Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A tibial prosthesis comprising a relatively thin, flexible baseplate anatomically peripherally shaped to conform to a planar prepared surface of a proximal tibia, having planar parallel opposed upper and lower surfaces and a relatively thin, stiff peripheral rim extending continuously around said baseplate and substantially perpendicularly from said planar lower surface and arranged so as to constrain hoop stresses in said proximal tibia and provide initial fixation against rotation about a long axis of the tibia and shear perpendicular to said long axis; said baseplate being arranged to provide graduated flexibility in said baseplate corresponding to bone stiffness distribution in said tibia; and a relatively thin thermoplastic planar bearing plate peripherally conforming to said baseplate, arranged for mounting in overlying planar relationship to said upper surface and having a planar upper bearing surface adapted for articulation with a distal femoral prosthesis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A tibial prosthesis comprising a relatively thin, flexible baseplate anatomically peripherally shaped to conform to a planar prepared surface of a proximal tibia, having planar parallel opposed upper and lower surfaces and a relatively thin, stiff peripheral rim extending continuously around said baseplate and substantially perpendicularly from said planar lower surface and arranged so as to constrain hoop stresses in said proximal tibia and provide initial fixation against rotation about a long axis of the tibia and shear perpendicular to said long axis; said baseplate being arranged to provide graduated flexibility in said baseplate corresponding to bone stiffness distribution in said tibia; and a relatively thin thermoplastic planar bearing plate peripherally conforming to said baseplate, arranged for mounting in overlying planar relationship to said upper surface and having a planar upper bearing surface adapted for articulation with a distal femoral prosthesis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A prosthesis as claimed in claim 1 wherein said peripheral rim is provided with a plurality of perforations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
146 words
A tibial prosthesis comprising a relatively thin, flexible metallic baseplate anatomically peripherally shaped to conform to a planar prepared surface of a proximal tibia, having planar parallel upper and lower opposed surfaces and a relatively thin, stiff, metallic peripheral rim extending continuously around said baseplate and substantially perpendicularly from said lower planar surface and arranged so as to constrain hoop stresses in said proximal tibia and provide initial fixation against rotation about a long axis of the tibia and shear perpendicular to said long axis; said baseplate being perforated by a plurality of spaced holes arranged to provide graduated flexibility in said baseplate corresponding to bone stiffness distribution in tibia; and, a relatively thin thermoplastic planar bearing plate peripherally conforming to said metallic baseplate, arranged for mounting in overlying planar relationship thereto and having a planar bearing surface adapted for articulation with a distal femoral prosthesis.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
146 words
A tibial prosthesis comprising a relatively thin, flexible metallic baseplate anatomically peripherally shaped to conform to a planar prepared surface of a proximal tibia, having planar parallel upper and lower opposed surfaces and a relatively thin, stiff, metallic peripheral rim extending continuously around said baseplate and substantially perpendicularly from said lower planar surface and arranged so as to constrain hoop stresses in said proximal tibia and provide initial fixation against rotation about a long axis of the tibia and shear perpendicular to said long axis; said baseplate being perforated by a plurality of spaced holes arranged to provide graduated flexibility in said baseplate corresponding to bone stiffness distribution in tibia; and, a relatively thin thermoplastic planar bearing plate peripherally conforming to said metallic baseplate, arranged for mounting in overlying planar relationship thereto and having a planar bearing surface adapted for articulation with a distal femoral prosthesis.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
A prosthesis as claimed in claim 3 wherein said peripheral rim is also provided with a plurality of perforations.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A prosthesis as claimed in claim 3 wherein said metallic baseplate is a cobalt-chromium or titanium alloy.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A prosthesis as claimed in claim 5 wherein said thermoplastic plate is a high density polyethylene plate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A prosthesis as claimed in claim 1 wherein said baseplate and said bearing plate include an intercondylar slot.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A prosthesis as claimed in claim 3 wherein said baseplate and said bearing plate include an intercondylar slot.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A prosthesis as claimed in claim 1 wherein said baseplate is a reinforced polymeric baseplate.