Modular radial head prosthesis

Abstract

A modular prostheses system for replacement of the radial head portion of the radius bone and methods for its use are disclosed. The system comprises a stem component comprising a anchoring portion and a mounting portion and a head component having an open channel wherein the open channel is configured to connect to the mounting portion along an assembly axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of the stem component.

1 . A modular prosthesis system for replacement of a portion of a bone, said modular prosthesis system comprising: 
 a stem component having an anchoring portion and a mounting portion; and    a head component defining a channel, said channel operable to be rigidly connected to said mounting portion along an assembly axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of said stem component, wherein said head component is substantially immovably fixed to said stem component.    
     
     
         2 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said assembly axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         3 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said assembly axis is between about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         4 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said assembly axis is about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         5 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said stem component is substantially formed as a single piece.  
     
     
         6 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said head component is formed from a first member and a second member.  
     
     
         7 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 6  wherein said first member is an outer shell and said second member is an inner core.  
     
     
         8 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 7  wherein said inner core is formed from a polymeric material and said outer shell is formed of a material selected from a group comprising ceramic, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and a combination thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said head component is formed from at least one of ceramic, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and a combination thereof.  
     
     
         10 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said channel is a substantially elongated rectangular channel.  
     
     
         11 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 10  wherein said channel is a substantially elongated rectangular T-shaped channel.  
     
     
         12 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a locking device operable to lock said head component to said stem component.  
     
     
         13 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 12  wherein said locking device interacts with said mounting portion and said channel.  
     
     
         14 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said mounting portion is dove tail-shaped and said channel has a corresponding mating shape.  
     
     
         15 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 12  wherein said locking device is at an interface between said head component and said mounting portion.  
     
     
         16 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 15  wherein said locking device includes at least one protuberance.  
     
     
         17 . A modular prosthesis for replacement of a portion of a bone comprising: 
 a stem component having an anchoring portion and a mounting portion;    a head component defining a channel, said channel operable to be rigidly connected to said mounting portion along an assembly axis that is transverse to a longitudinal axis of said stem component; and    a locking device operable to rigidly lock said head component to said stem component.    
     
     
         18 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said assembly axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         19 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said assembly axis is between about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         20 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said assembly axis is about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis.  
     
     
         21 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said stem component is substantially formed as a single piece.  
     
     
         22 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said head component is formed from at least one of ceramic, titanium, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and a combination thereof.  
     
     
         23 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said mounting portion is dove tail-shaped and said channel has a corresponding mating shape.  
     
     
         24 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said channel is a substantially elongated rectangular channel.  
     
     
         25 . The modular prosthesis system as defined in  claim 17  wherein said locking device is formed integral with at least one of said stem component and said head component.