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Abstract

A prosthetic system comprising a patellar unit to replace the femoral surface of the patella with a convex prosthesis constructed from a low-friction material and an elongate femoral prosthesis for replacing the trochlear groove without use of bone cement. The femoral prosthesis has a arcuate indentation on its upper surface to accommodate the patellar prosthesis and a lower surface with diverging, protruding vanes. The lower surface and the vanes are made of a biocompatible material that promotes bonding to living bone. The femoral prosthesis is inserted by first driving a guide rod into the distal end of the femur. Then a guide frame is inserted onto the rod to guide an instrument in the cutting of a groove in the trochlear portion of the femur. Then a second guide frame replaces the first guide frame and acts as a template for cutting slots sized to receive the vanes of the prosthesis. Finally, the guide frame and rod are removed, and the prosthesis is slid into the cut groove with the vanes occupying the slots. The prosthesis is fixed in place by an insertable peg with no use of bone cement. Over time the interaction of the bone with the vanes results in tight integration of the prosthesis so that it cannot not be loosened.

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First Claim