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Abstract

A surgeon-assemblable asymmetric tibial prosthesis with a snap-in tibial insert for surface replacement of the proximal tibia. The tibial prosthesis, consisting of two parts, a baseplate and a right or left knee specific insert, is used in conjunction with prosthetic femoral and patellar components. Asymmetry is created by having the radius which describes the medial condyle slightly greater, preferably 1/8', than the radius describing the lateral surface. The baseplate exhibits symmetry about an anterior/posterior centerline, allowing it to be used on right or left proximal tibias by rotation of the component 180.degree. about the centerline. The insert is contoured to provide an anatomically correct surface which articulates with the condyles of the femoral prosthesis. The anatomic fit contributes to normal range of motion since there is less chance of lateral overhang to cause soft tissue impingement. The increased cortical rim contact permits direct load transfer to the stronger cortical bone. In the preferred embodiment, two fully threaded bond screws secure the baseplate to the tibial bone surface and four pegs project from the inferior baseplate surface into the areas of the strongest tibial cancellous bone to provide torsional stability and reduce shear stress at fixation interfaces.

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First Claim