PROSTHETIC MENISCI AND METHOD OF IMPLANTING IN THE HUMAN KNEE JOINT

摘要

Prosthetic knee menisci to be implanted in place of deteriorated native menisci to prevent damage to the articular cartilage of the femoral and tibial condyles and to arrest the progressive development of osteoarthritis; said prosthetic menisci being sized and shaped to be congruent with the femoral and tibial condylar surfaces; being of reinforced construction for strength and durability; being made from materials having elastomeric characteristics similar to those of native menisci; having bearing surfaces treated chemically and/or physically to improve the efficiency of lubrication by synovial fluid; being restricted in translation within the interarticular space by a plurality of locating elements of various forms circumferentially distributed in the zone between said prosthetic menisci and circumferentially arranged enclosing locating bands; having optional internal elements for stiffening and anchoring purposes optional external elements for stiffening purposes and optional straps joining their ends to transmit hoop stresses.