Low profile knee implant

Abstract

A femoral implant for use as a component of an artificial knee having a thin, lightweight body with an articulating surface and an interior surface, the interior surface having one or more reinforcing members extending therefrom and extending across a substantial portion of said surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of installing a femoral component of an artificial knee, comprising:
 a) providing a femoral implant for use in an artificial knee, said implant defining an articular surface and an interior surface, said interior surface being configured to be affixed to a human distal femur, wherein said interior surface has two or more reinforcing members protruding therefrom and extending across a substantial portion of said implant,   b) cutting notches in a femur, said notches being configured to interdigitate with said reinforcing members, and   c) affixing said implant to said femur at least in part by inserting said reinforcing members into said notches.   
     
     
         2 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein said one or more reinforcing members have at least one height, said height being less than 10 mm. 
     
     
         3 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein said one or more reinforcing members have proximal surfaces which define one or more flat planes. 
     
     
         4 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein said one or more reinforcing members have a height and a length, and said height varies over said length. 
     
     
         5 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein said implant is made from a ceramic material. 
     
     
         6 . The implant of  claim 1  wherein said implant has a thickness, and said thickness is less than about 5 mm.