Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A partially stabilized knee joint prosthesis includes a femoral component and a tibial component. The femoral component has spaced-apart condylar bearing portions, anterior and posterior intercondylar portions, and an intercondylar opening defined by edges of the condylar bearing portions and the anterior and posterior intercondylar portions. The tibial component has bearing surfaces for supporting the condylar being portions of the femoral component, and a relatively low intercondylar eminence between the bearing surfaces. The intercondylar eminence has a posterior side and a peak which defines the highest portion of the tibial component, as measured relative to the tibial plateau. The peak of the intercondylar eminence on the tibial component extends into, but not through, the intercondylar opening, such that resection of the femur to provide clearance for the intercondylar opening and the intercondylar eminence is not required. When the knee is flexed, an anterior edge of the posterior intercondylar portion contacts the posterior side of the intercondylar eminence to prevent anterior dislocation of the femoral component, relative to the tibial component. As the degree of flexion increases, an exterior surface of the posterior intercondylar portion contacts the posterior side of the intercondylar eminence to cause the condylar bearing portions to roll posteriorly on the bearing surfaces of the tibial component, such that the point of contact between each bearing portion and each bearing surface is displaced posteriorly by a predetermined distance.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim