end 112 opposite a second end or posterior end 114. The first member 110 also includes a first side or medial side 116 opposite a second side or lateral side 118. In addition, the first member 110 includes a top surface 120 opposite a bottom surface 122. The top surface 120 may include, for example, an arc shape or curvature extending between the first side 116 and the second side 118, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 11 and 12. The curvature may have, for example, an arc radius ranging from approximately 35 mm to 70 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the top surface 120 of the first member 110 may be, for example, flat as the top surface 120 extends between the first side 116 and the second side 118.


With continued reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 12, the top surface 120 of the first member 110 may also include, for example, sloped, tapered, or angled sides on the first side 116 and the second side 118 of the first member 110. The angle of the sides of the top surface 120 at the first and second sides 116, 118 may be, for example, approximately 8° to 15° from vertical and more specifically approximately 10° from vertical. The edges of the first and second sides 116, 118 of the first member 110 may be, for example, rounded or curved. The rounded edges may have, for example, a radii of approximately 1.25 mm to 2.4 mm and more specifically approximately 1.75 mm to 2.4 mm. The first member 110 may have an outer perimeter shape that may be, for example, a quadrilateral shape, such as, a generally trapezoidal shape from a top or bottom view, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 15, and 16. The first and second sides 116, 118 may be generally parallel and the first end 112 and second end 114 may be, for example, angled or curved as they extend from the first side 116 to the second side 118. In an embodiment, the length of the first or medial side 116 may be, for example, shorter than the length of the second or lateral side 118. The angle of the first end 112 may be, for example, smaller than the angle of the second end 114. The top surface 120, first side 116 and second side 118 may be, for example, textured or coated to provide a friction-stabilization surface and to allow for bone on-growth. The textured surface may be, for example, plasma sprayed biocompatible material, such as, commercially-pure titanium, or another biocompatible material as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.


With continued reference to FIGS. 9-16, the top surface 120 of the first member 110 includes at least one peg or vertical peg 124 extending away from the top surface 120. The top surface 120 of the first member 110 also includes at least one protrusion, spike, pyramid, or cone 126 extending away from the top surface 120. The at least one protrusion 126 may be, for example, spaced from the at least one peg 124. The at least one protrusion 126 may be, for example, four protrusions 126, although alternative numbers of protrusions 126 are also contemplated. The protrusions 126 may be, for example, positioned equally spaced around the at least one peg 124. The at least one peg 124 and at least one protrusion 126 may not be, for example, textured, rather the at least one peg 124 and at least one protrusion 126 may be smooth to decrease bone resorption at the resection level.


Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 16, the bottom surface 122 of the first member 110 is shown. The bottom surface 122 includes a recessed region or engagement region 128 extending into the first member 110 from the bottom surface 122 toward the top surface 120. The first member 110 may come in multiple sizes for use with patient's having different size tibia bones and the recessed region 128 of each of the first members 110 will be, for example, sized and shaped the same to allow for replacement of the first member 110 as needed. The bottom surface 122 also includes an engagement channel 130 extending from the first end 112 into the recessed region 128. In addition, the bottom surface 122 of the first member 110 includes a first engagement feature or first female dovetail portion 132 extending from the first side 116 into the recessed region 128, a second engagement feature or second female dovetail portion 134 extending from the second side 118 into the recessed region 128, and a third engagement feature or third female dovetail portion 136 extending from a position near the second end 114 into the recessed region 128. The bottom surface 122 of the first member 110 also includes a slot or removal engagement feature 138 and a locking groove 140 positioned adjacent to the slot 138. The slot 138 may be, for example, angled as the slot 138 extends from the first end 112 toward the locking groove 140.


Referring now to FIGS. 1-16, the second member, talus component or articulating member 200 has a first end or anterior end 202 opposite a second end or posterior end 204. The second member 200 also has a first side or medial side 206 opposite a second side or lateral side 208. In addition, the second member 200 has a top surface or articulating surface 210 opposite a bottom surface or bone engagement surface 212. The second member 200 may have, for example, a trapezium shape, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The first and second sides 206, 208 may be, for example, angled as the sides 206, 208 extend from the first end 202 to the second end 204. The sides 206, 208 may be angled, for example, approximately 5° to 12°, and more preferably approximately 10°, as they extend away from the first end 202. The first side 206 may be, for example, shorter than the second side 208. The second member 200 includes an anterior recess 214 extending into the first end 202. The anterior recess 214 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of a lateral axis of the second member 200 or, alternatively may be medially biased. The second member 200 also includes a posterior recess 216 extending into the second end 204. The posterior recess 216 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of the lateral axis of the second member 200 or, alternatively may be medially biased.


As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11-15, the top surface 210 of the second member 200 includes a medial articulating surface 218 extending from the first side 206 of the second member 200 toward the second side 208. The top surface 210 may also include a lateral articulating surface 220 extending from the second side 208 of the second member 200 toward the first side 206. In addition, the top surface 210 also includes a central articulating portion 222 positioned at a point where the medial articulating surface 218 contacts the lateral articulating surface 220. The medial articulating surface 218 may include at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, as shown in FIG. 14. The lateral articulating surface 220 has at least one third curvature along the longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In addition, the central articulating portion 222 may have a concave curvature on the top surface 210 of the second member 200 and the medial and lateral articulating surfaces 218, 220 may have convex curvatures on the top surface 210 of the second member 200. The articulating surface 210 of the second member 200 may include, for example, a coronal radii and the coronal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 12 mm to 26 mm for a size 1 second member 200, a range of approximately 14 mm to 30 mm for a size 3 second member 200, and a range of approximately 17 mm to 34 mm for a size 5 second member 200. The articulating surface 210 of the second member 200 may include, for example, a sagittal radii and the sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 18 mm to 25 mm for a size 1 second member 200, a range of approximately 20 mm to 28 mm for a size 3 second member 200, and a range of approximately 21 mm to 30 mm for a size 5 second member 200.


Referring now to FIGS. 2, 4-6, 10, 13, 14, and 16, the bottom surface 212 of the second member 200 may include a first portion 224, a second portion 226, and a third portion 228. The first portion 224, the second portion 226, and the third portion 228 may each have, for example, planar surfaces. The second portion 226 may be positioned between the first portion 224 and the third portion 228. The first portion 224 may extend, for example, from the first end 202 to a first transition point 230. The second portion 226 may extend, for example, from the first transition point 230 to a second transition point 232. The third portion 228 may extend, for example, from the second transition point 232 to the second end 204. The first portion 224 may extend away from the second portion 226 at a first angle and the third portion 228 may extend away from the second portion 226 at a second angle. The first angle may be, for example, approximately 25° to 35°, and the second angle may be, for example, approximately 25° to 35°. The bottom surface 212 of the second member 200 may be, for example, coated or textured with a biocompatible material. The texture or coating may be, for example, a plasma sprayed material, such as, a commercially-pure titanium or other biocompatible material, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.


The bottom surface 212 of the second member 200 may also include at least one stem or peg 234 extending away from the first portion 224 of the bottom surface 212, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4-14 and 16. The at least one stem 234 may be, for example, two stems 234, although other numbers of stems 234 are also contemplated. As depicted, the first stem 234 is positioned on the first portion 224 between the anterior recess 214 and the first side 206 and the second stem 234 is positioned on the first portion 224 between the anterior recess 214 and the second side 208, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 16. The stems 234 may be, for example, positioned slightly medially biased and may be offset, for example, approximately 1 mm from a midpoint of the second member 200. The at least one stem 234 may not be, for example, textured or coated, rather the at least one stem 234 may be smooth to decrease bone resorption at the resection level. The at least one stem 234 may have, for example, a cylindrical, pyramidal, or another quadrilateral prism shape.


Referring to FIGS. 1-16, the insert, polyethylene insert or articulating insert 150 is shown. The insert 150 includes a first end or anterior end 152 opposite a second end or posterior end 154. The insert 150 also includes a first side or medial side 156 opposite a second side or lateral side 158. In addition, the insert 150 includes a top surface 160 opposite a bottom surface 162. The first end 152 of the insert 150 includes an opening or cylinder 164 extending into the insert 150 from the first end 152 toward the second end 154. The opening 164 may be sized and shaped or configured to receive an instrument, for example, a self-tapping screw to engage the insert 150 and remove the insert 150 from the first member 110.


With continued reference to FIGS. 9 and 11-15, the top surface 160 of the insert 150 includes an engagement member or protrusion 166. The engagement member 166 includes a first engagement feature or first male dovetail 168 on the first side 156, a second engagement feature or second male dovetail 170 on the second side 158, and a third engagement feature or third male dovetail 172 on the second end 154. When the insert 150 is coupled to the first member 110, the first engagement feature 168 of the insert 150 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the first engagement feature 132 of the first member 110, the second engagement feature 170 of the insert 150 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the second engagement feature 134 of the first member 110, and the third engagement feature 172 of the insert 150 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the third engagement feature 136 of the first member 110. The top surface 160 also may include a slot or removal engagement feature 174 and a locking tab or protrusion 176. The slot 174 may be, for example, positioned near and open to the first end 152. The locking tab 176 may be, for example, positioned adjacent to the slot 174 and extend away from the top surface 160 of the insert 150. The locking tab 176 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the locking groove 140 of the bottom surface 122 of the first member 110.


Referring now to FIGS. 10-14 and 16, the bottom surface 162 of the insert 150 includes a first contact surface or medial contact surface 178, a second contact surface or lateral contact surface 180, and a central contact surface 182. The first contact surface 178 extends from the first side 156 of the insert 150 toward the second side 158. The second contact surface 180 extends from the second side 158 of the insert 150 toward the first side 156. The central contact surface or central sulcus 182 is positioned between the first contact surface 178 and the second contact surface 180. The first and second contact surfaces 178, 180 form a bi-condylar surface, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 10-12. The centers of the radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, spaced between approximately 18 mm and 26 mm for all sizes of the insert 150. More specifically, the centers of radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, approximately 20 mm for a size 1 insert 150, approximately 22 mm for a size 3 insert 150, and approximately 24 mm for a size 5 insert 150. The first contact surface 178 includes at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature along a lateral axis. The second contact surface 180 includes at least one third curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature along a lateral axis. The central contact surface 182 includes at least one curvature. The curvatures of the first and second contact surfaces 178, 180 may be, for example, concave curvatures and the at least one curvature of the central contact surface 182 may be, for example, a convex curvature. The central contact surface 182 may provide, for example, stability in a medial-lateral direction. The central contact surface 182 may have, for example, a height ranging from approximately 1.5 mm and 2 mm. The insert 150 may also have a coronal radii and the coronal radii may be, for example, approximately 1.10× the coronal radii of the talus. In addition, the insert 150 may have at least one sagittal radii. The at least one sagittal radii of the insert 150 may be, for example, multiple tangent and/or continuous radii, which may include varying levels of conformity with the sagittal radii of the second member 200. The sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 25 mm to 34 mm for all sizes of the insert 150. More specifically, the sagittal radii may be, for example, approximately 25 mm to 26 mm for the size 1 insert 150 and approximately 33 mm to 34 mm for the size 5 insert 150. In an embodiment the sagittal radii may be, for example, 37.6 mm for size 1 and 32.4 for size 5.


As shown in FIGS. 1-8, when assembled and/or implanted, the top surface 160 of the insert 150 couples to a bottom surface 122 of the first member 110. In addition, the top surface 210 of the second member 200 is configured or sized and shaped to articulate with the bottom surface 162 of the insert 150. Specifically, the medial articulating surface 218 of the second member 200 is configured to articulate with the first contact surface 178 of the insert 150, the lateral articulating surface 220 of the second member 200 is configured to articulate with the second contact surface 180 of the insert 150, and the central portion 222 of the second member 200 is configured to articulate with the third contact surface 182 of the insert 150.


A method of inserting an implant 100 is shown in FIG. 17. The method may include, for example, obtaining an implant 250 and making an incision to expose a joint with a first bone and a second bone 252. The implant may be, for example, an implant 100 as described in greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 1-16 and which will not be described again here for brevity sake. The method may also include preparing the bones for receiving the implant 254. Next, the method may include coupling the first member to the first bone 256 and coupling the second member to the second bone 258. Then, the method may include inserting a second end of the insert into a first end of the first member 260. In addition, the method may include engaging a locking tab of the insert with a locking groove of the first member 262. In an embodiment, if the insert needs to be removed or replaced, for example, for a different size or due to wear or failure, an instrument may be inserted into the slot of the insert to release the locking tab of the insert from the locking groove of the first member 264. If the insert is removed, a second end of another insert may be inserted into a first end of the first member 260 and a locking tab of the new insert may be engaged with the locking groove of the first member 262. Finally, once the desired insert is installed, the method may include closing the incision 266.


Referring now to FIGS. 18-35, another implant 300 is shown. The implant 300 includes a first member or tibia base 310, an insert 350, and a second member, talus component, or articulating member 400. The insert 350 includes a top surface 360 and a bottom surface 362. The top surface 360 of the insert 350 couples to the first member 310 and the bottom surface 362 engages the second member 400.


As shown in FIGS. 26-35, the first member 310 includes a first end or anterior end 312 opposite a second end or posterior end 314. The first member 310 also includes a first side or medial side 316 opposite a second side or lateral side 318. In addition, the first member 310 includes a top surface 320 opposite a bottom surface 322. The top surface 320 may include, for example, an arc shape or curvature extending between the first side 316 and the second side 318, as shown in FIGS. 24, 25, 28 and 29. The curvature may have, for example, multiple arc radii, such as, a first arc radius R1, a second arc radius R2, and a third arc radius R3, as shown in FIG. 34. The first arc radius R1 may be, for example, positioned near a middle portion of the top surface 320 of the first member 310. The second arc radii R2 may be, for example, positioned adjacent to the first arc radius R1 on both sides, such that a second arc radius R2 may be positioned adjacent to the first arc radius R1 on the first side 316 and a second arc radius R2 may be positioned adjacent to the first arc radius R1 on the second side 318. Finally, the third arc radii R3 may be, for example, positioned adjacent to one of the second arc radii R2 on each side of the first member 310, such that a third arc radius R3 is positioned between one of the second arc radii R2 and the first side 316 and a third arc radius R3 is positioned between the other second arc radius R2 and the second side 318. In one embodiment, the first arc radius R1 may be, for example, approximately 45 mm to 55 mm and more specifically, approximately 50 mm. The second arc radius R2 may be, for example, approximately 140 mm to 160 mm and more specifically approximately 150 mm. The third arc radius R3 may be, for example, approximately 190 mm to 210 mm and more specifically 200 mm. Although not shown, it is also contemplated that the top surface 320 of the first member 310 may be, for example, flat as the top surface 320 extends between the first side 316 and the second side 318. The top surface 320 of the first member 310 may also include, for example, sloped, tapered, or angled sides on the first side 316 and the second side 318 of the first member 310. The angle of the first and second sides 316, 318 as they extend away from the top surface 320 may be, for example, approximately 8° to 15° from vertical and more specifically approximately 10° from vertical. The edges of the first and second sides 316, 318 of the first member 310 may be, for example, rounded or curved.


As shown in the top view of FIG. 35, the first and second ends 312, 314 may include, for example, multiple arc radii as the first and second ends 312, 314 extends between the first side 316 and the second side 318. The first end 312 may include multiple arc radii, for example, a fourth arc radius R4, a fifth arc radius R5, a sixth arc radius R6, a seventh arc radius R7, an eighth arc radius R8, and a ninth arc radius R9. The apex of the first end 312 may be, for example, offset medially from a longitudinal axis of the first member 310. The fourth arc radius R4 may be positioned to the right of the flat or planar surface of the first end 312 and the fifth arc radius R5 may be positioned to the left of the flat or planar surface of the first end 312. The fourth and fifth arc radii R4, R5 may be, for example, approximately 3 mm to 5 mm, and more preferably approximately 4 mm. The sixth arc radius R6 may be positioned adjacent to the fourth arc radius R4 toward the first side 316 of the first member 310. The seventh arc radius R7 may be positioned adjacent to the fifth arc radius R5 toward the second side 318 of the first member 310. The fifth and sixth arc radii R5, R6 may be, for example, approximately 60 mm to 75 mm, and more preferably approximately 67 mm. The eighth arc radius R8 may be positioned adjacent to the sixth arc radius R6 and the eighth arc radius R8 extends to the first side 316 of the first member 310. The ninth arc radius R9 may be positioned adjacent to the seventh arc radius R7 and the ninth arc radius R9 extends to the second side 318 of the first member 310. The eighth and ninth arc radii R8, R9 may be, for example, approximately 1 mm to 3 mm, and more preferably approximately 2 mm.


The second end 314 may also include multiple arc radii, for example, a tenth arc radius R10, an eleventh arc radius R11, and a twelfth arc radius R12. The apex of the second end 314 may be, for example, offset laterally from a longitudinal axis of the first member 310. The tenth arc radius R10 may be positioned in the central portion of the second end 314 of the first member 310. The tenth arc radius R10 may be, for example, approximately 30 mm to 45 mm, and more preferably approximately 37 mm. The eleventh arc radius R11 may be positioned adjacent to the tenth arc radius R10 and the eleventh arc radius R11 extends to the first side 316 of the first member 310. The twelfth arc radius R12 may be positioned adjacent to the tenth arc radius R10 and the twelfth arc radius R12 extends to the second side 318 of the first member 310. The eleventh and twelfth arc radii R11, R12 may be, for example, approximately 1 mm to 3 mm, and more preferably approximately 2 mm.


The first member 310 may have an outer perimeter shape that may be, for example, a quadrilateral shape, such as, a generally trapezoidal from a top or bottom view, as shown in FIGS. 20, 32 and 33. The first and second sides 316, 318 may be generally parallel and the first end 312 and second end 314 may be, for example, angled or curved as they extend from the first side 316 to the second side 318. In an embodiment, the length of the first or medial side 316 may be, for example, shorter than the length of the second or lateral side 318. The angle or curvature of the first end 312 may be, for example, smaller than the angle of the second end 314. The top surface 320, first side 316 and second side 318 may be, for example, textured or coated to provide a friction-stabilization surface and to allow for bone on-growth. The textured surface may be, for example, plasma sprayed biocompatible material, such as, commercially-pure titanium, or another biocompatible material as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.


With continued reference to FIGS. 26-33, the top surface 320 of the first member 310 includes at least one peg or vertical peg 324 extending away from the top surface 320. The at least one peg 324 may be, for example, four pegs 324, although alternative numbers of pegs 324 are also contemplated. The pegs 324 may be, for example, positioned equally spaced around the top surface 320 forming, for example, the four points or corners of a quadrilateral, such as a square, rectangle, or diamond shape or alternatively, the four pegs 324 may be randomly positioned on the top surface 320. The at least one peg 324 may not be, for example, textured, rather the at least one peg 324 may be smooth to decrease bone resorption at the resection level.


Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 33, the bottom surface 322 of the first member 310 is shown. The bottom surface 322 includes a recessed region or engagement region 328 extending into the first member 310 from the bottom surface 322 toward the top surface 320. The first member 310 may come in multiple sizes for use with patients having different size tibia bones and the recessed region 328 of each of the first members 310 will be, for example, sized and shaped the same to allow for replacement of the first member 310, as needed. The bottom surface 322 also includes an engagement channel 330 extending from the first end 312 into the recessed region 328. In addition, the bottom surface 322 of the first member 310 includes a first engagement feature or first female dovetail portion 332 extending from the first side 316 into the recessed region 328, a second engagement feature or second female dovetail portion 334 extending from the second side 318 into the recessed region 328, and a third engagement feature or third female dovetail portion 336 extending from a position near the second end 314 into the recessed region 328. The bottom surface 322 of the first member 310 also includes a slot or removal engagement feature 338 and a locking groove 340 positioned adjacent to the slot 338. The slot 338 may be, for example, angled as the slot 338 extends from the first end 312 toward the locking groove 340.


Referring now to FIGS. 18-33, the second member, talus component or articulating member 400 has a first end or anterior end 402 opposite a second end or posterior end 404. The second member 400 also has a first side or medial side 406 opposite a second side or lateral side 408. In addition, the second member 400 has a top surface or articulating surface 410 opposite a bottom surface or bone engagement surface 412. The second member 400 may have, for example, a trapezium shape, as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33. The first side 406 and second side 408 may be angled as they extend from the top surface 410 to the bottom surface 412 and the angle may be, for example, approximately 15° to 20° and more preferably approximately 10°. The first side 406 may be, for example, shorter than the second side 408. As shown in FIGS. 22, 23, and 25, at least a portion of the first and second sides 406, 408 may be, for example, angled or tapered from the top surface 410 toward the bottom surface 412. The second member 400 includes an anterior recess 414 extending into the first end 402. The anterior recess 414 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of a lateral axis of the second member 400 or, alternatively may be medially biased. The second member 400 also includes a posterior recess 416 extending into the second end 404. The posterior recess 416 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of the lateral axis of the second member 400 or, alternatively may be medially biased.


As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28-32, the top surface 410 of the second member 400 includes a medial articulating surface 418 extending from the first side 406 of the second member 400 toward the second side 408. The top surface 410 may also include a lateral articulating surface 420 extending from the second side 408 of the second member 400 toward the first side 406. In addition, the top surface 410 also includes a central articulating portion 422 positioned at a point where the medial articulating surface 418 contacts the lateral articulating surface 420.


The medial articulating surface 418 may include at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, as shown in FIG. 31. The lateral articulating surface 420 has at least one third curvature along the longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In addition, the central articulating portion 422 may have a concave curvature on the top surface 410 of the second member 400 and the medial and lateral articulating surfaces 418, 420 may have convex curvatures on the top surface 410 of the second member 400. The articulating surface 410 of the second member 400 may include, for example, at least one coronal radii and the at least one coronal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 12 mm to 26 mm for a size 1 second member 400, a range of approximately 14 mm to 30 mm for a size 3 second member 200, and a range of approximately 17 mm to 34 mm for a size 5 second member 200. The articulating surface 410 of the second member 400 may include, for example, at least one sagittal radii and the at least one sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 18 mm to 25 mm for a size 1 second member 400, a range of approximately 20 mm to 28 mm for a size 3 second member 200, and a range of approximately 21 mm to 30 mm for a size 5 second member 200. In an embodiment, the anterior portion of the second member 400 may include a first sagittal radius of the lateral articulating surface 420 and a second sagittal radius of the medial articulating surface 418. The first sagittal radius may be, for example, larger than the second sagittal radius. In addition, the posterior portion of the second member 400 may include a third sagittal radius of the lateral articulating surface 420 and a fourth sagittal radius of the medial articulating surface 418. The third sagittal radius may be, for example, smaller than the fourth sagittal radius. A larger anterior lateral sagittal radius than anterior medial sagittal radius and a smaller posterior lateral sagittal radius than posterior medial sagittal radius allow for the joint axis of rotation to point distally and laterally during dorsiflexion and distally and medially during plantarflexion.


Referring now to FIGS. 19, 21-23, 27, 30, 31, and 33, the bottom surface 412 of the second member 400 may include a first portion 424, a second portion 426, and a third portion 428. The first portion 424, the second portion 426, and the third portion 428 may each have, for example, planar surfaces. The second portion 426 may be positioned between the first portion 424 and the third portion 428. The first portion 424 may extend, for example, from the first end 402 to a first transition point 430. The second portion 426 may extend, for example, from the first transition point 430 to a second transition point 432. The third portion 428 may extend, for example, from the second transition point 432 to the second end 404. The first portion 424 may extend away from the second portion 426 at a first angle and the third portion 428 may extend away from the second portion 426 at a second angle. The first angle may be, for example, approximately 25° to 35°, and the second angle may be, for example, approximately 25° to 35°. The bottom surface 412 of the second member 400 may be, for example, coated or textured with a biocompatible material. The texture or coating may be, for example, a plasma sprayed material, such as, a commercially-pure titanium or other biocompatible material, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.


The bottom surface 412 of the second member 400 may also include at least one stem or peg 434 extending away from the first portion 424 of the bottom surface 412, as shown in FIGS. 18, 19, 21-31 and 33. The at least one stem 434 may be, for example, two stems 434, although other numbers of stems 434 are also contemplated. As depicted, the first stem 434 is positioned on the first portion 424 between the anterior recess 414 and the first side 406 and the second stem 434 is positioned on the first portion 424 between the anterior recess 414 and the second side 408, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 33. The stems 434 may be, for example, positioned slightly medially biased and may be offset, for example, approximately 1 mm from a midpoint of the second member 400. The at least one stem 434 may not be, for example, textured or coated, rather the at least one stem 434 may be smooth to decrease bone resorption at the resection level. The at least one stem 434 may have, for example, a cylindrical, pyramidal, or other quadrilateral prism shape.


Referring to FIGS. 18-33, the insert, bearing insert, polyethylene insert or articulating insert 350 is shown. The insert 350 includes a first end or anterior end 352 opposite a second end or posterior end 354. The insert 350 also includes a first side or medial side 356 opposite a second side or lateral side 358. In addition, the insert 350 includes a top surface 360 opposite a bottom surface 362. The first end 352 of the insert 350 includes an opening or cylinder 364 extending into the insert 350 from the first end 352 toward the second end 354. The opening 364 may be sized and shaped or configured to receive an instrument or member, for example, a self-tapping screw to engage the insert 350 and remove the insert 350 from the first member 310. The first and second sides 356, 358 may be, for example, angled or tapered along at least a portion of the sides 356, 358 as the sides 356, 358 extend from the top surface 360 toward the bottom surface 362, as shown in FIGS. 24, 25, 28 and 29.


With continued reference to FIGS. 26 and 28-32, the top surface 360 of the insert 350 includes an engagement member or protrusion 366. The engagement member 366 includes a first engagement feature or first male dovetail 368 near the first side 356, a second engagement feature or second male dovetail 370 near the second side 358, and a third engagement feature or third male dovetail 372 near the second end 354. When the insert 350 is coupled to the first member 310, the first engagement feature 368 of the insert 350 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the first engagement feature 332 of the first member 310, the second engagement feature 370 of the insert 350 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the second engagement feature 334 of the first member 310, and the third engagement feature 372 of the insert 350 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the third engagement feature 336 of the first member 310. The top surface 360 also includes a locking tab or protrusion 376. The locking tab 376 may, for example, extend away from the top surface 360 of the insert 350. The locking tab 376 may form, for example, a ramped portion extending from the top surface 360 of the insert 350 on the side positioned toward the second end 354 to a side positioned toward the first end 352. The side of the locking tab 376 positioned toward the first end 352 may have a height taller than the height of the side of the locking tab 376 positioned toward the second end 354. The locking tab 376 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the locking groove 340 of the bottom surface 322 of the first member 310.


Referring now to FIGS. 27-31 and 33, the bottom surface 362 of the insert 350 includes a first contact surface or medial contact surface 378, a second contact surface or lateral contact surface 380, and a central contact surface 382. The first contact surface 378 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 362 in a medial-lateral direction from the first side 356 toward the second side 358. The first contact surface 378 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 362 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 352 toward a position near the second end 354. The second contact surface 380 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 362 from the second side 358 toward the first side 356. The second contact surface 380 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 362 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 352 toward a position near the second end 354. The central contact surface or central sulcus 382 is positioned between the first contact surface 378 and the second contact surface 380. The central contact surface 382 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 362 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 352 toward a position near the second end 354. The first and second contact surfaces 378, 380 form a bi-condylar surface, as shown in FIGS. 24, 25, and 27-29. The centers of the radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, spaced between approximately 18 mm and 26 mm for all sizes of the insert 350. More specifically, the centers of radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, approximately 20 mm for a size 1 insert 350, approximately 22 mm for a size 3 insert 350, and approximately 24 mm for a size 5 insert 350.


With continued reference to FIGS. 27-31 and 33, the first contact surface 378 includes at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature along a lateral axis. The second contact surface 380 includes at least one third curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature along a lateral axis. The central contact surface 382 includes at least one curvature. The curvatures of the first and second contact surfaces 378, 380 may be, for example, concave curvatures and the at least one curvature of the central contact surface 382 may be, for example, a convex curvature. The central contact surface 382 may provide, for example, stability in a medial-lateral direction. The central contact surface 382 may have, for example, a height ranging from approximately 1.5 mm and 2 mm. The insert 350 may also have a coronal radii and the coronal radii may be, for example, approximately 1.10 times the coronal radii of the talus. In addition, the insert 350 may have at least one sagittal radii. The at least one sagittal radii of the insert 350 may be, for example, multiple tangent and/or continuous radii, which may include varying levels of conformity with the sagittal radii of the second member 400. The sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 25 mm to 34 mm for all sizes of the insert 350. More specifically, the sagittal radii may be, for example, approximately 25 mm to 26 mm for the size 1 insert 350 and approximately 33 mm to 34 mm for the size 5 insert 350.


Referring now to FIGS. 19, 21-25, 27-31 and 33, the bottom surface 362 may also include, for example, a first angled or tapered portion 384 and a second angled or tapered portion 386. The first angled portion 384 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the first end 352 to the anterior portion of the contact surfaces 378, 380, 382 of the bottom surface 362 of the insert 350. The second angled portion 386 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the second end 354 to the posterior portion of the contact surfaces 378, 380, 382 of the bottom surface 362 of the insert 350.


As shown in FIGS. 18-25, when assembled and/or implanted, the top surface 360 of the insert 350 couples to a bottom surface 322 of the first member 310. In addition, the top surface 410 of the second member 400 is configured or sized and shaped to articulate with the bottom surface 362 of the insert 350. Specifically, the medial articulating surface 418 of the second member 400 is configured to articulate with the first contact surface 378 of the insert 350, the lateral articulating surface 420 of the second member 400 is configured to articulate with the second contact surface 380 of the insert 350, and the central portion 422 of the second member 400 is configured to articulate with the third contact surface 382 of the insert 350.


Referring now to FIGS. 36-51, another implant 500 is shown. The implant 500 includes a first member or tibia base 510, an insert 550, and a second member, talus component, or articulating member 600. The insert 550 includes a top surface 560 and a bottom surface 562. The top surface 560 of the insert 550 couples to the first member 510 and the bottom surface 562 engages the second member 600.


As shown in FIGS. 44-51, the first member 510 includes a first end or anterior end 512 opposite a second end or posterior end 514. The first member 510 also includes a first side or medial side 516 opposite a second side or lateral side 518. In addition, the first member 510 includes a top surface 520 opposite a bottom surface 522. The top surface 520 may include, for example, an arc shape or curvature extending between the first side 516 and the second side 518, as shown in FIGS. 42, 43, 46 and 47. The curvature may have, for example, multiple arc radii, which in an embodiment may be the same or similar to the arc radii described with reference to FIG. 34 in greater detail above and in other embodiments the multiple arc radii may be different than described above with reference to FIG. 34. The top surface 520 of the first member 510 may also include, for example, sloped, tapered, or angled sides on the first side 516 and the second side 518 of the first member 510. The angle of the first and second sides 516, 518 as they extend away from the top surface 520 may be, for example, approximately 8° to 15° from vertical and more specifically approximately 10° from vertical. The edges of the first and second sides 516, 518 of the first member 510 may be, for example, rounded or curved.


As shown in the top view of FIG. 50, the first and second ends 512, 514 may include, for example, multiple arc radii as the first and second ends 512, 514 extend between the first side 516 and the second side 518. In an embodiment, the multiple arc radii of the first member 510 may be as described in greater detail above with reference to FIG. 35, which will not be described again here for brevity sake. In other embodiments the multiple arc radii may be different as described with respect to FIG. 35.


The first member 510 may have an outer perimeter shape that may be, for example, a quadrilateral shape, such as, a generally trapezoidal from a top or bottom view, as shown in FIGS. 38, 51 and 52. The first and second sides 516, 518 may be generally parallel and the first end 512 and second end 514 may be, for example, angled or curved as they extend from the first side 516 to the second side 518. In an embodiment, the length of the first or medial side 516 may be, for example, shorter than the length of the second or lateral side 518. The angle or curvature of the first end 512 may be, for example, smaller than the angle of the second end 514. The top surface 520, first side 516 and second side 518 may be, for example, textured or coated to provide a friction-stabilization surface and to allow for bone on-growth. The textured surface may be, for example, plasma sprayed biocompatible material, such as, commercially-pure titanium, or another biocompatible material as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.


With continued reference to FIGS. 44-51, the top surface 520 of the first member 510 includes at least one peg or vertical peg 524 extending away from the top surface 520. The at least one peg 524 may be, for example, two pegs 524, although alternative numbers of pegs 524 are also contemplated. The pegs 524 may be, for example, positioned equally spaced apart on the top surface 520 or alternatively, the two pegs 524 may be randomly positioned on the top surface 520. The at least one peg 524 may not be, for example, textured, rather the at least one peg 524 may be smooth to decrease bone resorption at the resection level.


Referring now to FIGS. 45 and 51, the bottom surface 522 of the first member 510 is shown. The bottom surface 522 includes a recessed region or engagement region 528 extending into the first member 510 from the bottom surface 522 toward the top surface 520. The first member 510 may come in multiple sizes for use with patients having different size tibia bones and the recessed region 528 of each of the first members 510 will be, for example, sized and shaped the same to allow for replacement of the first member 510, as needed. The bottom surface 522 also includes an engagement channel 530 extending from the first end 512 into the recessed region 528. In addition, the bottom surface 522 of the first member 510 includes a first engagement feature or first female dovetail portion 532 extending from the first side 516 into the recessed region 528, a second engagement feature or second female dovetail portion 534 extending from the second side 518 into the recessed region 528, and a third engagement feature or third female dovetail portion 536 extending from a position near the second end 514 into the recessed region 528. The bottom surface 522 of the first member 510 also includes a slot or removal engagement feature 538 and a locking groove 540 positioned adjacent to the slot 538. The slot 538 may be, for example, angled as the slot 538 extends from the first end 512 toward the locking groove 540. As shown in FIG. 51, the engagement channel 530 may have a first width at the opening at the first end 512 and a second width at the closed end near the second end 514. The first width may be, for example, wider than the second width. At least a portion of the first engagement feature 532 and at least a portion of the second engagement feature 534 may be, for example, tapered or curved between the first width at the opening of the first end 512 and the second width. The second width may extend from a position adjacent to the locking groove 540 to the closed end of the engagement channel 530.


Referring now to FIGS. 36-51, the second member, talus component or articulating member 600 has a first end or anterior end 602 opposite a second end or posterior end 604. The second member 600 also has a first side or medial side 606 opposite a second side or lateral side 608. In addition, the second member 600 has a top surface or articulating surface 610 opposite a bottom surface or bone engagement surface 612. The second member 600 may have, for example, a trapezium shape, as shown in FIGS. 50 and 51. The first side 606 and second side 608 may be angled as they extend from the top surface 610 to the bottom surface 612 and the angle may be, for example, approximately 15° to 20° and more preferably approximately 10°. The first side 606 may be, for example, shorter than the second side 608. As shown in FIGS. 40, 41, and 43, at least a portion of the first and second sides 606, 608 may be, for example, angled or tapered from the top surface 610 toward the bottom surface 612. The second member 600 includes an anterior recess 614 extending into the first end 602. The anterior recess 614 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of a lateral axis of the second member 600 or, alternatively may be medially biased. The second member 600 also includes a posterior recess 616 extending into the second end 604. The posterior recess 616 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of the lateral axis of the second member 600 or, alternatively may be medially biased.


As shown in FIGS. 44 and 46-50, the top surface 610 of the second member 600 includes a medial articulating surface 618 extending from the first side 606 of the second member 600 toward the second side 608. The top surface 610 may also include a lateral articulating surface 620 extending from the second side 608 of the second member 600 toward the first side 606. In addition, the top surface 610 also includes a central articulating portion 622 positioned at a point where the medial articulating surface 618 contacts the lateral articulating surface 620.


The medial articulating surface 618 may include at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, as shown in FIG. 49. The lateral articulating surface 620 has at least one third curvature along the longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In addition, the central articulating portion 622 may have a concave curvature on the top surface 610 of the second member 600 and the medial and lateral articulating surfaces 618, 620 may have convex curvatures on the top surface 610 of the second member 600. The articulating surface 610 of the second member 600 may include, for example, at least one coronal radii and the at least one coronal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 12 mm to 26 mm for a size 1 second member 600, a range of approximately 14 mm to 30 mm for a size 3 second member 600, and a range of approximately 17 mm to 34 mm for a size 5 second member 600. The articulating surface 610 of the second member 600 may include, for example, at least one sagittal radii and the at least one sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 18 mm to 25 mm for a size 1 second member 600, a range of approximately 20 mm to 28 mm for a size 3 second member 600, and a range of approximately 21 mm to 30 mm for a size 5 second member 600. In an embodiment, the anterior portion of the second member 600 may include a first sagittal radius of the lateral articulating surface 620 and a second sagittal radius of the medial articulating surface 618. The first sagittal radius may be, for example, larger than the second sagittal radius. In addition, the posterior portion of the second member 600 may include a third sagittal radius of the lateral articulating surface 620 and a fourth sagittal radius of the medial articulating surface 618. The third sagittal radius may be, for example, smaller than the fourth sagittal radius. A larger anterior lateral sagittal radius than anterior medial sagittal radius and a smaller posterior lateral sagittal radius than posterior medial sagittal radius allow for the joint axis of rotation to point distally and laterally during dorsiflexion and distally and medially during plantarflexion.


Referring now to FIGS. 37, 39-41, 45, 48, 49, and 51, the bottom surface 612 of the second member 600 may include a first portion 624, a second portion 626, and a third portion 628. The first portion 624, the second portion 626, and the third portion 628 may each have, for example, planar surfaces. The second portion 626 may be positioned between the first portion 624 and the third portion 628. The first portion 624 may extend, for example, from the first end 602 to a first transition point 630. The second portion 626 may extend, for example, from the first transition point 630 to a second transition point 632. The third portion 628 may extend, for example, from the second transition point 632 to the second end 604. The first portion 624 may extend away from the second portion 626 at a first angle and the third portion 628 may extend away from the second portion 626 at a second angle. The first angle may be, for example, approximately 25° to 35°, and the second angle may be, for example, approximately 25° to 35°. The bottom surface 612 of the second member 600 may be, for example, coated or textured with a biocompatible material. The texture or coating may be, for example, a plasma sprayed material, such as, a commercially-pure titanium or other biocompatible material, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.


The bottom surface 612 of the second member 600 may also include at least one fin or stem 634 extending away from the first portion 624 of the bottom surface 612, as shown in FIGS. 36, 37, 39-49 and 51. The at least one fin 634 may be, for example, one fin 634, although other numbers of fins 634 are also contemplated. As depicted, the first fin 634 is positioned on the first portion 624 aligned with the anterior recess 614, as shown in FIGS. 45 and 51. The fin 634 may be, for example, tapered at the distal end. The at least one fin 634 may not be, for example, textured or coated, rather the at least one fin 634 may be smooth to decrease bone resorption at the resection level. The at least one fin 634 may have, for example, a cylindrical, round, oval or other like shape.


Referring to FIGS. 36-51, the insert, bearing insert, polyethylene insert or articulating insert 550 is shown. The insert 550 includes a first end or anterior end 552 opposite a second end or posterior end 554. The insert 550 also includes a first side or medial side 556 opposite a second side or lateral side 558. In addition, the insert 550 includes a top surface 560 opposite a bottom surface 562. The first end 552 of the insert 550 includes at least one opening or cylinder 564 extending into the insert 550 from the first end 552 toward the second end 554. The at least one opening 564 may be sized and shaped or configured to receive an instrument or member, for example, a fastener or instrument to engage the insert 550 and remove the insert 550 from the first member 510. The first and second sides 556, 558 may be, for example, angled or tapered along at least a portion of the sides 556, 558 as the sides 556, 558 extend from the top surface 560 toward the bottom surface 562, as shown in FIGS. 42, 43, 46 and 47.


With continued reference to FIGS. 44 and 46-50, the top surface 560 of the insert 550 includes an engagement member or protrusion 566. The engagement member 566 includes a first engagement feature or first male dovetail 568 near the first side 556, a second engagement feature or second male dovetail 570 near the second side 558, and a third engagement feature or third male dovetail 572 near the second end 554. When the insert 550 is coupled to the first member 510, the first engagement feature 568 of the insert 550 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the first engagement feature 532 of the first member 510, the second engagement feature 570 of the insert 550 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the second engagement feature 534 of the first member 510, and the third engagement feature 572 of the insert 550 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the third engagement feature 536 of the first member 510. The top surface 560 also includes a locking tab or protrusion 576. The locking tab 576 may, for example, extend away from the top surface 560 of the insert 550. The locking tab 576 may form, for example, a ramped portion extending from the top surface 560 of the insert 550 on the side positioned toward the second end 554 to a side positioned toward the first end 552. The side of the locking tab 576 positioned toward the first end 552 may have a height taller than the height of the side of the locking tab 576 positioned toward the second end 554. The locking tab 576 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the locking groove 540 of the bottom surface 522 of the first member 510.


Referring now to FIGS. 45-49 and 51, the bottom surface 562 of the insert 550 includes a first contact surface or medial contact surface 578, a second contact surface or lateral contact surface 580, and a central contact surface 582. The first contact surface 578 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 562 in a medial-lateral direction from the first side 556 toward the second side 558. The first contact surface 578 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 562 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 552 toward a position near the second end 554. The second contact surface 580 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 562 from the second side 558 toward the first side 556. The second contact surface 580 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 562 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 552 toward a position near the second end 554. The central contact surface or central sulcus 582 is positioned between the first contact surface 578 and the second contact surface 580. The central contact surface 582 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 562 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 552 toward a position near the second end 554. The first and second contact surfaces 578, 580 form a bi-condylar surface, as shown in FIGS. 42, 43, and 45-47. The centers of the radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, spaced between approximately 18 mm and 26 mm for all sizes of the insert 550. More specifically, the centers of radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, approximately 20 mm for a size 1 insert 550, approximately 22 mm for a size 3 insert 550, and approximately 24 mm for a size 5 insert 550.


With continued reference to FIGS. 45-49 and 51, the first contact surface 578 includes at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature along a lateral axis. The second contact surface 580 includes at least one third curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature along a lateral axis. The central contact surface 582 includes at least one curvature. The curvatures of the first and second contact surfaces 578, 580 may be, for example, concave curvatures and the at least one curvature of the central contact surface 582 may be, for example, a convex curvature. The central contact surface 582 may provide, for example, stability in a medial-lateral direction. The central contact surface 582 may have, for example, a height ranging from approximately 1.5 mm and 2 mm. The insert 550 may also have a coronal radii and the coronal radii may be, for example, approximately 1.10 times the coronal radii of the talus. In addition, the insert 550 may have at least one sagittal radii. The at least one sagittal radii of the insert 550 may be, for example, multiple tangent and/or continuous radii, which may include varying levels of conformity with the sagittal radii of the second member 600. The sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 25 mm to 34 mm for all sizes of the insert 550. More specifically, the sagittal radii may be, for example, approximately 25 mm to 26 mm for the size 1 insert 550 and approximately 33 mm to 34 mm for the size 5 insert 550.


Referring now to FIGS. 37, 39-43, 45-49 and 51, the bottom surface 562 may also include, for example, a first angled or tapered portion 584 and a second angled or tapered portion 586. The first angled portion 584 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the first end 552 to the anterior portion of the contact surfaces 578, 580, 582 of the bottom surface 562 of the insert 550. The second angled portion 586 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the second end 554 to the posterior portion of the contact surfaces 578, 580, 582 of the bottom surface 562 of the insert 550. The first angled portion 584 and the second angled portion 586 may alternatively be, for example, non-planar surfaces including at least one concave or convex curvature. The non-planar surfaces may, for example, still be angled or tapered between the ends 552, 554 and the contact surfaces 578, 580, 582 of the insert 550.


As shown in FIGS. 36-43, when assembled and/or implanted, the top surface 560 of the insert 550 couples to a bottom surface 522 of the first member 510. In addition, the top surface 610 of the second member 600 is configured or sized and shaped to articulate with the bottom surface 562 of the insert 550. Specifically, the medial articulating surface 618 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the first contact surface 578 of the insert 550, the lateral articulating surface 620 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the second contact surface 580 of the insert 550, and the central portion 622 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the third contact surface 582 of the insert 550.


Referring now to FIGS. 52-63, an implant 650 is shown. The implant 650 includes a first member or tibia base 510, an insert 660, and a second member, talus component, or articulating member 600. The first member 510 and the second member 600 may be of the type described above with reference to implant 500 and FIGS. 36-51. The insert 660 includes a top surface 670 and a bottom surface 672. The top surface 670 of the insert 660 couples to the first member 510 and the bottom surface 672 engages the second member 600.


With continued reference to FIGS. 52-63, the insert, bearing insert, polyethylene insert or articulating insert 660 is shown. The insert 660 includes a first end or anterior end 662 opposite a second end or posterior end 664. The insert 660 also includes a first side or medial side 666 opposite a second side or lateral side 668. In addition, the insert 660 includes a top surface 670 opposite a bottom surface 672. The first end 662 of the insert 660 includes at least one opening or cylinder 674 extending into the insert 660 from the first end 662 toward the second end 664. The at least one opening 674 may be sized and shaped or configured to receive an instrument or member, for example, a fastener or instrument to engage the insert 660 and remove the insert 660 from the first member 510. The first and second sides 666, 668 may be, for example, angled or tapered along at least a portion of the sides 666, 668 as the sides 666, 668 extend from the top surface 670 toward the bottom surface 672, as shown in FIGS. 52, 53, 58 and 59.


With continued reference to FIGS. 56 and 58-62, the top surface 670 of the insert 660 is the same or similar to the top surface 560 of the insert 550. The top surface 670 includes an engagement member or protrusion 676, which is the same or similar to the engagement member or protrusion 566. The engagement member 676 includes a first engagement feature or first male dovetail 678 near the first side 666, which is the same or similar to the first engagement feature or first male dovetail 568 and which will not be described again here in detail for brevity sake. The engagement member 676 also includes a second engagement feature or second male dovetail 680 near the second side 668, which is the same or similar to the second engagement feature or second male dovetail 570 and which will not be described again here in detail for brevity sake. The engagement member 676 may further include a third engagement feature or third male dovetail 682 near the second end 664, which is the same or similar to the third engagement feature or third male dovetail 572 and which will not be described again here in detail for brevity sake. When the insert 660 is coupled to the first member 510, the first engagement feature 678 of the insert 660 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the first engagement feature 532 of the first member 510, the second engagement feature 680 of the insert 660 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the second engagement feature 534 of the first member 510, and the third engagement feature 682 of the insert 660 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the third engagement feature 536 of the first member 510. The top surface 670 also includes a locking tab or protrusion 686. The locking tab 686 may be the same or similar to the locking tab 576 of insert 550 as described in greater detail above and which will not be described again here for brevity sake. The locking tab 686 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the locking groove 540 of the bottom surface 522 of the first member 510.


Referring now to FIGS. 57, 60, 61 and 63, the bottom surface 672 of the insert 660 includes a first contact surface or medial contact surface 688, a second contact surface or lateral contact surface 690, and a central contact surface 692. The first contact surface 688 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 672 in a medial-lateral direction from the first side 666 toward the second side 668. The first contact surface 688 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 672 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 662 toward a position near the second end 662. The second contact surface 690 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 672 from the second side 668 toward the first side 666. The second contact surface 690 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 672 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 662 toward a position near the second end 664. The central contact surface or central sulcus 692 is positioned between the first contact surface 688 and the second contact surface 690. The central contact surface 692 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 672 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 662 toward a position near the second end 664. The first and second contact surfaces 688, 690 form a bi-condylar surface, as shown in FIGS. 52, 53, and 57-59. The centers of the radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, spaced between approximately 18 mm and 26 mm for all sizes of the insert 660. More specifically, the centers of radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, approximately 20 mm for a size 1 insert 660, approximately 22 mm for a size 3 insert 660, and approximately 24 mm for a size 5 insert 660.


With continued reference to FIGS. 57-61 and 63, the first contact surface 688 includes at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature along a lateral axis. The second contact surface 690 includes at least one third curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature along a lateral axis. The central contact surface 692 includes at least one curvature. The curvatures of the first and second contact surfaces 688, 690 may be, for example, concave curvatures and the at least one curvature of the central contact surface 692 may be, for example, a convex curvature. The central contact surface 692 may provide, for example, stability in a medial-lateral direction. The central contact surface 692 may have, for example, a height ranging from approximately 1.5 mm and 2 mm. The insert 660 may also have a coronal radii and the coronal radii may be, for example, approximately 1.10 times the coronal radii of the talus. In addition, the insert 660 may have at least one sagittal radii. The at least one sagittal radii of the insert 660 may be, for example, multiple tangent and/or continuous radii, which may include varying levels of conformity with the sagittal radii of the second member 600. The sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 25 mm to 34 mm for all sizes of the insert 660. More specifically, the sagittal radii may be, for example, approximately 25 mm to 26 mm for the size 1 insert 660 and approximately 33 mm to 34 mm for the size 5 insert 660.


Referring now to FIGS. 53, 54, 55, 57-61 and 63, the bottom surface 672 may also include, for example, a first angled or tapered portion 694 and a second angled or tapered portion 696. The first angled portion 694 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the first end 662 to the anterior portion of the contact surfaces 688, 690, 692 of the bottom surface 672 of the insert 660. The first angled portion 694 may be, for example, longer than the first angled portion 584 of the insert 550. The second angled portion 696 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the second end 664 to the posterior portion of the contact surfaces 688, 690, 692 of the bottom surface 672 of the insert 660. The second angled portion 696 may be, for example, shorter than the second angled portion 586 of the insert 550. The first angled portion 694 and the second angled portion 696 may alternatively be, for example, non-planar surfaces including at least one concave or convex curvature. The non-planar surfaces may, for example, still be angled or tapered between the ends 662, 664 and the contact surfaces 688, 690, 692 of the insert 660.


As shown in FIGS. 52-55, when assembled and/or implanted, the top surface 670 of the insert 660 couples to a bottom surface 522 of the first member 510. In addition, the top surface 610 of the second member 600 is configured or sized and shaped to articulate with the bottom surface 672 of the insert 660. Specifically, the medial articulating surface 618 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the first contact surface 688 of the insert 660, the lateral articulating surface 620 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the second contact surface 690 of the insert 660, and the central portion 622 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the third contact surface 692 of the insert 660. As shown in FIGS. 54 and 55, the first member 510 and coupled insert 660 are positioned on the second member 600 such that the first member 510 and insert 660 are shifted in an anterior direction on the second member 600. The implant 650 includes an insert 660 to anteriorly shift the first member 510 relative to the second member 600 and the neutral positioning of implant 500.


Referring now to FIGS. 64-75, an implant 700 is shown. The implant 700 includes a first member or tibia base 510, an insert 710, and a second member, talus component, or articulating member 600. The first member 510 and the second member 600 may be of the type described above with reference to implant 500 and FIGS. 36-51. The insert 710 includes a top surface 720 and a bottom surface 722. The top surface 720 of the insert 710 couples to the first member 510 and the bottom surface 722 engages the second member 600.


With continued reference to FIGS. 64-75, the insert, bearing insert, polyethylene insert or articulating insert 710 is shown. The insert 710 includes a first end or anterior end 712 opposite a second end or posterior end 714. The insert 710 also includes a first side or medial side 716 opposite a second side or lateral side 718. In addition, the insert 710 includes a top surface 720 opposite a bottom surface 722. The first end 712 of the insert 710 includes at least one opening or cylinder 724 extending into the insert 710 from the first end 712 toward the second end 714. The at least one opening 724 may be sized and shaped or configured to receive an instrument or member, for example, a fastener or instrument to engage the insert 710 and remove the insert 710 from the first member 510. The first and second sides 716, 718 may be, for example, angled or tapered along at least a portion of the sides 716, 718 as the sides 716, 718 extend from the top surface 720 toward the bottom surface 722, as shown in FIGS. 64, 65, 70 and 71.


With continued reference to FIGS. 68 and 70-74, the top surface 720 of the insert 710 is the same or similar to the top surface 560 of the insert 550 and the top surface 670 of the insert 660. The top surface 720 includes an engagement member or protrusion 726, which is the same or similar to the engagement member or protrusion 566, 676. The engagement member 726 includes a first engagement feature or first male dovetail 728 near the first side 716, which is the same or similar to the first engagement feature or first male dovetail 568, 678 and which will not be described again here in detail for brevity sake. The engagement member 726 also includes a second engagement feature or second male dovetail 730 near the second side 718, which is the same or similar to the second engagement feature or second male dovetail 570, 680 and which will not be described again here in detail for brevity sake. The engagement member 676 may further include a third engagement feature or third male dovetail 732 near the second end 714, which is the same or similar to the third engagement feature or third male dovetail 572, 682 and which will not be described again here in detail for brevity sake. When the insert 710 is coupled to the first member 510, the first engagement feature 728 of the insert 710 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the first engagement feature 532 of the first member 510, the second engagement feature 730 of the insert 710 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the second engagement feature 534 of the first member 510, and the third engagement feature 732 of the insert 710 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the third engagement feature 536 of the first member 510. The top surface 720 also includes a locking tab or protrusion 736. The locking tab 736 may be the same or similar to the locking tab 576, 686 of insert 550, 660, respectively, as described in greater detail above and which will not be described again here for brevity sake. The locking tab 736 may be configured or sized and shaped to engage the locking groove 540 of the bottom surface 522 of the first member 510.


Referring now to FIGS. 69, 72, 73 and 75, the bottom surface 722 of the insert 710 includes a first contact surface or medial contact surface 738, a second contact surface or lateral contact surface 740, and a central contact surface 742. The first contact surface 738 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 722 in a medial-lateral direction from the first side 716 toward the second side 718. The first contact surface 738 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 722 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 712 toward a position near the second end 714. The second contact surface 740 extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 722 from the second side 718 toward the first side 716. The second contact surface 740 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 722 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 712 toward a position near the second end 714. The central contact surface or central sulcus 742 is positioned between the first contact surface 738 and the second contact surface 740. The central contact surface 742 also extends along at least a portion of the bottom surface 722 in an anterior-posterior direction from a position near the first end 712 toward a position near the second end 714. The first and second contact surfaces 738, 740 form a bi-condylar surface, as shown in FIGS. 64, 65, and 69-71. The centers of the radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, spaced between approximately 18 mm and 26 mm for all sizes of the insert 710. More specifically, the centers of radii of the bi-condylar surface may be, for example, approximately 20 mm for a size 1 insert 710, approximately 22 mm for a size 3 insert 710, and approximately 24 mm for a size 5 insert 710.


With continued reference to FIGS. 69-73 and 75, the first contact surface 738 includes at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature along a lateral axis. The second contact surface 740 includes at least one third curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature along a lateral axis. The central contact surface 742 includes at least one curvature. The curvatures of the first and second contact surfaces 738, 740 may be, for example, concave curvatures and the at least one curvature of the central contact surface 742 may be, for example, a convex curvature. The central contact surface 742 may provide, for example, stability in a medial-lateral direction. The central contact surface 742 may have, for example, a height ranging from approximately 1.5 mm and 2 mm. The insert 710 may also have a coronal radii and the coronal radii may be, for example, approximately 1.10 times the coronal radii of the talus. In addition, the insert 710 may have at least one sagittal radii. The at least one sagittal radii of the insert 710 may be, for example, multiple tangent and/or continuous radii, which may include varying levels of conformity with the sagittal radii of the second member 600. The sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 25 mm to 34 mm for all sizes of the insert 710. More specifically, the sagittal radii may be, for example, approximately 25 mm to 26 mm for the size 1 insert 710 and approximately 33 mm to 34 mm for the size 5 insert 710.


Referring now to FIGS. 65-67, 69-73 and 75, the bottom surface 722 may also include, for example, a first angled or tapered portion 744 and a second angled or tapered portion 746. The first angled portion 744 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the first end 712 to the anterior portion of the contact surfaces 738, 740, 742 of the bottom surface 722 of the insert 710. The first angled portion 744 may be, for example, shorter than the first angled portion 584 of the insert 550 and the first angled portion 694 of the insert 660. The second angled portion 746 may be, for example, positioned to extend from the second end 714 to the posterior portion of the contact surfaces 738, 740, 742 of the bottom surface 722 of the insert 710. The second angled portion 746 may be, for example, longer than the second angled portion 586 of the insert 550 and the second angled portion 696 of the insert 660. The first angled portion 744 and the second angled portion 746 may alternatively be, for example, non-planar surfaces including at least one concave or convex curvature. The non-planar surfaces may, for example, still be angled or tapered between the ends 744, 746 and the contact surfaces 738, 740, 742 of the insert 710.


As shown in FIGS. 64-67, when assembled and/or implanted, the top surface 720 of the insert 710 couples to a bottom surface 522 of the first member 510. In addition, the top surface 610 of the second member 600 is configured or sized and shaped to articulate with the bottom surface 722 of the insert 710. Specifically, the medial articulating surface 618 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the first contact surface 738 of the insert 710, the lateral articulating surface 620 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the second contact surface 740 of the insert 710, and the central portion 622 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the third contact surface 742 of the insert 710. As shown in FIGS. 66 and 67, the first member 510 and coupled insert 710 are positioned on the second member 600 such that the first member 510 and insert 710 are shifted in a posterior direction on the second member 600. The implant 700 includes an insert 710 to posteriorly shift the first member 510 relative to the second member 600 and the neutral positioning of implant 500.


Referring now to FIGS. 76-91, another implant 800 is shown. The implant 800 includes a first member or tibia base 810, an insert 550, and a second member, talus component, or articulating member 600. The insert 550 and second member 600 are as described in greater detail above and will not be described again here for brevity sake. The top surface 560 of the insert couples to the first member 810 and the bottom surface 562 engages the second member 600.


As shown in FIGS. 84-91, the first member 810 includes a first end or anterior end 812 opposite a second end or posterior end 814. The first member 810 also includes a first side or medial side 816 opposite a second side or lateral side 818. In addition, the first member 810 includes a top surface 820 opposite a bottom surface 822. The top surface 820 may be, for example, flat as the top surface 820 extends between the first side 816 and the second side 818, as shown in FIGS. 82, 83, 86 and 87. The top surface 820 of the first member 810 may also include, for example, sloped, tapered, or angled sides on the first side 816 and the second side 818 of the first member 810. The angle of the first and second sides 816, 818 as they extend away from the top surface 820 may be, for example, approximately 8° to 15° from vertical and more specifically approximately 10° from vertical. The edges of the first and second sides 816, 818 of the first member 810 may be, for example, rounded or curved.


As shown in the top view of FIG. 90, the first and second ends 812, 814 may include, for example, multiple arc radii as the first and second ends 812, 814 extend between the first side 816 and the second side 818. In an embodiment, the multiple arc radii of the first member 810 may be the same or similar to the multiple arc radii as described in greater detail above with reference to FIG. 35, which will not be described again here for brevity sake. In other embodiments the multiple arc radii may be different as described with respect to FIG. 35.


The first member 810 may have an outer perimeter shape that may be, for example, a quadrilateral shape, such as, a generally trapezoidal from a top or bottom view, as shown in FIGS. 78, 90 and 91. The first and second sides 816, 818 may be generally parallel and the first end 812 and second end 814 may be, for example, angled or curved as they extend from the first side 816 to the second side 818. In an embodiment, the length of the first or medial side 816 may be, for example, shorter than the length of the second or lateral side 818. The angle or curvature of the first end 812 may be, for example, smaller than the angle of the second end 814. The top surface 820, first side 816 and second side 818 may be, for example, textured or coated to provide a friction-stabilization surface and to allow for bone on-growth. The textured surface may be, for example, plasma sprayed biocompatible material, such as, commercially-pure titanium, or another biocompatible material as known by one of ordinary skill in the art.


With continued reference to FIGS. 84-91, the top surface 820 of the first member 810 includes at least one peg or vertical peg 524 extending away from the top surface 820. The at least one peg 524 may be as described in greater detail above with reference to implant 500 and will not be described again here for brevity sake.


Referring now to FIGS. 85 and 91, the bottom surface 822 of the first member 810 is shown. The bottom surface 822 of the first member 810 may be the same or similar to the bottom surface 522 of first member 510. Specifically, the bottom surface 822 may include a recessed region or engagement region 528, an engagement channel 530, a first engagement feature or first female dovetail portion 532, a second engagement feature or second female dovetail portion 534, a third engagement feature or third female dovetail portion 536, a slot or removal engagement feature 538, a locking groove 540, each of which is described in greater detail above with reference to implant 500 and which will not be described again here for brevity sake.


As shown in FIGS. 76-83, when assembled and/or implanted, the top surface 560 of the insert 550 couples to a bottom surface 822 of the first member 810. In addition, the top surface 610 of the second member 600 is configured or sized and shaped to articulate with the bottom surface 562 of the insert 550. Specifically, the medial articulating surface 618 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the first contact surface 578 of the insert 550, the lateral articulating surface 620 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the second contact surface 580 of the insert 550, and the central portion 622 of the second member 600 is configured to articulate with the third contact surface 582 of the insert 550. As shown in FIGS. 80 and 81, the first member 810 and coupled insert 550 are positioned on the second member 600 such that the first member 810 and insert 550 are in a neutral position.


Referring now to FIGS. 92-97, shows an implant kit 850. The implant kit 850 may include at least one first member 810, at least one first member 510, at least one insert 860, at least one second member 600, and at least one second member 910. Additional inserts 150, 350, 550, 660, 710 may also be included in the implant kit 850. Further, additional first members and second members described herein may be included in the kit 850 in place of or in addition to first members 510, 810 and second members 600, 910.


With continued reference to FIGS. 92-97, the insert, bearing insert, polyethylene insert or articulating insert 860 may include a first end or anterior end 862 opposite a second end or posterior end 864. The insert 860 also includes a first side or medial side 866 opposite a second side or lateral side 868. In addition, the insert 860 includes a top surface 870 opposite a bottom surface 872. The first and second sides 866, 868 may be, for example, angled or tapered along at least a portion of the sides 866, 868 as the sides 866, 868 extend from the top surface 870 toward the bottom surface 872, as shown in FIGS. 94 and 95. The insert 860 may be, for example, a 20 mm insert.


The insert 860 may also include at least one opening 564 as described in greater detail above with respect to insert 550 which will not be described again here for brevity sake. The insert 860 may also include an engagement member or protrusion 566 with a first engagement feature or first male dovetail 568 near the first side 866, a second engagement feature or second male dovetail 570 near the second side 868, and a third engagement feature or third male dovetail 572 near the second end 864. The protrusion 566, first engagement feature 568, second engagement feature 570, and third engagement feature 572 are described in greater detail above with reference to insert 550 and will not be described again here for brevity sake. The top surface 870 may also include a locking tab or protrusion 576, which is also described in greater detail above with reference to insert 550 and which will not be described again here for brevity sake.


The bottom surface 872 of insert 860, as shown in FIGS. 93-97, may include the first contact surface or medial contact surface 578, the second contact surface or lateral contact surface 580, and the central contact surface 582, as described in greater detail above with reference to insert 550 and which will not be described again here for brevity sake. The bottom surface 872 may further include the first angled or tapered portion 584 and the second angled or tapered portion 586, as described in greater detail above with reference to insert 550 and which will not be described again here for brevity sake.


When assembled and/or implanted, the top surface 870 of the insert 860 couples to a bottom surface 522, 822 of a first member 510, 810. In addition, the top surface 610 of the second member 600, 910 is configured or sized and shaped to articulate with the bottom surface 872 of the insert 860. Specifically, the medial articulating surface 618, 928 of the second member 600, 910 is configured to articulate with the first contact surface 578 of the insert 810, the lateral articulating surface 620, 930 of the second member 600, 910 is configured to articulate with the second contact surface 580 of the insert 860, and the central portion 622, 932 of the second member 600, 910 is configured to articulate with the third contact surface 582 of the insert 860.


Referring now to FIGS. 98-113, another implant 900 is shown. The implant 900 includes a first member or tibia base 810, an insert 550, and a second member, talus component, or articulating member 910. The first member 810 and insert 550 are as described in greater detail above and will not be described again here for brevity sake. The top surface 560 of the insert couples to the first member 810 and the bottom surface 562 engages the second member 910.


As shown in FIGS. 106-113, the second member, talus component or articulating member 910 has a first end or anterior end 912 opposite a second end or posterior end 914. The second member 910 also has a first side or medial side 916 opposite a second side or lateral side 918. In addition, the second member 910 has a top surface or articulating surface 920 opposite a bottom surface or bone engagement surface 922. The second member 910 may have, for example, a trapezium shape, as shown in FIGS. 100, 101, 112 and 113. The first side 916 and second side 918 may be angled as they extend from the top surface 920 to the bottom surface 922 and the angle may be, for example, approximately 15° to 20° and more preferably approximately 10°. The first side 916 may be, for example, shorter than the second side 918. As shown in FIGS. 102, 103, and 105, at least a portion of the first and second sides 916, 918 may be, for example, angled or tapered from the top surface 920 toward the bottom surface 922. The second member 910 includes an anterior recess 924 extending into the first end 912. The anterior recess 924 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of a lateral axis of the second member 910 or, alternatively may be medially biased. The second member 910 also includes a posterior recess 926 extending into the second end 914. The posterior recess 926 may be, for example, positioned near a midpoint of the lateral axis of the second member 910 or, alternatively may be medially biased.


As shown in FIGS. 106 and 108-112, the top surface 920 of the second member 910 includes a medial articulating surface 928 extending from the first side 916 of the second member 910 toward the second side 918. The top surface 920 may also include a lateral articulating surface 930 extending from the second side 918 of the second member 910 toward the first side 916. In addition, the top surface 920 also includes a central articulating portion 932 positioned at a point where the medial articulating surface 928 contacts the lateral articulating surface 930.


The medial articulating surface 928 may include at least one first curvature along a longitudinal axis and at least one second curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, as shown in FIG. 111. The lateral articulating surface 930 has at least one third curvature along the longitudinal axis and at least one fourth curvature perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In addition, the central articulating portion 932 may have a concave curvature on the top surface 920 of the second member 910 and the medial and lateral articulating surfaces 928, 930 may have convex curvatures on the top surface 920 of the second member 910. The articulating surface 920 of the second member 910 may include, for example, at least one coronal radii and the at least one coronal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 12 mm to 26 mm for a size 1 second member 910, a range of approximately 14 mm to 30 mm for a size 3 second member 910, and a range of approximately 17 mm to 34 mm for a size 5 second member 910. The articulating surface 920 of the second member 910 may include, for example, at least one sagittal radii and the at least one sagittal radii may have, for example, a range of approximately 18 mm to 25 mm for a size 1 second member 910, a range of approximately 20 mm to 28 mm for a size 3 second member 910, and a range of approximately 21 mm to 30 mm for a size 5 second member 910. In an embodiment, the anterior portion of the second member 910 may include a first sagittal radius of the lateral articulating surface 930 and a second sagittal radius of the medial articulating surface 928. The first sagittal radius may be, for example, larger than the second sagittal radius. In addition, the posterior portion of the second member 910 may include a third sagittal radius of the lateral articulating surface 930 and a fourth sagittal radius of the medial articulating surface 928. The third sagittal radius may be, for example, smaller than the fourth sagittal radius. A larger anterior lateral sagittal radius than anterior medial sagittal radius and a smaller posterior lateral sagittal radius than posterior medial sagittal radius allow for the joint axis of rotation to point distally and laterally during dorsiflexion and distally and medially during plantarflexion.


Referring now to FIGS. 99, 101-105, 107-111, and 113, the bottom surface 922 of the second member 910 may be a flat or planar surface. The bottom surface 922 of the second member 910 may be, for example, coated or textured with a biocompatible material. The texture or coating may be, for example, a plasma sprayed material, such as, a commercially-pure titanium or other biocompatible material, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. The bottom surface 922 of the second member 910 may also include at least one stem or peg 934 extending away from the bottom surface 922, as shown in FIGS. 98, 99, 101-111 and 113. The at least one stem 934 may be, for example, two stems 934, although other numbers of stems 934 are also contemplated. As depicted, the first stem 934 is positioned between the anterior recess 924 and the first side 916 and the second stem 934 is positioned between the anterior recess 924 and the second side 918, as shown in FIGS. 107 and 113. The stems 934 may be, for example, positioned slightly medially biased and may be offset, for example, approximately 1 mm from a midpoint of the second member 910. The at least one stem 934 may not be, for example, textured or coated, rather the at least one stem 934 may be smooth to decrease bone resorption at the resection level. The at least one stem 934 may have, for example, a cylindrical, pyramidal, or other quadrilateral prism shape.


Referring now to FIGS. 114-122, the articulation paths of the second member, talus component, or articulating member 600 are shown. Although not show, the same or similar articulation paths may also be found on the second member 910. Referring now to FIGS. 114-116, a midpoint 950 extending between the first side 606 and the second side 608 separates the anterior articulation 952 and the posterior articulation 954. As shown in FIG. 115, the anterior articulation 952 curves in a medial direction and the posterior articulation 954 curves in a lateral direction. Referring now to FIG. 116, the anterior articulation 952 may have a first diameter and the posterior articulation 954 may have a second diameter. The first diameter may be smaller than the second diameter.


Referring now to FIGS. 117-122, the anterior articulation 952 extends around a first axis 956 forming a first radius 958 and the posterior articulation 954 extends around a second axis 960 forming a second radius 962. The first axis 956 may intersect the second axis 960. In addition, the first radius 958 may be, for example, smaller than the second radius 962.


The method shown in FIG. 17 may also be used to insert the implants 500, 650, 700, 800, 850, 900. Specifically, the method may include, for example, obtaining an implant 250 and making an incision to expose a joint with a first bone and a second bone 252. The implant may be, for example, an implant 500, 650, 700, 800, 850, 900 as described in greater detail above with reference to FIGS. 36-122 and which will not be described again here for brevity sake. The method may also include preparing the bones for receiving the implant 254. Next, the method may include coupling the first member to the first bone 256 and coupling the second member to the second bone 258. Then, the method may include inserting a second end of the insert into a first end of the first member 260. In addition, the method may include engaging a locking tab of the insert with a locking groove of the first member 262. In an embodiment, if the insert needs to be removed or replaced, for example, for a different size or due to wear, an instrument may be inserted into the slot of the insert to release the locking tab of the insert from the locking groove of the first member 264. Finally, the method may include closing the incision 266.


Referring now to FIGS. 123 and 124, a lateral condyle 1001 and a talar dome 1010 of a talus 1000 are shown, respectively. In some aspects, the talus 1000 (and/or the talar dome 1010 thereof) may accommodate (e.g., be coupled with) the talus component 200 (as shown and described previously) and/or other aspects of the talus component 200. Additionally, the talus 1000 may be configured to interface and/or couple with one or more additional components of the implant 100 as well as other aspects of implants described previously (e.g., implant 800, etc.). FIG. 123 shows the talus 1000 from a lateral perspective view in the sagittal plane (e.g., sagittal perspective, in the sagittal plane, etc.). In some aspects, the talus 1000 may be a model for example, generated based on data collected from the talus 1000 of a patient. The talus 1000 comprises a lateral anterior portion 1002 and a lateral posterior portion 1004. As shown, the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004 correspond to traditional lateral, anterior, and posterior directions with respect to the midline of the body. Defined as shown in FIG. 123, the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004 may be referenced in order to identify one or more areas of the talus 1000. For example, a measurement may be taken from an edge of the lateral anterior portion 1002 or the lateral posterior portion 1004 to a defined midpoint of the talus 1000. Additionally, the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004 may comprise quadrants of the talus 1000 and/or a top surface thereof. For example, the lateral anterior portion 1002 may be defined by one or more radial lines extending from a central portion of the talus 1000 (and/or a top surface thereof) toward an outer portion of the talus. Similarly, the lateral posterior portion 1004 may be defined by one or more radial lines extending from a central portion of the talus 1000 (or a surface thereof) toward an outer portion of the talus. In some aspects, the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004 may comprise two quadrants of the talus 1000 (and/or the surface thereof) and further may be arranged adjacent to one another such that one or more of the radial lines defining the quadrants of the talus that separate the lateral anterior portion 1002 from the lateral posterior portion 1004.


As shown in FIG. 124, the talar dome 1010 of the talus 1000 is shown from a superior perspective view in the transverse plane (e.g., transverse perspective, in the transverse plane, etc.). The talus 1000 comprises four anatomic regions (e.g., quadrants) as identified on the surface (e.g., talar dome 1010) thereof as a medial anterior portion 1012 and a medial posterior portion 1014, as well the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004 (See FIG. 123). In some aspects, each of the lateral anterior portion 1002, the lateral posterior portion 1004, the medial anterior portion 1012, and the medial posterior portion 1014 each comprise a quadrant of the talus 1000 (and/or talar dome 1010). For example, the first, second, third, and fourth quadrants may correspond to the lateral anterior portion 1002, the lateral posterior portion 1004, the medial anterior portion 1012, and the medial posterior portion 1014 (with the portions and the quadrants being arbitrary).


Radial measurements of the lateral condyle 1001 and a medial condyle 1007, as shown in FIG. 124, of the talus 1000 may be taken in both the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004. Radial measurements of the medial condyle 1007 of the talus 1000 may be taken in both the medial anterior portion 1012 and the medial posterior portion 1014. In some aspects, these radial measurements may be taken similar to those described previously for the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004. In one aspect, talar models may be generated based on various imaging techniques (e.g., x-ray, CT, PET, etc.) with the talar models comprising both the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004 of the talus 1000, as shown in FIG. 123. Similarly, generated models of the talar dome 1000 that comprise the talar dome may further comprise the medial anterior portion 1012, the lateral anterior portion 1014, the lateral anterior portion 1002, and the lateral posterior portion 1004. Models of the talus 1000 and/or the talar dome 1010 (See FIGS. 123-124) may be fitted with predefined sagittal, coronal, and transverse reference planes (which may be used in part to define portions/regions of the talus 1000 and/or the talar dome 1010). For example, the regions identified as the lateral anterior portion 1002, the lateral posterior portion 1004, the medial anterior portion 1012, and the medial posterior portion 1014 of the talar dome 1010 may be defined based on the predefined anatomical planes applied to the models. In some aspects, the parasagittal planes are located as closely as possible to the medial and lateral apical peaks of the talus and are confined to an articular bearing area thereof.


In performing radial measurements on the talus 1000 as shown in FIGS. 123-124, one or more tangent radii may be fit to a spline curve 1006 and applied to an image and/or model of the talus 1000 from a superior perspective view in the sagittal plane. In some aspects, radial measurements may be taken over a specified radial range, for example a 30° arc. As shown in FIG. 123, the lateral anterior portion 1002 comprises a radial range 1003 of 30° over which radial measurements of the lateral anterior portion 1002 may be taken. Similarly, the lateral posterior portion 1004 comprises a radial range 1005 of 30° over which radial measurements for the lateral posterior portion 1004 may be taken. In some aspects, one or both of the radial ranges 1003, 1005 may be greater or less than 30° (e.g., 15°, 45°, etc.). The radial measurements may be taken from a central point on the lateral condyle 1001 of the talus 1000 and/or the talar dome 1010 and extend to one or more spline curves applied to the model(s), for example the same as or similar to a spline curve 1006 as shown in FIG. 123. The radial ranges 1003, 1005 may be selected and/or applied to one or more models such as those shown in FIGS. 123-134 so as to minimize any gaps between radii measured. Further to the previous example, radii may also be selected and measured in order to define a best-fit, bi-radial approximation to the spline curve 1006. Additionally, the methodology and measurement protocol outlined herein may further be applied to models of the tibial components (e.g., the distal portion of the tibia that interfaces nearest the talus) so as to collect similar anatomic data.


Referring now to FIG. 125, the talus 1000 is shown from both medial and lateral sagittal perspective views. FIG. 125 further shows the lateral anterior portion 1002 and the lateral posterior portion 1004 (Also See FIG. 123) as shown from the lateral sagittal perspective view and the medial anterior portion 1012 and the medial posterior portion 1014 as seen from the medial sagittal perspective view. FIG. 125 further shows the average radii 1018 from the lateral sagittal perspective view, with the average radii 1018 shown to extend from a central portion of the talus 1000 outward toward the outer portion (e.g., distal portion) of the talus 1000 (as seen from the lateral sagittal perspective view). FIG. 125 further shows the talus 1000 in the sagittal plane from a medial perspective view. As shown from the medial perspective, the talus 1000 comprises the medial anterior portion 1012 as well as the medial posterior portion 1014. Additionally, the medial perspective comprises average radii 1020, which extend from a central portion on the medial portion of the talus 1000 toward the outer portion thereof (e.g., distal portion). The average radii 1018, 1020 may be indicative of regional radial averages collected from different portions of the talus 1000 (e.g., the lateral anterior portion 1002, the lateral posterior portion 1004, the medial anterior portion 1012, and the medial posterior portion 1014). The measured radii represented by the average radii 1018, 1020 may correspond to one or more components of the implant 100 (or other aspects of implants shown and described previously, for example the implant 800).


Referring now to FIG. 126, a distal portion of a tibia 1050 is shown in the sagittal plane from both medial and lateral perspective views, in accordance with some aspect of the disclosure. For example, the distal portion of the tibia 1050 may be a model generated from various imaging techniques (e.g., x-ray, CT, PET, etc.). The tibia 1050, as shown from the medial perspective view, comprises a medial anterior portion 1052 and a medial posterior portion 1054. The tibia 1050 further comprises average radii 1056, which are indicative of average radial measurements for one or more regions of the distal portion of the tibia 1050. The average radii 1056 may be representative of radial measurements extending from a defined central point of the distal tibia 1050, for example, with the radii extending to an outer portion (or distal portion) of the tibia as shown in the medial and lateral perspective views in the sagittal plane (e.g., FIG. 126). FIG. 126 also shows a lateral anterior portion 162 and a lateral posterior portion 1064 of the tibia 1050, with the portions seen from the lateral perspective of the tibia 1050 in the sagittal plane. Average radii 1066 is shown to extend to an outer portion of the tibia 1050 (e.g., a distal portion) from a defined central point. Average radii 1066 may be representative of the average radial measurements collected from a sample human population or test subjects However, the average radii 1066 may be measured and/or represented alternately and may further be measured and/or calculated using methods similar to or different than those contemplated herein.


Referring now to FIG. 127, a chart 1200 listing set of radial ratios 1202 is shown, in accordance with some aspects of the disclosure. The chart 1200 comprises radial ratios 1202, and further comprises a set of corresponding formulae 1204 for each of the 8 radial ratios 1202. For example, the chart 1200 may comprise an alternate number of radial ratios 1202 and corresponding formulae 1204. The radial ratios 1202 may be calculated using the corresponding formulae 1204. The formulae 1204 may comprise radial measurements of portions of the talus 1000 and/or the talar dome 1010, as well as the tibia 1050 as shown in FIGS. 123-126.


The chart 1200 comprises a first set of ratios 1206 which may be calculated separately for both the talus 1000 and the tibia 1050 based on radial measurements collected using measurement techniques described herein. The first set of ratios 1206 corresponds to a first set of formulae 1208, with each formula of the first set of formulae corresponding to one of the ratios of the first set of ratios 1206. For example, the first set of ratios 1206 comprises a medial ratio which may be calculated for both the talus 1000 and the tibia 1050 using measured radii. Similarly, the first set of formulae comprises a formula for calculating the medial ratio for the talus 1000 or tibia 1050 in which a medial anterior radius (e.g., one or more radii measured in (or average thereof) the medial anterior portion 1012 of the talus 1000 or the medial anterior portion 1052 of the tibia 1050) is divided by a medial posterior radius (e.g., one or more radii (or an average thereof) measured in the medial posterior portion 1014 of the talus 1000 or the medial posterior portion 1054 of the tibia 1050). Other ratios of the first set of ratios 1206 may be calculated similarly to the previous example based on the corresponding formula included in the first set of formulae 1208.


The chart 1200 further comprises a second set of ratios 1210, which may be calculated using data collected from both the talus 1000 and the tibia 1050. The ratios of the second set of ratios 1210 are calculated using a second set of formulae 1212, where each formula of the second set of formulae 1212 corresponds to a ratio of the second set of ratios 1210. Each formula of the second set of formulae 1212 may include, as an input, data from both the talus 1000 and the tibia 1050 in order to calculate the corresponding ratio of the second set of ratios 1210. For example, the second set of ratios 1210 comprises a tibiotalar medial anterior ratio which may be calculated using the corresponding formula from the second set of formulae 1212. The corresponding formula for calculating the tibiotalar medial anterior ratio indicates that a measured tibial medial anterior radius (e.g., one or more radii (or an average thereof) measured from the medial anterior portion 1052 of the tibia 1050) be divided by a measured talar medial anterior radius (e.g., one or more radii (or an average thereof) measured from the medial anterior portion 1012 of the talus 1000). Other ratios of the second set of ratios 1210 may be calculated similarly and according to the corresponding formula of the second set of formulae 1212 as shown in the chart 1200.


The radial measurements and ratios as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 123-127 may be collected from and/or computed for a patient prior to a procedure such as for example, total ankle replacement. For example, preoperative imaging may be conducted and manipulated in order to generate models such as those shown of the talus 1000 and the tibia 1050 in FIGS. 123-126. Such models may be analyzed with various measurements taken, for example radial measurements for one or more regions of the talus 1000 and/or the distal portion of the tibia 1050 (e.g., the radial measurements and radial averages shown and described with reference to FIGS. 123-127). Additionally, various ratios such as the radial ratios 1202 of the chart 1200 may be computed by applying the formulae 1204 to measured data from the patient. Similarly, data from multiple patients may be incorporated into the calculations indicated by the formulae 1204 in order to determine one or more of the radial ratios 1202.


The implant 100, for example, as well as other aspects of the implant shown and described previously (e.g., the implant 800, etc.) may include one or more components having features/geometry complimentary to that of the talus 1000 and/or tibia 1050. For example, the talus component 200 of the implant 100 may include one or more geometries and/or components configured to interface with a proximal portion of the talus 1000. The talus component 200 may comprise a plurality of regions on a lower surface thereof corresponding to the identified portions (e.g., quadrants) of the talus as shown in FIGS. 123-125. Different portions of the talus component 200 may be sized to accommodate various dimensions of the talus 1000 of a patient, for example, the radial measurements taken from a central portion of the talus 1000 as described previously.


In some aspects, radial measurements collected from the lateral anterior portion 1002 of the talus 1000 may be between 15 mm and 30 mm, with the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 having a radial measurement between 15 mm and 30 mm. The lateral anterior portion 1002 may further have radial measurements between 18 mm and 27 mm, between 21 and 24 mm, or, for example, 21.5 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 of the implant 100 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 18 m and 23 mm, between 20 mm and 22 mm, or, for example, 21.5 mm). In some aspects, radial measurements collected from the lateral posterior portion 1004 of the talus 1000 may be between 20 mm and 30 mm with the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 having a radial measurement between 20 mm and 30 mm. The lateral posterior portion 1004 may further have radial measurements of between 22 mm and 28 mm, between 24 mm and 26 mm, or, for example, 25.1 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 22 mm and 28 mm, between 24 mm and 26 mm, or for example, 25.1 mm).


In some aspects, radial measurements collected from the medial anterior portion 1012 of the talus 1000 may be between 13 mm and 23 mm, with the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 having a radial measurement between 13 mm and 23 mm. The medial anterior portion 1012 may further have radial measurements of between 15 mm and 21 mm, between 17 and 19 mm, or, for example, 18.3 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 of the implant 100 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 15 m and 21 mm, between 17 mm and 19 mm, or, for example, 18.3 mm). In some aspects, radial measurements from the medial posterior portion 1014 of the talus 1000 may be between 21 mm and 31 mm with the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 having a radial measurement between 21 mm and 31 mm. The medial posterior portion 1014 may further have radial measurements of between 23 mm and 29 mm, between 25 mm and 27 mm, or, for example, 26.6 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the talus component 200 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 23 and 29 mm, between 25 mm and 27 mm, or for example, 26.6 mm).


In some aspects, radial measurements collected from the lateral anterior portion 1062 of the tibia 1050 may be between 25 mm and 35 mm, with the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 of the implant 100 having a radial measurement of between 25 mm and 35 mm. The lateral anterior portion 1062 may further have radial measurements of between 27 mm and 33 mm, between 29 and 31 mm, or, for example, 30.5 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 of the implant 100 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 27 mm and 33 mm, between 29 and 31 mm, or, for example, 30.5 mm). In some aspects, radial measurements from the lateral posterior portion 1064 of the tibia 1050 may be between 16 mm and 26 mm with the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 having a radial measurement between 16 mm and 26 mm. The lateral posterior portion 1064 may further have radial measurements of between 18 mm and 24 mm, between 20 mm and 22 mm, or, for example, 21.2 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 18 mm and 24 mm, between 20 mm and 22 mm, or, for example, 21.2 mm).


In some aspects, radial measurements collected from the medial anterior portion 1052 of the tibia 1050 may be between 18 mm and 28 mm, with the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 of the implant 100 having a radial measurement between 18 mm and 28 mm. The medial anterior portion 1052 may further have radial measurements of between 20 mm and 26 mm, between 22 and 24 mm, or, for example, 23.6 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 of the implant 100 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 20 mm and 26 mm, between 22 and 24 mm, or, for example, 23.6 mm). In some aspects, radial measurements from the medial posterior portion 1054 of the tibia 1050 may be between 22 mm and 32 mm with the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 having a radial measurement between 22 mm and 32 mm. The medial posterior portion 1054 may further have radial measurements of between 24 mm and 30 mm, between 26 mm and 28 mm, or, for example, 26.9 mm. Accordingly, the corresponding portion of the tibia base 110 may have radial measurements within the same ranges (e.g., between 24 mm and 30 mm, between 26 mm and 28 mm, or, for example, 26.9 mm).


As stated above, portions of the tibia base 110 and/or the talus component 200 of the implant 100 (as well as other components of the implant 100 and/or other implants described herein) may have dimensions (e.g., features, geometries, etc.) that correspond to the anatomy of the talus 1000 and the tibia 1050. In some aspects, these dimensions of the implant 100 and components thereof may be relative to the portions of the talus 1000 and tibia 1050 such that the components of the implant 100 are sized according to the portions of the talus 1000 and the tibia 1050 with which these components will engage/interface/articulate. For example, as stated above a portion of the talus component 200 corresponding to (and configured to interface with) the lateral anterior portion 1002 of the talus 1000 may have a radius lesser than the portion of the talus component 200 corresponding to (and configured to interface with) the lateral posterior portion 1004 of the talus 1000. Similarly, in some aspects the portion of the tibia base 110 corresponding to (and configured to interface with) the lateral anterior portion 1062 of the tibia 1050 may have a radius greater than the portion of the tibia base 110 corresponding to (and configured to interface with) the lateral posterior portion 1064 of the tibia 1050.


In some aspects, the components of the implant 100 (e.g., the tibia base 110 and the talus component 200) may have one or more dimensions (e.g., geometries, features, etc.) corresponding to the radius ratios 1202 as shown in FIG. 127. For example, the medial ratio for the talus 1000 and the lateral ratio for the talus 1000 as seen in the first set of ratios 1206 may be calculated, with the medial ratio for the talus 1000 having a value greater than the lateral ratio for the talus 1000. Accordingly, the talus component 200 may have a medial portion thereof and a lateral portion thereof corresponding to (e.g., configured to engage/interface with) the medial and lateral portions of the talus 1000, respectively, where the medial portion has a greater dimension than the lateral portion. Similarly, the anterior ratio for the tibia 1050 and the posterior ratio for the tibia 1050 as seen in the first set of ratios 1206 may be calculated, with the anterior ratio for the tibia 1050 having a value greater than the posterior ratio for the tibia 1050. Accordingly, the tibia base 110 may have an anterior portion thereof and a posterior portion thereof corresponding to (e.g., configured to engage/interface with) the anterior and posterior portions of the tibia 1050, respectively, where the anterior portion has a greater dimension than the posterior portion. The second set of ratios 1210 as shown in FIG. 127 may also be incorporated into the geometry and dimensions of the talus component 200 and the tibia base 110 of the implant 100 (or similar components of other implants described herein) as described above with reference to the first set of ratios 1206.


In some aspects, data collected and analyzed as described herein may correspond to one or more components of an implant (e.g., implant 100 and/or other implants shown and described herein) and/or the geometry thereof. For example, one or more ratios 1202 that have been determined for a patient based on radial measurement data may aid a physician in selecting (e.g., sizing) or designing (e.g., for 3-D printing, etc.) one or more components of the implant 100 (or other implants shown and described herein). Further to the previous example, a medial ratio calculated for the tibia 1050 of a patient (as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 123-127) may be analyzed by a physician and/or correspond to a specific aspect of the tibia base 110 (or other similar component in alternative aspects/embodiments). In some aspects, specific medial ratios or other radial ratios 1204 may correspond to implant sizing and/or physician techniques for implantation of the implant 100. Similarly, the medial ratio calculated for the talus 1000 maybe analyzed by a physician and/or correspond to a specific aspect of the talus component 200 (or other similar component in alternative aspects/embodiments).


As may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above-described and other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of the implants as disclosed in the specification, including the accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative component(s) or feature(s), such as those disclosed in another embodiment, which serve the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent or similar results by such alternative component(s) or feature(s) to provide a similar function for the intended purpose. In addition, the implants may include more or fewer components or features than the embodiments as described and illustrated herein. For example, the components and features of FIGS. 1-17, FIGS. 18-35, FIGS. 36-51, FIGS. 52-63, FIGS. 64-75, FIGS. 76-91, FIGS. 92-97, and FIGS. 98-113 may be used interchangeably and in alternative combinations as would be modified or altered by one of skill in the art. Specifically, the first members 110, 310, 510, 810, the second members 200, 400, 600, 910 and the inserts 150, 350, 550, 660, 710, 860 may be used in alternative combinations as would be modified or altered by one of skill in the art. Accordingly, this detailed description of the currently-preferred embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to limiting of the disclosure.


The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has”, and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of a method or an element of a device that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.


The disclosure has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. It will be understood that the architectural and operational embodiments described herein are exemplary of a plurality of possible arrangements to provide the same general features, characteristics, and general system operation. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations.

Claims
  • 1. A method of performing an ankle arthroplasty procedure, the method comprising: collecting imaging data of an ankle of a patient;identifying a plurality of geometric regions on at least one surface of at least one bone of the ankle of the patient;collecting at least one measurement of the at least one bone of the ankle of the patient;performing one or more calculations based on the at least one measurement;determining, based on the one or more calculations, one or more preferred characteristics of an implant for the patient;selecting at least a portion of the implant based on the preferred characteristics; and;placing the implant within a joint space of the patient.
  • 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaging data comprises at least one of CT data or MRI data.
  • 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising creating a virtual model of at least a portion of the ankle of the patient based on the imaging data.
  • 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface comprises at least one articulating surface of at least one bone of the ankle of the patient.
  • 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the articulating surface comprises at least one of a superior surface of a talus or an inferior surface of the tibia of the patient.
  • 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of geometric regions comprise four quadrants.
  • 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the four quadrants comprise medial anterior, medial posterior, lateral anterior, and lateral posterior quadrants.
  • 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one measurement comprises one or more radial measurements of the talus.
  • 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the radial measurements of the at least one of the superior surface of the talus or the inferior surface of the tibia are measured substantially in the sagittal plane.
  • 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the calculations comprise ratios calculated from the radial measurements of the at least one of the superior surface of the talus or the inferior surface of the tibia.
  • 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the preferred characteristics comprise geometric dimensions of the at least a portion of the implant.
  • 12. A method of performing an ankle arthroplasty procedure, the method comprising: collecting imaging data of an ankle of a patient;identifying a plurality of geometric regions on at least one articulating surface of a talus or tibia of the patient;collecting at least one radial measurement from the at least one articulating surface of the talus or tibia;calculating at least one ratio based on the at least one radial measurement;determining, based on the at least one ratio, one or more preferred geometric dimensions of an implant;selecting at least a portion of the implant based on the preferred geometric dimensions; and;placing the implant within a joint space of the patient.
  • 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one radial measurement comprises at least one radial measurement of the talus.
  • 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one radial measurement comprises at least one radial measurement of the tibia.
  • 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising defining four quadrants on at least one articulating surface of the tibia or talus.
  • 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one ratio corresponds to at least one geometric dimension of at least a portion of the implant.
  • 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the preferred characteristics comprise geometric dimensions of the at least a portion of the implant.
  • 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one ratio is calculated based on a first radial measurement of the articulating surface of the talus and a second radial measurement of the articulating surface of the tibia.
  • 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one ratio corresponds to at least one of the plurality of geometric regions on the at least one articulating surface of the talus or tibia.
  • 20. A method of performing an ankle arthroplasty procedure, the method comprising: collecting CT data of an ankle of a patient;identifying four quadrants on a first articulating surface of a talus and a second articulating surface of a tibia of the patient;collecting a first radial measurement from the first articulating surface and a second radial measurement from the second articulating surface;calculating a ratio based on the first radial measurement and the second radial measurement;determining, based on the ratio, preferred dimensions of an ankle implant;selecting the ankle implant based on the preferred dimensions; andplacing the ankle implant within a joint space of the patient.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US2021/036156, filed Jun. 7, 2021, and entitled “Implants and Methods of Use, Assembly and Fabrication,” which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/037,284, filed Jun. 10, 2020, and entitled “Implants and Methods of Use, Assembly and Fabrication,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63037284 Jun 2020 US
Continuations (1)
Number Date Country
Parent PCT/US2021/036156 Jun 2021 US
Child 18064711 US