Partial scaphoid implant and method of treating ailments of the scaphoid

摘要

A prosthesis for treating ailments of the scaphoid consists of an implant shaped and sized to serve as a partial replacement of the scaphoid. The prosthesis consists of an element made of a material whose Young's modulus is approximately in the range 10-35 GPa, such as pyrolytic carbon, and having an external surface with a first curved portion having a small radius of curvature corresponding to the conjugated profile of the scaphoid between the head of the capitate and the radius, and a second curved portion having a large radius of curvature corresponding to the profile of the scaphoid facing the radius. Preferably, the partial scaphoid implant is elliptical in each of three mutually perpendicular planes. A method for treating ailments of the scaphoid consists in the surgical removal of a proximal portion of the scaphoid, while leaving the distal fragment thereof in place, and replacing the removed fragment by a prosthesis as described above.