Orthopaedic implants and methods

Abstract

There is provided a tibial component comprising: a tibial tray with an inferior side; and a support member connected to the inferior side of the tibial tray, the support member having a stem portion, the support member further comprising at least one opening. In one embodiment, the at least one opening is constructed and arranged to receive a sawblade or an osteotome. In another embodiment, the at least one opening is comprised of solid material but is radio-lucent. In yet another embodiment, the at least one opening is comprised of solid material and is frangible.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tibial component comprising:
 a. a tibial tray with a superior side and an inferior side; and   b. a support member connected to the inferior side of the tibial tray, the support member having a stem portion, the support member further comprising at least one opening.   
     
     
         2 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the stem portion slants at an angle relative to the inferior surface. 
     
     
         3 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the stem portion has a proximal end and a distal end, and the proximal end is connected to the inferior side of the tibial tray. 
     
     
         4 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the tibial tray and the support member are monolithic. 
     
     
         5 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the tibial tray and the support member have a male/female arrangement. 
     
     
         6 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , further comprising a porous bead coating. 
     
     
         7 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening is constructed and arranged to receive a sawblade or an osteotome. 
     
     
         8 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening is comprised of solid material but is radio-lucent. 
     
     
         9 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening is comprised of solid material and is frangible. 
     
     
         10 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , further comprising a modular stem removably attached to the stem portion. 
     
     
         11 . The tibial component according to  claim 1 , wherein the support member includes at least two arms, and each of said arms defines an opening. 
     
     
         12 . The tibial component according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least two arms are angled relative to one another.