Malleolar Replacement Devices

Abstract

A prosthesis and kit for replacing an ankle joint, and methods of applying the devices or systems. The prosthesis is an intramedullary device directed towards replacement of either of the tibia or fibula bone, wherein the prosthesis is a replacement for the lateral malleolus or the medial malleolus, respectively.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An ankle prosthesis comprising:
 a proximal portion adapted for insertion into an intramedullary canal of one of a human tibia and a human fibula; and   a distal portion coupled to the proximal portion, the distal portion shaped similarly to a malleolus of the one of a human tibia and a human fibula, wherein said distal portion further includes a groove configured to receive a tendon associated with a human ankle.   
     
     
         2 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1  further comprising at least one hole located in said distal portion, said at least one hole capable of receiving means for attaching the prosthesis to the ankle. 
     
     
         3 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 2  further comprising a plurality of holes located in said distal portion, said holes capable of receiving means for attaching the prosthesis to the ankle. 
     
     
         4 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1  further comprising at least one hole located in said proximal portion, said at least one hole capable of receiving means for attaching the prosthesis to the one of a human tibia and a human fibula. 
     
     
         5 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 4 , further comprising a plurality of holes located in said proximal portion, said holes capable of receiving means for attaching the prosthesis to the one of a human tibia and a human fibula. 
     
     
         6 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1  wherein the distal portion has a larger cross-sectional diameter than said proximal portion. 
     
     
         7 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 6 , wherein the proximal portion comprises an insert that defines a distance that the proximal end may be inserted into the intramedullary canal. 
     
     
         8 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the distal portion is coupled to the proximal portion by being integrally formed therewith. 
     
     
         9 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion is adapted for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the human tibia and the tendon comprises the posterior tibial tendon. 
     
     
         10 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion is adapted for insertion into the intramedullary canal of the human fibula and the tendon comprises the peroneal tendon. 
     
     
         11 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the distal portion comprises a through bore configured to receive a pin for syndesmotic fixation to the ankle. 
     
     
         12 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal portion and distal portion comprise a porous material. 
     
     
         13 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 12 , wherein the porous material comprises titanium. 
     
     
         14 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 13 , wherein the titanium is sintered titanium. 
     
     
         15 . The ankle prosthesis of  claim 13 , wherein the titanium comprises a titanium porous coating.