Prosthetic meniscus for the repair of joints

摘要

A prosthetic meniscus replaces the natural meniscus and is located between the natural articular surfaces of the bones of a joint. The prosthetic meniscus includes a body portion formed of a resilient material and further defines an extra-articular extension which is attached to the surface of the bone outside the joint. A reinforcing fabric or mesh is embedded in the resilient material to give the meniscus strength and shape. A meniscus according to the invention allows full articulation of the joint and provides the cushioning and lubricating functions of a natural meniscus while avoiding problems associated with total joint replacements.