Inventors:
Jamal Rushdy - Carlsbad CA
Bruce R. Lawrence - Oceanside CA
Assignee:
Futura Biomedical LLC - Vista CA
International Classification:
A61F 242
Abstract:
A toe implant (10) for a first metatarsal phalangeal joint (22) between a metatarsal (24) and a proximal phalanx (26) of a great toe (12) includes a proximal stem (16), a distal stem (18) and a hinge (20) and a strength rib (92). Importantly, the toe implant (10) is designed to accommodate an axis of motion in a unique location (82) and the distal stem (18) is naturally positioned lower than the proximal stem (16). Further, the toe implant (10) provides a relatively good available range of motion. With this design, the toe implant (10) maintains the proximal phalanx (26) in the correct anatomic position relative to the metatarsal (24) during bending and flexing. Additionally, the toe implant (10) allows the toe (12) to move in a fashion that simulates the natural motion of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint (22). As a result thereof, the toe implant (10) that does not significantly increase the stress at the joint (22) or alter the normal flexing of the toe (12).