Inventors:
Giacomo J. Sammarco - Cincinnati OH
International Classification:
A61F 242
Abstract:
Prosthesis components and a method for replacing the articulating surfaces of an ankle joint. Through the use of appropriate guide tools for a surgical saw, planar surfaces are formed on the tibia, talus and fibula. Tibial, talar and fibular prosthesis components are provided for mounting on the tibial, talar and fibular planar cut surfaces, respectively. A floating bearing is located between the tibial and talar prosthesis components. The floating bearing makes full contact with the talar prosthesis component and is capable of limited medial-lateral and fore and aft movement with respect to the tibial prosthesis component. The fibular prosthesis component has a plastic insert which cooperates with the other prosthesis components to provide stability to the ankle joint by permitting the full range of motion of the fibula including sliding motion fore and aft, piston-like motion up and down, and rotation.