PROSTHETIC KNEE JOINT WITH ENHANCED POSTERIOR STABILIZATION AND DISLOCATION PREVENTION FEATURES

摘要

The prosthetic knee joint is provided for resisting valgus-varus movements. The joint includes a femoral component having a superior bone engaging surface and an inferior bearing surface. A posterior notch extends anteriorly into the posterior end of the femoral component. The prosthetic knee joint further includes a tibial component having an inferior bone engaging surface and a superior bearing surface. A plastic bearing is disposed between the femoral and tibial components. An inferior surface of the plastic bearing is in bearing engagement with the superior surface of the tibial component. A superior bearing surface of the plastic bearing is in articular bearing engagement with the bearing surface of the femoral component. The bearing includes a post projecting proximally from the superior surface. The post is slidably received in the posterior notch of the femoral component and resists valgus-varus moments imposed upon the joint. The post may include medial and lateral cam projections spaced from the superior bearing surface of the bearing. The femoral component may include flanges at the posterior notch for engagement between the cam projections and the superior bearing surface to substantially prevent dislocation.