Rotational and translational bearing combination in biological joint replacement

摘要

A joint prosthesis having a femoral element, a tibial element and a bearing for articulation therebetween is disclosed to further include an intermediate element. The intermediate element permits rotation of the bearing with respect to the tibial element and longitudinal translation of the bearing with respect to the intermediate element. Transverse translation of the bearing with respect to the intermediate element is precluded. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal translation may be limited either in the anterior or posterior direction.