Joint reconstruction implants and systems

Abstract

The joint replacement implant may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft portion, a helical thread disposed about the shaft defining a length of the threaded shaft portion and including a concave undercut surface that is inclined toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft, and an attachment mechanism at the proximal end of the joint replacement implant. The attachment mechanism may be configured to couple an articular member to the joint replacement implant. The articular member may include at least one artificial articular surface that may be shaped to replace at least a portion of a natural articular surface of the patient's joint.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to arthroplasty implants, systems, and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to arthroplasty implants having an improved thread design for increased bone fixation and load sharing. [Background technology]

[0002] Arthroplasty is performed to restore function to unhealthy joints. Typically, these procedures involve replacing the unhealthy natural articular surfaces of the joint with artificial articular surfaces. The new artificial articular surfaces are typically fixed to the adjacent bone to maintain long-term stability. However, arthroplasty devices implanted within bone may lose function over time due to compressive forces, radial outward loading forces, multi-axial forces, and / or off-axis loading scenarios that may be applied to the arthroplasty device during the healing process. Arthroplasty implants utilizing traditional threaded designs, tapered stems, keels, or other methods may not provide sufficient fixation to overcome these forces and off-axis loading scenarios. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Therefore, arthroplasty implants having improved thread designs for increasing bone fixation and load sharing between bone / implant interfaces experiencing multiaxial forces and off-loading conditions would be desirable. Such improved thread designs can provide improved fixation, strength enhancement, stability, stiffness, and yield strength, as well as reduced wear and deterioration of the bone surrounding the implant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The various arthroplasty implants, systems, and methods of the present disclosure have been developed in response to the current state of the art, and in particular in response to problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully addressed by currently available arthroplasty implants, systems, and methods. In some embodiments, the arthroplasty implants, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may provide improved fixation and load sharing characteristics between bone / implant interfaces experiencing multi-axial and off-load conditions.

[0005] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft portion, a helical thread disposed about the shaft defining a length of the threaded shaft portion and including a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft, and an attachment feature at the proximal end of the joint replacement implant. The attachment feature may be configured to couple the articular member to the joint replacement implant. The articular member may include at least one artificial articular surface, and the at least one artificial articular surface may be shaped to replace at least a portion of a natural articular surface of the patient's joint.

[0006] In some embodiments, the attachment features may include at least one of a post, a Morse taper feature, a passage, a dovetail feature, a tray feature, a snap fit feature, and a tab feature.

[0007] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant may also include an intermediate component connectably disposed intermediate the attachment feature and the articular member.

[0008] In some embodiments, the intermediate component may include at least one of a mid-neck component and a mid-tray component.

[0009] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant can be configured to receive at least one of a pin, a fastener, and a keel. The pin, fastener, and keel can be configured to stabilize the joint replacement implant relative to the patient's bone.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shaft of the joint replacement implant may be shaped to be at least partially received within the medullary canal of the patient's bone.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shaft may include a tapered shaft portion and the helical thread may include a tapered helical thread disposed about the tapered shaft portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may include a joint replacement implant and an articular member coupled to a proximal end of the joint replacement implant. The joint replacement implant may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread disposed about the shaft defining a length of the threaded shaft portion. The helical thread may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft. The articular member may include at least one artificial joint surface, and the at least one artificial joint surface may be shaped to replace at least a portion of a natural articular surface of the patient's joint.

[0013] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may also include an attachment feature at a proximal end of the joint replacement implant configured to couple the joint member to the joint replacement implant.

[0014] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may also include an intermediate component disposed between and configured to couple between the attachment feature and the articular member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may also include at least one of a pin, a fastener, and a keel. The pin, fastener, and keel may be configured to stabilize the joint replacement implant relative to the patient's bone.

[0016] In some embodiments, the articular component may include a femoral head prosthesis and the artificial joint surface may include a convex hemispherical artificial joint surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the articular component may include a tibial insert prosthesis and the artificial joint surface may include one or more concave artificial joint surfaces.

[0018] In some embodiments, the articular component may include an ankle interposition prosthesis and the artificial joint surface may include at least one of a concave artificial joint surface and a convex artificial joint surface.

[0019] In some embodiments, a method for replacing at least a portion of a natural joint surface of a patient's joint may include preparing a patient's bone to receive a joint replacement implant therein and inserting the joint replacement implant into the patient's bone. The joint replacement implant includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft portion, a helical thread disposed about the shaft defining a length of the threaded shaft portion including a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft, and an attachment feature at a proximal end of the joint replacement implant. The attachment feature may be configured to couple an articular member to the joint replacement implant. The articular member may include at least one artificial articular surface, and the at least one artificial articular surface may be shaped to replace at least a portion of a natural articular surface of the patient's joint.

[0020] In some embodiments, preparing the bone to receive the joint replacement implant may further include forming a bone tunnel in the bone configured to receive at least a portion of the joint replacement implant therein.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method may also include tapping a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel formed in the bone.

[0022] In some embodiments, inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone may further include abutting the helical threads of the joint replacement implant with a helical bone screw tapped about the bone tunnel, rotating the joint replacement implant relative to the bone tunnel to insert the helical threads into the helical bone screw, and inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone tunnel.

[0023] In some embodiments, inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone may further include abutting helical threads of the joint replacement implant with the bone tunnel, rotating the joint replacement implant relative to the bone tunnel to form a helical bone thread around the bone tunnel (via one or more self-tapping features of the joint replacement implant), and inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone tunnel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method may also include coupling the joint member to a mounting feature of the joint replacement implant.

[0025] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the arthroplasty implants, systems and methods described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: With the understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of a fastener according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows a rear perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C shows a side view of the fastener of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D shows a cross-sectional side view of the fastener of FIG. 1A taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1C. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a partial cross-sectional side view of a fastener including a crescent-shaped thread. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a tapered bone implant according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A illustrates various hip implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B illustrates various hip implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C illustrates various hip implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D illustrates various hip implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 5A-5D show various views of a hip implant according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 5A-5B show various views of a hip implant according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 6A-6D show various views of a hip implant according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6A-6B show various views of a hip implant according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a hip implant according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a hip implant according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9D]FIG. 9D illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9F] FIG. 9F illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9G] FIG. 9G illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9H] 9H illustrates various tibial knee implants according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a femoral knee implant according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A shows various views of an ankle joint implant according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 11A-11B show various views of an ankle joint implant according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] 11A-11C show various views of an ankle joint implant according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and may not be drawn to scale. Further, the drawings depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to represent limitations on the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the present application are best understood by reference to the drawings, in which like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of embodiments of implants, systems, and methods, as illustrated in the drawings, are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but are merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0029] The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0030] Standard medical standards of designation and descriptive terminology are used herein, and although these terms are used generally to refer to the human body, certain terms may be applied to physical objects in general.

[0031] A standard system of three mutually perpendicular reference planes is employed: The sagittal plane divides the body into left and right portions. The coronal plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions. The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower portions. The midsagittal, midcoronal, or midtransverse planes divide the body into equal portions and may be symmetrical. The intersection of the sagittal and coronal planes defines the superior-inferior or cranio-caudal axis. The intersection of the sagittal and transverse planes defines the anterior-posterior axis. The intersection of the coronal and transverse planes defines the medial-lateral axis. The superior-inferior or cranio-caudal axis, the anterior-posterior axis, and the medial-lateral axis are mutually perpendicular.

[0032] Anterior means toward the front of the body. Posterior means toward the back of the body. Superior or cephalad means toward the head. Inferior or caudal means toward the foot or bottom. Medial means toward the midline of the body, especially toward the plane of symmetry of the body. Lateral means away from the midline of the body or away from the plane of symmetry of the body. Axial means toward the central axis of the body. Dorsal means away from the central axis of the body. Ipsilateral means the same side in relation to the body. Contralateral means the opposite side in relation to the body. Proximal means toward the trunk. Proximal can also mean toward the user or operator. Distal means away from the trunk. Distal can also mean away from the user or operator. Dorsal means toward the top of the foot. Plantar means toward the bottom of the foot. Inversion means the distal part of the leg below the knee deviates inward, resulting in a bow-legged shape. Eversion means that the distal part of the leg below the knee deviates outward, resulting in a bowed shape.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "fastener", "bone implant", "arthroplasty implant", and the like, may include any device (having any structure or shape) that can be implanted into bone, which may or may not utilize any of the screw configurations described or contemplated herein, including, but not limited to, bone screws, pedicle screws, headless / head screws, interference screws, compression screws, lag screws, long screws, half-pin / Schanz fasteners, cannulated screws, threaded pedicles, threaded intramedullary canal bone implants, threaded joint replacement implants (e.g., hip implants, knee implants, ankle implants, hand / foot / finger / toe implants, shoulder implants, elbow implants, spinal implants, etc.), bone anchors, soft tissue repair anchors, and the like.

[0034] It will also be understood that any fastener, bone implant, arthroplasty implant, etc. described or contemplated herein may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone. It will further be understood that any fastener, bone implant, arthroplasty implant, etc. described or contemplated herein may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, and / or instrument described or contemplated herein.

[0035] 1A-1D show various views of a bone implant, arthroplasty implant, or fastener 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of fastener 100, FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of fastener 100, FIG. 1C is a side view of fastener 100, and FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional side view of fastener 100 taken along line AA of FIG. 1C.

[0036] In general, the fastener 100 may include a shaft 105 having a proximal end 101, a distal end 102, and a longitudinal axis 103. The fastener 100 may also include a head 104 located at the proximal end 101 of the shaft 105, a torque connection interface 106 formed in / on the head 104 (in either a male / female configuration), and a self-tapping feature 107 formed in the distal end 102 of the shaft 105.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fastener 100 may include a first helical thread 110 disposed about the shaft 105 and a second helical thread 120 disposed about the shaft 105 adjacent to the first helical thread 110.

[0038] In some embodiments, the fastener 100 may include a “dual start” or “dual lead” thread configuration including a first helical thread 110 and a second helical thread 120 .

[0039] In some embodiments, the depth of the first helical thread 110 and / or the second helical thread 120 relative to the shaft 105 may define a major diameter relative to a minor diameter of the shaft 105 alone.

[0040] In some embodiments, the outer shape and / or inner diameter of the fastener 100 may be constant or substantially constant along the entire length of the fastener, or along a majority of the length of the fastener. In these embodiments, the constant inner diameter may help to avoid blowout of narrow / delicate bone (e.g., shank) when inserting the fastener into the bone. In some embodiments, a pilot hole may first be drilled in the narrow / delicate bone, and then a fastener may be selected that has a similar inner diameter compared to the pilot hole diameter to avoid blowout when inserting the fastener into the bone, as described in more detail below.

[0041]

[0052] In some embodiments, the depth of the first helical thread 110 and / or the second helical thread 120 relative to the shaft 105 may vary along the length of the shaft 105 to define one or more contours of the fastener 100 and / or one or more regions along the fastener 100, and may include one or more continuously variable contours.

[0042] In some embodiments, the thickness of the shaft 105 may vary along the length of the shaft 105 to define one or more inner diameters of the fastener 100, and / or one or more regions along the fastener 100 may include one or more continuously variable inner diameters.

[0043] In some embodiments, the thickness / height / width / length / pitch / angle / shape, etc. of the first helical thread 110 and / or the second helical thread 120 (or any additional helical threads) may vary along the length of the shaft 105. For example, the thickness / height / width / length / pitch / angle / shape, etc. of the first helical thread 110 and / or the second helical thread 120 may be greater toward the tip of the fastener and thinner toward the head of the fastener (or vice versa).

[0044] In some embodiments, the outer diameter and / or inner diameter may increase toward the proximal end or head of the fastener to increase bone compaction as the fastener is finally inserted into the bone / tissue.

[0045] In some embodiments, the pitch of the first helical thread 110 and / or the second helical thread 120 may vary along the length of the fastener 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, the fastener 100 may include multiple helical threads disposed about the shaft 105. However, it will be understood that any of the fasteners disclosed or contemplated herein may also include a single helical thread disposed about the shaft of the fastener. Additionally, the fastener 100 may include multiple nested helical threads having different lengths (not shown). As one non-limiting example, the fastener 100 may include a first helical thread 110 that is longer than the second helical thread 120 such that the fastener 100 includes a double thread along a first portion of the shaft 105 and a single thread along a second portion of the shaft 105.

[0047] In some embodiments, the multiple helical threads may include three helical threads including a "triple start" or "triple lead" thread configuration (not shown).

[0048] In some embodiments, the multiple helical threads may include four helical threads, including a "quadruple start" or "quadruple lead" thread configuration (not shown).

[0049] In some embodiments, the multiple helical threads may include more than four helical threads (not shown).

[0050] In some embodiments, fastener 100 may include a first thread having any of the shapes disclosed herein toward one of the proximal and distal ends of fastener 100, the first thread being positioned adjacent to the distal end of fastener 100, and a second thread having any of the shapes disclosed herein toward the other of the proximal and distal ends of fastener 100, the second thread being positioned adjacent to a head (not shown) of fastener 100.

[0051] In some embodiments, fastener 100 may include multiple threads (e.g., a double helix thread, etc.) having any of the shapes disclosed herein adjacent one of the proximal and distal ends of fastener 100, and a single thread having any of the shapes disclosed herein with a second thread adjacent the other of the proximal and distal ends of fastener 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first helical thread 110 may include a plurality of first concave undercut surfaces 131 and a plurality of first convex undercut surfaces 141 .

[0053] In some embodiments, the second helical thread 120 may include a plurality of second concave undercut surfaces 132 and a plurality of second convex undercut surfaces 142 .

[0054] In some embodiments, when the fastener 100 is viewed in cross section along a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105 (see, for example, FIG. 1D ), the plurality of first concave undercut surfaces 131 and the plurality of second convex undercut surfaces 142 can be oriented toward (i.e., directed toward) the proximal end 101 of the shaft 105.

[0055] In some embodiments, the plurality of first convex undercut surfaces 141 and the plurality of second concave undercut surfaces 132 may be oriented toward (i.e., pointing toward) the distal end 102 of the shaft 105.

[0056] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of first concave undercut surfaces 131, the plurality of first convex undercut surfaces 141, the plurality of second concave undercut surfaces 132, and the plurality of second convex undercut surfaces 142 may include at least one substantially flat surface.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the fastener 100 is viewed in cross section along a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105, the first helical thread 110 may include a plurality of first curved shapes (including at least one surface angled relative to the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105 and / or at least one undercut surface) having a plurality of first intermediate portions 151 that are oriented (i.e., pointing) toward the distal end 102 of the shaft 105. This may be referred to as a "standard" thread having a "standard" orientation.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the fastener 100 is viewed in cross section along a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105, the second helical threads 120 may include a plurality of second curved shapes (including at least one surface angled relative to the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105 and / or at least one undercut surface) having a plurality of second intermediate portions 152 that are oriented (i.e., pointing) toward the proximal end 101 of the shaft 105. This may be referred to as a "reverse" thread having a "reverse" orientation.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more helical threads may vary / transition between a standard orientation and an inverted orientation along the shaft of the fastener.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of first concave undercut surfaces 131, the plurality of first convex undercut surfaces 141, the plurality of second concave undercut surfaces 132, and the plurality of second convex undercut surfaces 142 may include at least one curved surface.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1D , the proximal and distal oriented surfaces of the first helical thread 10 (i.e., the first concave undercut surface 131 and the first convex undercut surface 141 of the fastener 100 of FIG. 1D ) may not have mirror symmetry with respect to one another about any plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103 of the fastener 100. Rather, the first concave undercut surface 131 and the first convex undercut surface 141 may be generally parallel to one another. The same may be true for the second helical thread 120, where the second concave undercut surface 132 and the second convex undercut surface 142 may not have mirror symmetry with respect to one another, but may be generally parallel to one another.

[0062] Conversely, as also shown in FIGURE 1D, the proximally facing surface of the first helical thread 110 may have mirror symmetry with respect to the distally facing surface of the second helical thread 120. Specifically, the first concave undercut surface 131 may have mirror symmetry with respect to the second convex undercut surface 142 about a plane 170 that bisects the space between them and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103.

[0063] Similarly, the distal surface of the first helical thread 110 may have mirror symmetry with respect to the proximal surface of the second helical thread 120. Specifically, the second concave undercut surface 132 may have mirror symmetry with respect to the first convex undercut surface 141 about a plane 172 that bisects the space between them and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 103.

[0064] This mirror symmetry may exist along a majority of the length of the first helical thread 110 and the second helical thread 120, and symmetry may exist across different planes disposed between adjacent turns of the first helical thread 110 and the second helical thread 120 along the length of the longitudinal axis 103. Such mirror symmetry may help to more effectively capture bone between the first helical thread 110 and the second helical thread 120, and may also facilitate manufacture of the fastener 100.

[0065] In some embodiments, when fastener 100 is viewed in cross-section along a plane intersecting longitudinal axis 103 of shaft 105, first helical thread 110 may include at least one partial crescent shape that is oriented (i.e., pointed) toward distal end 102 of shaft 105 and / or proximal end 101 of shaft 105. Figure 2 shows a partial cross-section of a fastener including a crescent shape as one non-limiting example of such an embodiment.

[0066] In some embodiments (not shown), when the fastener 100 is viewed cross-sectionally along a plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105, the first helical thread 110 may include at least one partial crescent shape that is oriented (i.e., pointed) toward the distal end 102 of the shaft 105, and the second helical thread 120 may include at least one partial crescent shape that is oriented (i.e., pointed) toward the proximal end 101 of the shaft 105.

[0067] In some embodiments (not shown), the first helical thread 110 may include a first plurality of partial crescent shapes oriented (i.e., pointed) toward the distal end 102 of the shaft 105, and the second helical thread 120 may include a second plurality of partial crescent shapes oriented (i.e., pointed) toward the proximal end 101 of the shaft 105.

[0068] In some embodiments (not shown), the first plurality of partial crescent shapes and the second plurality of partial crescent shapes may be arranged in alternating sequence along the shaft 105 of the fastener 100.

[0069] In some embodiments, the first helical thread 110 may be bisected by a line 123 shown in FIG. 2, with each crescent shape including a plurality of first undercut surfaces 111, a plurality of second undercut surfaces 112, a plurality of third undercut surfaces 113, and a plurality of fourth open surfaces 114 similar to the helical thread shown in FIG. 1D, except with curved surfaces instead of flat surfaces.

[0070] In some embodiments, the plurality of first undercut surfaces 111 and the plurality of second undercut surfaces 112 may include concave curved surfaces. However, it will be understood that portions of the plurality of first undercut surfaces 111 and / or portions of the plurality of second undercut surfaces 112 may also include convex curved surfaces and / or flat surfaces (not shown in FIG. 2 ).

[0071] In some embodiments, the plurality of third undercut surfaces 113 and the plurality of fourth open surfaces 114 may include convex curved surfaces. However, it will be understood that some of the plurality of third undercut surfaces 113 and the plurality of fourth open surfaces 114 may also include concave curved surfaces and / or flat surfaces (not shown in FIG. 2 ).

[0072] In some embodiments, the plurality of third undercut surfaces 113 and the plurality of fourth open surfaces 114 may be replaced with an inclined surface (such as that utilized in a standard buttress thread design) without an undercut (not shown in FIG. 2). Similarly, any of the other thread designs disclosed herein may utilize an inclined or support thread design on at least one side of the helical threads.

[0073] In some embodiments, the fastener may have only standard threads or only reversed threads. The type of thread desired may depend on the type and / or magnitude of load applied to the fastener. For example, a screw loaded axially away from the bone in which it is implanted may advantageously have standard threads, while a screw loaded axially toward the bone in which it is implanted may advantageously have reversed threads. A screw that may experience multi-axial loading and / or off-loading conditions may advantageously include at least one standard thread and at least one reversed thread to increase bone fixation and load distribution between the bone / fastener interface during multi-axial and off-loading conditions to reduce high bone strains and distribute multi-axial forces applied to the bone in a load-sharing configuration rather than a load-bearing configuration. Shear loads and / or bending moments may also be optimally resisted with any selected combination of threads, thread forms, and / or thread deformations contemplated herein to optimally resist shear loads, bending moments, multi-axial loads, off-loading conditions, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, fasteners with standard threads may be used in combination with fasteners with reversed threads to accommodate different loading patterns.

[0075] In some embodiments, a single fastener may have both standard and reversed threads, such as fastener 100. Such a combination of threads may help fastener 100 stay in place with unknown and / or changing load patterns.

[0076] In some embodiments, the thread geometry of the fastener (having standard and / or reversed threads) may be altered to accommodate the fastener for a particular loading scheme. For example, the number of threads, number of thread starts, thread pitch, thread lead, thread shape, any dimension associated with the thread (e.g., any length(s) / width(s) / height(s) / knee(s) associated with the thread, etc.), major axis(s), minor axis(s), any angle / angle associated with any surface of the thread, thread "handiness" (e.g., right-handed vs. left-handed), etc. may vary depending on any particular installation medium, loading pattern, desired radial loading force, pull-out strength, application, procedure, etc. that may be involved.

[0077] In some embodiments, materials for any portion of the fasteners, bone implants, joint replacement implants, articular components, etc. described herein may include, but are not limited to, metals (e.g., titanium, cobalt, stainless steel, etc.), metal alloys, plastics, polymers, ceramics, PEEEK, UHMWPE, composites, additive particles, textured surfaces, biological agents, biomaterials, bone, etc.

[0078] In some embodiments, any of the fasteners, bone implants, joint replacement implants, articular members, etc. described herein may include additional features, such as a self-tapping feature, a locking feature (e.g., a locking thread formed in a portion of the fastener, such as a thread on or near the head of the fastener), an opening, a cannula, a fenestration, any style of fastener head (or no fastener head at all), any style of torque connection interface (or no torque connection interface at all), etc.

[0079] In some embodiments, any of the fasteners, bone implants, joint replacement implants, articular members, etc. described herein may also include openings, cannulas, apertures, etc., which may be configured to receive any suitable bone cement or bone augmentation material therein to facilitate bone ingrowth, bone fusion, etc.

[0080] In some embodiments, a tap (not shown) may be utilized to pre-form threads in the bone or bone augmentation material according to any thread profile disclosed or contemplated herein. In this manner, a tap having any suitable profile may be utilized in conjunction with any fastener described or contemplated herein to match or substantially match the thread profile of a given fastener or bone implant.

[0081] In some embodiments, the small diameter of the fastener may be selected to match or substantially match the diameter of the pilot hole formed in the bone to avoid fracturing the bone when the fastener is inserted into the pilot hole.

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, the type of thread and / or thread profile may be altered based on the type of bone the fastener is secured in. For example, a fastener secured in osteoporotic bone may perform better with standard threads or reversed threads, or when the pitch, major axis, and / or minor axis are increased or decreased, or when the angle of the thread flank is adjusted, etc.

[0083] In some embodiments, the surgical kit may include one or more fasteners, bone implants, joint replacement implants, articular components, etc. having any of the different screw options described or contemplated herein. The surgeon may select the appropriate components from the kit based on the particular loads to be applied and / or the quality of the bone into which the implant will be secured.

[0084] Continuing with FIG. 1D, in some embodiments, the first helical thread 110 can include a plurality of first undercut surfaces 111, a plurality of second undercut surfaces 112, a plurality of third undercut surfaces 113, and a plurality of fourth open surfaces 114.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second helical thread 120 may include a plurality of fifth undercut surfaces 125, a plurality of sixth undercut surfaces 126, a plurality of seventh undercut surfaces 127, and a plurality of eighth open surfaces 128.

[0086] In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of first undercut surfaces 111, the plurality of second undercut surfaces 112, the plurality of third undercut surfaces 113, the plurality of fourth open surfaces 114, the plurality of fifth undercut surfaces 125, the plurality of sixth undercut surfaces 126, the plurality of seventh undercut surfaces 127, and the plurality of eighth open surfaces 128 may include at least one flat surface or a substantially flat surface.

[0087] In some embodiments, the plurality of first undercut surfaces 111, the plurality of third undercut surfaces 113, the plurality of sixth undercut surfaces 126, and the plurality of eighth open surfaces 128 may be angled toward the distal end 102 of the shaft 105.

[0088] In some embodiments, the plurality of second undercut surfaces 112, the plurality of fourth open surfaces 114, the plurality of fifth undercut surfaces 125, and the plurality of seventh undercut surfaces 127 may be angled toward the proximal end 101 of the shaft 105.

[0089] In some embodiments, when fastener 100 is viewed in cross-section along a plane intersecting longitudinal axis 103 of shaft 105 (as shown in FIG. 1D ), first helical thread 110 may include at least one chevron shape that is oriented (i.e., points toward) the distal end 102 of shaft 105. Similarly, second helical thread 120 may also include at least one chevron shape that is oriented (i.e., points toward) the proximal end 101 of shaft 105.

[0090] In some embodiments, when fastener 100 is viewed in cross-section along a plane intersecting longitudinal axis 103 of shaft 105 (as shown in FIG. 1D ), first helical thread 110 can include a first plurality of chevron shapes oriented (i.e., pointing toward) the distal end 102 of shaft 105. Similarly, second helical thread 120 can include a second plurality of chevron shapes oriented (i.e., pointing toward) the proximal end 101 of shaft 105.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first plurality of chevron shapes and the second plurality of chevron shapes may be arranged in alternating sequence along the shaft 105 of the fastener 100 (see, for example, FIG. 1D).

[0092] In some embodiments, a plurality of first interlocking spaces 161 and a plurality of second interlocking spaces 162 can be formed along the shaft 105 of the fastener 100 between the first helical thread 110 and the second helical thread 120.

[0093] In some embodiments, a plurality of first interlocking spaces 161 may be formed intermediate the first concave undercut surface 131 and the second concave undercut surface 132 .

[0094] In some embodiments, a plurality of second interlocking spaces 162 may be formed intermediate the first convex undercut surface 141 and the second convex undercut surface 142 .

[0095] In some embodiments, the plurality of first interlocking spaces 161 may be larger in size than the plurality of second interlocking spaces.

[0096] In some embodiments, the plurality of first interlocking spaces 161 and the plurality of second interlocking spaces 162 may be shaped and / or configured to interlock with bone / other tissue received therein to enhance fixation of the fastener 100 within the bone / other tissue and to provide additional resistance to multi-axial forces that may be applied to the fastener 100 and / or the bone / other tissue.

[0097] In some embodiments, the plurality of second undercut surfaces 112 and the plurality of sixth undercut surfaces 126 may be angled toward one another to trap bone / bone augmentation material within the plurality of first interlocking spaces 161 for enhanced fixation and resistance to multi-axial forces.

[0098] In some embodiments, the plurality of third undercut surfaces 113 and the plurality of seventh undercut surfaces 127 may be angled toward one another to capture bone / other tissue within the plurality of second interlocking spaces 162 to enhance fixation and resistance to multi-axial forces.

[0099] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1D, the plurality of first undercut surfaces 111 and the plurality of fifth undercut surfaces 125 can each form an angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105.

[0100] In some embodiments, the angle α may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0101] In some embodiments, the plurality of second undercut surfaces 112 and the plurality of sixth undercut surfaces 126 may each form an angle β with respect to the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105 .

[0102] In some embodiments, the angle β may be less than 90 degrees.

[0103] In some embodiments, the plurality of third undercut surfaces 113 and the plurality of seventh undercut surfaces 127 may each form an angle θ with respect to the longitudinal axis 103 of the shaft 105 .

[0104] In some embodiments, the angle θ may be about 90 degrees.

[0105] In some embodiments, the angle θ may be greater than 90 degrees.

[0106] It will be understood that any fastener, bone implant, joint replacement implant, articular member, etc. described or contemplated herein may include any thread configuration, feature, or configuration described or contemplated herein to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone / tissue. It will also be understood that any fastener, bone implant, joint replacement implant, articular member, etc. described or contemplated herein may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, and / or device described or contemplated herein.

[0107] 3 illustrates a tapered fastener, tapered joint replacement implant, or tapered bone implant 300, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The configuration of the tapered bone implant 300 may provide enhanced fixation by applying a compressive force to the bone as the tapered bone implant 300 is inserted into the bone (e.g., by compressing the subchondral / subchondral bone during insertion of the tapered bone implant 300 into the intramedullary canal, as one non-limiting example).

[0108] In some embodiments, the tapered bone implant 300 may generally include a proximal end 301, a distal end 302, a tapered shaft portion 305, a neck portion 308, a head 304, a torque connection interface (not shown) that may be formed in / on the head 304, and at least one tapered helical thread 310 disposed about the tapered shaft portion 305.

[0109] In some embodiments, the tapered shaft portion 305 and / or the at least one tapered helical thread 310 may include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0110] In some embodiments, the tapered shaft portion 305 may have a continuously variable minor diameter 321 generally defined by the shape of the tapered shaft portion 305 and a continuously variable major diameter 381 generally defined by the shape of at least one tapered helical thread 310 disposed about the tapered shaft portion 305.

[0111] In some embodiments, the continuously variable minor diameter 321 defined by the shape of the tapered shaft portion 305 may include an at least partially conical shape.

[0112] In some embodiments, the continuously variable outer diameter 381 defined by the shape of the at least one tapered helical thread 310 disposed about the tapered shaft portion 305 may include an at least partially conical shape.

[0113] In some embodiments, the continuously variable minor diameter 321 defined by the shape of the tapered shaft portion 305 may generally reduce movement from the proximal end 301 towards the distal end 302 of the tapered bone implant 300 .

[0114] In some embodiments, the continuously variable outer diameter 381 defined by the shape of at least one tapered helical thread 310 disposed about the tapered shaft portion 305 may generally reduce movement from the proximal end 301 to the distal end 302 of the tapered bone implant 300.

[0115] In some embodiments, the at least one tapered helical thread 310 may include at least one concave undercut surface 331 that may be angled toward one of the proximal 301 and distal 302 ends of the tapered bone implant 300. However, it will be understood that the tapered bone implant 300 may include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener / implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one tapered helical thread 310 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a crescent shape, etc.

[0116] It will further be understood that the tapered bone implant 300, or some of the general designs / shapes of the tapered bone implant 300, may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any fastener, bone implant, system, procedure, or instrument described or contemplated herein. For example, any of the fasteners, bone implants, joint replacement implants, etc. described or contemplated herein may be generally configured to include a tapered shaft portion having a tapered helical thread disposed thereabout.

[0117] 4A-4D show various views of a joint replacement implant system 400 for a proximal femur 480 and / or a femoral head 485 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 400 may include a fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant 450 and an articular member 460 disposed at a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 450 that includes an artificial joint or articular surface 465.

[0119] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 450 may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 410 disposed about the shaft 405 defining a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0120] In some embodiments, the shaft 405 and / or the helical threads 410 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0121] In some embodiments, the helical thread 410 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 405. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 450 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 410 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 450 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0122] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 400 may also include one or more fasteners 440 configured to help provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 450 within the proximal femur 480, as shown in FIG. 4C.

[0123] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 400 may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, etc., to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 450.

[0124] It will also be understood that the one or more fasteners 440 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, etc. It will further be understood that the one or more fasteners 440 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0125] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may include a femoral head prosthesis configured to replace the femoral head 485 after it has been resected, as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0126] In some embodiments, the articular surface 465 of the articular member 460 may include a convex (or concave) hemispherical articular surface.

[0127] In some embodiments, the joint member 460 may be removably connectable to the joint replacement implant 450 .

[0128] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may be integrally formed with the joint replacement implant 450 .

[0129] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 450 may include a single fixed stem component matable with the articular member 460 .

[0130] In some embodiments of the joint replacement implant system 400 , the joint replacement implant 450 may be coupleable to the joint member 460 via an attachment feature 490 on the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 450 .

[0131] In some embodiments, the attachment feature 490 may include a post. In some embodiments, the post may include a Morse taper. However, it will be appreciated that the attachment feature 490 may also include any suitable structure for coupling the joint member 460 to the joint replacement implant 450, including, but not limited to, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature design, or the like.

[0132] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 450 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal femoral intermediate components (not shown), and the articular member 460 may be matable with at least one of the one or more intermediate components to position the articular member 460 at the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 450.

[0133] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, or the like between the joint replacement implant 450 and the joint member 460.

[0134] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may (or may not) include any fastener, bone implant, or any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to a joint replacement implant for coupling or positioning the articular member 460 to the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 450.

[0135] In some embodiments, a method for implanting the joint replacement implant system 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4D may include resecting a femoral head 485 from a proximal femur 480 (see FIG. 4A ), preparing, forming, or drilling a bone tunnel in a bone (e.g., a neck of the proximal femur 480) via a drill, broach, punch, or the like (not shown), tapping a helical bone thread around the bone tunnel (not shown) or utilizing a self-tapping feature on the joint replacement implant 450 to form a helical bone thread around the bone tunnel, inserting the joint replacement implant 450 into the prepared bone tunnel by rotating the joint replacement implant 450 relative to the bone tunnel to insert the helical thread into the helical bone thread (or form the helical bone thread around the bone tunnel via one or more self-tapping features), and coupling a joint member 460 to a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 450 (e.g., via an attachment feature 490, etc.).

[0136] 5A and 5B show various views of a joint replacement implant system 500 for a proximal femur 480, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 500 may include a joint replacement implant 550 that may be coupleable to the joint member 460 via an attachment feature 590 on a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 550 .

[0138] In some embodiments, the attachment feature 590 may include a post. In some embodiments, the post may include a Morse taper. However, it will be appreciated that the attachment feature 590 may also include any suitable structure for coupling the joint member 460 to the joint replacement implant 450, including, but not limited to, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature design, or the like.

[0139] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 550 may include a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 510 disposed about a shaft 505 that defines a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0140] In some embodiments, the shaft 505 may also include one or more transverse passages 545 formed therein and configured to receive one or more pins or fasteners 540 to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 550, as shown in FIG. 5B. It will also be understood that the one or more pins or fasteners 540 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, etc. It will also be understood that the one or more pins or fasteners 540 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0141] In some embodiments, the distal end of the shaft 505 may be rounded or may include a hemispherical shape.

[0142] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 550 may include a flange component 595 between the attachment feature 590 and the shaft 505 .

[0143] In some embodiments, the shaft 505 and / or the helical threads 510 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0144] In some embodiments, the helical thread 510 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 505. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 550 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 510 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 550 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0145] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 500 may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, etc., to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 550.

[0146] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may include a femoral head prosthesis configured to replace the femoral head 485 after it has been resected.

[0147] In some embodiments, the articular surface 465 of the articular member 460 may include a convex (or concave) hemispherical articular surface.

[0148] In some embodiments, the joint member 460 may be removably connectable to the joint replacement implant 550 .

[0149] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may be integrally formed with the joint replacement implant 550 .

[0150] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 550 may include a single fixed stem component matable with the articular member 460 .

[0151] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 550 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal femoral intermediate components (not shown), and the articular member 460 may be matable with at least one of the one or more intermediate components to position the articular member 460 near the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 550.

[0152] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, etc. between the joint replacement implant 550 and the joint member 460.

[0153] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may (or may not) include any fastener, bone implant, or any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to a joint replacement implant for coupling or positioning the articular member 460 to the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 550.

[0154] In some embodiments, a method for implanting the joint replacement implant system 500 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B may include resecting the femoral head 485 from the proximal femur 480, drilling a bone tunnel into the neck of the proximal femur 480 with a drill tool (not shown), tapping a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel with a tapping tool (not shown), forming a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel using the joint replacement implant 550 as the joint replacement implant 550 rotates into the bone tunnel, inserting the joint replacement implant 550 into the prepared bone tunnel, and coupling the articular member 460 to the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 550.

[0155] 6A and 6B show various views of a joint replacement implant system 600 for a proximal femur 480, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 600 may include a joint replacement implant 650 that may be coupleable to the joint member 460 via an attachment feature 690 on a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 650 .

[0157] In some embodiments, the attachment feature 690 may include a post. In some embodiments, the post may include a Morse taper. However, it will be appreciated that the attachment feature 690 may also include any suitable structure for coupling the joint member 460 to the joint replacement implant 650, including, but not limited to, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature design, or the like.

[0158] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 650 may include a shaft 605 including a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 610 disposed about the shaft 605 defining a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0159] In some embodiments, the distal end of the shaft 605 may be rounded or may include a hemispherical shape.

[0160] In some embodiments, the shaft 605 and / or the helical threads 610 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0161] In some embodiments, the helical thread 610 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 605. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 650 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 610 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 650 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0162] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 600 may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, etc., to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 650.

[0163] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may include a femoral head prosthesis configured to replace the femoral head 485 after it has been resected.

[0164] In some embodiments, the articular surface 465 of the articular member 460 may include a convex (or concave) hemispherical articular surface.

[0165] In some embodiments, the joint member 460 may be removably connectable to the joint replacement implant 650 .

[0166] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may be integrally formed with the joint replacement implant 650 .

[0167] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 650 may include a single fixed stem component matable with the articular member 460 .

[0168] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 650 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal femoral intermediate components (not shown), and the articular member 460 may be matable with at least one of the one or more intermediate components to position the articular member 460 near the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 650.

[0169] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, etc. between the joint replacement implant 650 and the joint member 460.

[0170] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may (or may not) include any fastener, bone implant, or any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to a joint replacement implant for coupling or positioning the articular member 460 to the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 650.

[0171] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 650 may include one or more split slots 630 formed longitudinally in the shaft 605 to define multiple legs 633 in the shaft 605 of the joint replacement implant 650.

[0172] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 650 may be formed of a flexible or semi-flexible material, allowing the multiple legs 633 to come together or move towards each other in a first contracted state (e.g., see FIG. 6A ) and / or spread apart or move away from each other to a second expanded state (e.g., see FIG. 6B ) to provide additional fixation / stabilization to the joint replacement implant 650.

[0173] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 600 may include an actuation member 635 configured to selectively deploy the plurality of legs 633 between a first contracted state and a second expanded state.

[0174] In some embodiments, the actuation member 635 may include a plug or wedge shaped member (not shown) that may be pulled proximally and / or moved distally to selectively deploy the plurality of legs 633 between a first contracted state and a second expanded state.

[0175] In some embodiments, the actuation member 635 may include a set screw that may be actuated with a driver tool (not shown) disposed through a central longitudinal passage formed in the shaft 605 and coupled to the set screw. In this manner, rotating the set screw in a first direction may translate the set screw in a first distal direction within the joint replacement implant 650 to move the legs 633 toward one another to a first contracted state, and rotating the set screw in a second direction may translate the set screw in a second proximal direction within the joint replacement implant 650 to move the legs 633 away from one another to a second expanded state.

[0176] 6A and 6B may include resecting the femoral head 485 from the proximal femur 480, drilling a bone tunnel into the neck of the proximal femur 480 with a drill tool (not shown), tapping a helical bone thread around the bone tunnel with a tapping tool (not shown), utilizing the self-tapping feature of the joint replacement implant 650 to form the helical bone thread around the bone tunnel during insertion, inserting the joint replacement implant 650 into the prepared bone tunnel, actuating the actuation member 635 to deploy the plurality of legs 633 to an expanded state, and coupling the articular member 460 to a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 650. Some embodiments of the method may also include retracting the joint replacement implant 650 in small increments after the plurality of legs 633 are deployed to an expanded state to create a tighter interference fit between the expanded joint replacement implant 650 and the proximal femur 480.

[0177] FIG. 7 illustrates a joint replacement implant system 700 for the proximal femur 480 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0178] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 700 may generally include a joint replacement implant 750 connectable within the intramedullary canal 484 of the proximal femur 480, a mid-neck component 775 connected to the joint replacement implant 750, and a joint member 460 connected to a proximal end of the mid-neck component 775.

[0179] In some embodiments, the mid-neck component 775 may be coupled to a mid or proximal portion of the joint replacement implant 750 .

[0180] In some embodiments, the distal end of the mid-neck component 775 may be received within a recess or passageway 780 formed through a middle or proximal portion of the joint replacement implant 750 to couple the mid-neck component 775 to the joint replacement implant 750.

[0181] In some embodiments, the mid-neck component 775 may include attachment features (not shown) for coupling the articulation member 460 to the mid-neck component 775. In some embodiments, the attachment features may include at least one of a Morse taper feature, a snap-fit ​​feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, or the like between the mid-neck component 775 and the articulation member 460.

[0182] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 750 may include a shaft 705 including a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 710 disposed about the shaft 705 defining a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0183] In some embodiments, the shaft 705 and / or the helical threads 710 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0184] In some embodiments, the helical thread 710 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 705. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 750 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 710 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 750 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0185] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 700 may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, one or more additional pins or fasteners, etc. to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 750 within the intramedullary canal 484 of the proximal femur 480.

[0186] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may include a femoral head prosthesis configured to replace the femoral head 485 after it has been resected.

[0187] In some embodiments, the articular surface 465 of the articular member 460 may include a convex (or concave) hemispherical articular surface.

[0188] In some embodiments, the articulation member 460 may be removably coupleable with the mid-neck component 775 .

[0189] In some embodiments, the articulation member 460 may be integrally formed with the mid-neck component 775 .

[0190] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 750 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal femoral intermediate components (not shown), and the articular member 460 may be matable with at least one of the one or more intermediate components to couple the articular member 460 with the joint replacement implant 750.

[0191] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include an intermediate neck component 775 .

[0192] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, etc. for coupling between the joint member 460 and the joint replacement implant 750.

[0193] In some embodiments, the intermediate component or components may (or may not) include any fastener, bone implant, or any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to the joint replacement implant to facilitate coupling of the articular member 460 with the joint replacement implant 750.

[0194] In some embodiments, a method for implanting the joint replacement implant system 700 shown in FIG. 7 may include resecting the femoral head 485 from the proximal femur 480, drilling, reaming, or broaching a bone tunnel into the intramedullary canal 484 of the proximal femur 480 with an appropriate tool (not shown), tapping a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel with a tapping tool (not shown), utilizing the self-tapping feature of the joint replacement implant 750 to form the helical bone screw around the bone tunnel during insertion, inserting the joint replacement implant 750 into the prepared bone tunnel in the intramedullary canal 484, coupling a distal end of a mid-neck component 775 to the joint replacement implant 750, and coupling a joint member 460 to a proximal end of the mid-neck component 775.

[0195] FIG. 8 illustrates a joint replacement implant system 800 for the proximal femur 480 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0196] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 800 may generally include a joint replacement implant 850 connectable within the intramedullary canal 484 of the proximal femur 480, a mid-neck component 875 connected to the joint replacement implant 850, and a joint member 460 connected to a proximal end of the mid-neck component 875.

[0197] In some embodiments, the distal end of the mid-neck component 875 may be coupled to a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 850 .

[0198] In some embodiments, the distal end of the mid-neck component 875 may be coupled within a central longitudinal passage formed in the joint replacement implant 850 .

[0199] In some embodiments, the mid-neck component 875 may be integrally formed with the joint replacement implant 850 .

[0200] In some embodiments, the mid-neck component 875 may include attachment features (not shown) for coupling the articulation member 460 to the mid-neck component 875. In some embodiments, the attachment features may include at least one of a Morse taper feature, a snap-fit ​​feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, or the like between the mid-neck component 875 and the articulation member 460.

[0201] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 850 may include a shaft 805 including a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 810 disposed about the shaft 805 that defines a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0202] In some embodiments, the shaft 805 and / or the helical threads 810 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0203] In some embodiments, the helical thread 810 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 805. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 850 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 810 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 850 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0204] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 800 may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, one or more additional pins or fasteners, etc. to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 850 within the intramedullary canal 484 of the proximal femur 480.

[0205] In some embodiments, the articular member 460 may include a femoral head prosthesis configured to replace the femoral head 485 after it has been resected.

[0206] In some embodiments, the articular surface 465 of the articular member 460 may include a convex (or concave) hemispherical articular surface.

[0207] In some embodiments, the articulation member 460 may be removably coupleable with the mid-neck component 875 .

[0208] In some embodiments, the articulation member 460 may be integrally formed with the mid-neck component 875 .

[0209] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 850 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal femoral intermediate components (not shown), and the articular member 460 may be connectable with at least one of the one or more intermediate components to connect the articular member 460 with the joint replacement implant 850.

[0210] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include an intermediate neck component 875.

[0211] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, etc., for connecting the joint member 460 and the joint replacement implant 850.

[0212] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may (or may not) include any fastener, bone implant, or any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to the joint replacement implant to facilitate coupling of the articular member 460 with the joint replacement implant 850.

[0213] In some embodiments, a method for implanting the joint replacement implant system 800 shown in FIG. 8 may include resecting the femoral head 485 from the proximal femur 480, drilling, reaming, or broaching a bone tunnel into the intramedullary canal 484 of the proximal femur 480 with an appropriate tool (not shown), tapping a helical bone thread around the bone tunnel with a tapping tool (not shown), utilizing the self-tapping feature of the joint replacement implant 850 to form the helical bone thread around the bone tunnel during insertion, inserting the joint replacement implant 850 into the prepared bone tunnel in the intramedullary canal 484, coupling a distal end of a mid-neck component 875 to the joint replacement implant 850, and coupling a joint member 460 to a proximal end of the mid-neck component 875.

[0214] 9A-9H show various tibial joint implants of one or more knee replacement implant systems for the proximal tibia 980 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0215] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may include a joint replacement implant 950 that may be coupled to the joint member 946 via an attachment feature 990 disposed at a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 950 .

[0216] In some embodiments, the joint member 946 may be removably coupleable with the attachment feature 990 and / or the joint replacement implant 950 .

[0217] In some embodiments, the articular member 946 may be integrally formed with the attachment feature 990 and / or the joint replacement implant 950.

[0218] In some embodiments, the articular member 946 may include one or more artificial articular surfaces or articular surfaces 948 .

[0219] In some embodiments, the articular member 946 may include a tibial insert prosthesis.

[0220] In some embodiments, the articular surface 948 may include one or more concave (or convex) articular surfaces formed on the tibial intercalary prosthesis.

[0221] In some embodiments, the attachment feature 990 may include a tibial tray, proximal tibial tray, tray feature, or mid-tray component configured to receive the articular member 946 or tibial insert prosthesis therein to couple the articular member 946 to the joint replacement implant 950.

[0222] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 950 may include a shaft 905 including a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 910 disposed about the shaft 905 defining a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0223] In some embodiments, the shaft 905 and / or the helical threads 910 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0224] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 950 may include a flange component 995 between the attachment feature 990 and the shaft 905 .

[0225] In some embodiments, the helical thread 910 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 905. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 950 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 910 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 950 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0226] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, etc., to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 950.

[0227] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 950 may include an attachment feature 990 and / or a stem component integrally formed with the articular member 946, as shown in FIG. 9A.

[0228] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 950 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal tibial intermediate components, as shown in Figure 9B. In these embodiments, the attachment feature 990 may be matable with the joint replacement implant 950 via at least one of the one or more intermediate components.

[0229] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature 955, a dovetail feature 960, a snap-fit ​​feature 965, a tab feature 970, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, etc., as shown in the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 9B.

[0230] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include an attachment feature 990, a tibial tray, a proximal tibial tray, a tray feature, or an intermediate tray component.

[0231] In some embodiments, the intermediate component or components may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant.

[0232] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may also include one or more fasteners 940 and / or one or more keels 943 to help stabilize the joint replacement implant system within the proximal tibia, as shown in FIG. 9C.

[0233] In some embodiments, the one or more keels 943 may be integrally formed with the attachment feature 990.

[0234] In some embodiments, the one or more fasteners 940 and / or the one or more keels 943 may be received through one or more recesses or passages 944. FIG. 9D shows a top view of an attachment feature 990 having one or more recesses or passages 944 formed therethrough. In this manner, the attachment feature 990 may be coupled to one or more fasteners 940, one or more keels 943, and / or a joint replacement implant 950.

[0235]

[0246] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, etc., to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 950, the fastener(s) 940, and / or the keel(s) 943. It will also be understood that the fastener(s) 940 and / or the keel(s) 943 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant, to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, etc. It will further be understood that the fastener(s) 940 and / or the keel(s) 943 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0236]

[0247] In some embodiments, a method for implanting the joint replacement implant system shown in FIGS. 9A- 9H may generally include resecting a portion of the proximal tibia 980 and / or forming a bone tunnel in the proximal tibia 980 using a saw tool, bone removal tool, reamer tool, broach tool, drill tool, or the like (not shown), tapping a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel using a tapping tool (not shown) or utilizing a self-tapping feature of the joint replacement implant 950 to form a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel during insertion, inserting the joint replacement implant 950 into the prepared bone tunnel (and / or inserting one or more fasteners / keels into the proximal tibia 980, or the like), and coupling the joint replacement implant 950 to the articular member 946 and / or attachment feature 990 (if necessary).

[0237] FIG. 10 illustrates a joint replacement implant system 1000 for a distal femur (not shown), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0238] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 1000 may include a joint replacement implant 1050 connectable to a joint member 1060 at a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 1050 .

[0239] In some embodiments, the joint member 1060 may be coupled to the joint replacement implant 1050 via attachment features such as posts (not shown), which may include Morse tapers, snap fit features, tab features, dovetail features, sleeve-in-sleeve feature designs, and the like.

[0240] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 1050 may include a shaft 1005 including a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 1010 disposed about the shaft 1005 defining a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0241] In some embodiments, the shaft 1005 may also include one or more lateral passages (not shown) formed therein and configured to receive one or more pins or fasteners (not shown) to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 1050. It will also be understood that the one or more pins or fasteners may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, etc. It will also be understood that the one or more pins and fasteners may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0242] In some embodiments, the distal end of the shaft 1005 may be rounded or may include a hemispherical shape.

[0243] In some embodiments, the shaft 1005 and / or the helical threads 1010 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0244] In some embodiments, the helical thread 1010 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 1005. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 1050 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 1010 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 1050 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0245] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 1000 may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, etc., to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 1050.

[0246] In some embodiments, the articular member 1060 may include a distal femoral prosthesis configured to replace a distal portion of the femur after it has been prepared / resected.

[0247] In some embodiments, the articular member 1060 may include one or more artificial articular surfaces or articular surfaces 1065.

[0248] In some embodiments, the one or more articular surfaces may include one or more convex (or concave) articular surfaces.

[0249] In some embodiments, one or more convex articular surfaces of the articular member 1060 may be molded to be received within one or more concave articular surfaces formed in the tibial insert prosthesis shown in Figures 9E-9H (or vice versa).

[0250] In some embodiments, the joint member 1060 may be removably connectable to the joint replacement implant 1050 .

[0251] In some embodiments, the articular member 1060 may be integrally formed with the joint replacement implant 1050 .

[0252] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 1050 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal femoral intermediate components (not shown), and the articular member 1060 may be matable with at least one of the one or more intermediate components to position the articular member 1060 near the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 1050.

[0253] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, or the like between the joint replacement implant 1050 and the joint member 1060.

[0254] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may (or may not) include any fastener, bone implant, or any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to the joint replacement implant to facilitate coupling of the articular member 1060 with the joint replacement implant 1050.

[0255] In some embodiments, a method for implanting the joint replacement implant system 1000 shown in FIG. 10 may include resecting a portion of the distal femur and / or forming a bone tunnel in the distal femur using a saw tool, a bone removal tool, a reamer tool, a broach tool, a drill tool, or the like (not shown), tapping a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel using a tapping tool (not shown) or utilizing a self-tapping feature of the joint replacement implant 950 to form a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel during insertion, inserting the joint replacement implant 1050 into the prepared bone tunnel, and coupling a joint member 1060 to a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 1050.

[0256] 11A-11C show a joint replacement implant system 1100 for a distal tibia 1180 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0257] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 1100 may include a joint replacement implant 1150 that may be coupled to a joint member 1160 via an attachment feature 1190 disposed on a proximal end of the joint replacement implant 1150 .

[0258] In some embodiments, the attachment feature 1190 may include a distal tibial tray, tray feature, or mid-tray component configured to couple the articular member 1160 to the joint replacement implant 1150.

[0259] In some embodiments, the joint member 1060 may be removably coupleable with the attachment feature 1190 and / or the joint replacement implant 1150 .

[0260] In some embodiments, the articular member 1160 may include an ankle interposition prosthesis.

[0261] In some embodiments, the articular surface 1165 may include one or more concave (or convex) artificial articular surfaces formed on the ankle interposition prosthesis, or one or more convex artificial articular surfaces formed on the ankle interposition prosthesis.

[0262] In some embodiments, the articular member 1160 may be integrally formed with the attachment feature 1190 and / or the joint replacement implant 1150.

[0263] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 1150 may include a shaft 1105 including a proximal end, a distal end, a threaded shaft portion, and a helical thread 1110 disposed about the shaft 1105 defining a length of the threaded shaft portion.

[0264] In some embodiments, the shaft 1105 may also include one or more transverse passages formed therein and configured to receive one or more pins or fasteners 1140 to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 1150, as shown in Figures 11B and 11C. It will also be understood that the one or more pins or fasteners 1140 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, etc. It will also be understood that the one or more pins and fasteners may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0265] In some embodiments, the distal end of the shaft 1105 may be rounded or may include a hemispherical shape.

[0266] In some embodiments, the shaft 1105 and / or the helical threads 1110 may also include one or more self-tapping features or cutting flutes (not shown).

[0267] In some embodiments, the helical thread 1110 may include a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft 1105. However, it will be understood that the joint replacement implant 1150 may (or may not) include any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein for any fastener, bone implant, or joint replacement implant to achieve optimal fixation within a given bone, tissue, bone cement, bone augmentation material, or the like. For example, in some embodiments, the helical thread 1110 may include a standard or reversed thread, a "dual start" thread configuration, a tapered helical thread, a crescent shape, or the like. It will further be understood that the joint replacement implant 1150 may be utilized in conjunction with (or within) any system, method, procedure, or instrumentation described or contemplated herein.

[0268] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant system 1100 may be utilized with bone cement, any type of bone augmentation material, any features that may facilitate bone ingrowth, etc., to provide additional stabilization to the joint replacement implant 1150.

[0269] In some embodiments, the articular member 1160 may include a distal tibial prosthesis configured to replace a distal portion of the tibia after it has been prepared / resected.

[0270] In some embodiments, the articular member 1160 may include an articular surface 1165 .

[0271] In some embodiments, the articular surface may include a concave articular surface.

[0272] In some embodiments, the articular surface may include a convex articular surface.

[0273] In some embodiments, the articular member 1160 may be integrally formed with the joint replacement implant 1150 .

[0274] In some embodiments, the joint member 1160 may be removably coupleable with the joint replacement implant 1150 and / or the attachment feature 1190 .

[0275] In some embodiments, the joint replacement implant 1150 may include a modular stem system including one or more intermediate components or one or more proximal tibial intermediate components (not shown), and the articular member 1160 may be matable with at least one of the one or more intermediate components to position the articular member 1160 near the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 1150.

[0276] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include one of a Morse taper feature, a snap fit feature, a tab feature, a dovetail feature, a sleeve-in-sleeve feature, etc. between the joint replacement implant 1150 and the joint member 1160.

[0277] In some embodiments, the one or more intermediate components may include an attachment feature 1190 configured to couple the articular member 1160 to the joint replacement implant 1150, a distal tibial tray, a tray feature, or an intermediate tray component.

[0278] In some embodiments, the intermediate component or components may (or may not) include any fastener, bone implant, or any thread configuration, feature, or form described or contemplated herein with respect to the joint replacement implant to facilitate coupling of the articular member 1160 with the joint replacement implant 1150.

[0279] In some embodiments, a method for implanting the joint replacement implant system 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11C may include resecting a portion of the distal tibia and / or forming a bone tunnel in the distal tibia using a saw tool, a bone removal tool, a reamer tool, a broach tool, a drill tool, or the like (not shown), tapping a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel using a tapping tool (not shown) or utilizing a self-tapping feature of the joint replacement implant 1150 to form a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel during insertion, inserting the joint replacement implant 1050 into the prepared bone tunnel, and coupling the articular member 1160 to the proximal end of the joint replacement implant 1150.

[0280] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or actions for carrying out the described method. Method steps and / or actions may also be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a particular order of steps or actions is necessary for proper operation of an embodiment, the order and / or use of certain steps and / or actions may be changed. Additionally, any of the methods or procedures described herein may be further modified by omitting, deleting, and / or adding any of the method, procedure steps, or actions described or contemplated herein.

[0281] Any of the fasteners, bone implants, arthroplasty implants, articular members, etc. described or contemplated herein may be configured to be removed and replaced during a revision procedure by simply unscrewing and removing the bone in which the bone implant resides. Additionally, the bone implants described herein may be advantageously removed from the bone without removing any significant amount of bone during the removal process to preserve the bone. In this manner, the bone implants may be mechanically integrated with the bone without being permanently fixed to the bone or integrated via bone ingrowth to provide an immediate and removable connection between the bone implant and the bone. Thus, revision procedures utilizing the bone implants described herein may be less traumatic to the bone while improving patient outcomes. However, it will also be understood that any of the bone implants described or contemplated herein may be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the bone via bone cement (or any type of bone augmentation material), bone ingrowth, etc., as desired.

[0282] It will be understood that any feature or group of features described or contemplated herein with respect to any implant, system, method, or device may be combined in any manner with any other implant, system, method, or device described or contemplated herein to create any number of different implant, system, method, or device configurations.

[0283] References throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, references or variations thereof recited throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0284] Similarly, in the above description of the embodiments, it should be understood that various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any embodiment or claim requires more features than are expressly recited in that embodiment or claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in combinations of fewer than all of the features of a single disclosed feature described above. Thus, the claims following this detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0285] The term "first" in a claim referring to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements described in a means-and-function form are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, § 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles described herein.

[0286] The phrases "connected," "coupled," and "in communication" refer to any form of interaction between two or more things, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interactions. Two components may be functionally coupled to one another even if they are not in direct contact with one another. The term "coupled" can include components coupled to one another via a single piece of material, as well as components that are detachably and / or non-detachably coupled to one another. The term "adjacent" refers to things that are in direct physical contact with one another, but the things are not necessarily attached to fit together. The phrase "fluid communication" refers to two or more features that are connected such that fluid in one feature can pass to another feature. As defined herein, the term "substantially" means within + / - 20% of a target value, measurement, or desired property.

[0287] Although specific embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the appended disclosure or claims are not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the configuration, operation, and details of the devices, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein.

Claims

1. 1. A joint replacement implant comprising: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft portion; a helical thread disposed about the shaft defining a length of the threaded shaft portion, the helical thread including a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft; a mounting feature at a proximal end of the joint replacement implant; the attachment feature is configured to couple a joint member to the joint replacement implant; the articular component includes at least one artificial articular surface; the at least one artificial joint surface is shaped to replace at least a portion of a natural joint surface of the patient's joint; A joint replacement implant comprising:

2. The joint replacement implant of claim 1 , wherein the attachment features include at least one of a post, a Morse taper feature, a channel, a dovetail feature, a tray feature, a snap fit feature, and a tab feature.

3. The joint replacement implant of claim 1 , further comprising an intermediate component connectably disposed intermediate the attachment feature and the articular member.

4. The joint replacement implant of claim 3 , wherein the intermediate component includes at least one of a mid-neck component and a mid-tray component.

5. The joint replacement implant of claim 1 configured to receive at least one of a pin, a fastener, and a keel.

6. The joint replacement implant of claim 1 , wherein the shaft of the joint replacement implant is configured to be at least partially received within the medullary canal of the patient's bone.

7. The joint replacement implant of claim 1 , wherein the shaft includes a tapered shaft portion and the helical threads include a tapered helical thread disposed about the tapered shaft portion.

8. 1. A joint replacement implant system comprising: a joint replacement implant and a glenoid member coupled to a proximal end of the joint replacement implant; the joint replacement implant includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft portion; and a helical thread disposed about the shaft defining a length of the threaded shaft portion; the helical thread includes a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft; the articular component includes at least one artificial articular surface; 13. A joint replacement implant system, comprising: at least one artificial joint surface shaped to replace at least a portion of a natural joint surface of a patient's joint.

9. The joint replacement implant system of claim 8 , further comprising an attachment feature at the proximal end of the joint replacement implant configured to couple the joint member to the joint replacement implant.

10. The joint replacement implant system of claim 9, further comprising an intermediate component disposed between and configured to couple said attachment feature and said articulation member.

11. 9. The joint replacement implant system of claim 8, further comprising at least one of a pin, a fastener, and a keel, the pin, the fastener, and the keel configured to stabilize the joint replacement implant relative to a bone of the patient.

12. The joint replacement implant system of claim 8 , wherein the articular component includes a femoral head prosthesis and the artificial joint surface includes a convex hemispherical artificial joint surface.

13. The joint replacement implant system of claim 8 , wherein the articular component includes a tibial insert prosthesis and the artificial joint surface includes one or more concave artificial joint surfaces.

14. The joint replacement implant system of claim 8 , wherein the glenoid component includes an ankle intercalation prosthesis and the artificial joint surface includes at least one of a concave artificial joint surface and a convex artificial joint surface.

15. 1. A method for replacing at least a portion of a natural articular surface of a joint in a patient, comprising: preparing a patient's bone to receive a joint replacement implant therein; and inserting the joint replacement implant into the patient's bone. The joint replacement implant comprises: a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a threaded shaft portion; a helical thread defining a length of the threaded shaft portion; a mounting feature at a proximal end of the joint replacement implant; the front helical thread includes a concave undercut surface angled toward one of the proximal and distal ends of the shaft; the attachment feature is configured to couple a joint member to the joint replacement implant; the articular component includes at least one artificial articular surface; The at least one artificial joint surface is shaped to replace at least a portion of the natural joint surface of the joint of the patient.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein preparing a bone to receive the joint replacement implant comprises forming a bone tunnel in the bone configured to receive at least a portion of the joint replacement implant therein.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising tapping a helical bone screw around the bone tunnel formed in the bone.

18. Inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone includes positioning the helical threads of the joint replacement implant adjacent to the helical bone screw tapped about the bone tunnel; and 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising rotating the joint replacement implant relative to the bone tunnel to insert the helical thread into the helical bone screw and inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone tunnel.

19. Inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone includes positioning the helical threads of the joint replacement implant adjacent to the bone tunnel; 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising rotating the joint replacement implant relative to the bone tunnel to form a helical bone thread around the bone tunnel via one or more self-tapping features of the joint replacement implant, and inserting the joint replacement implant into the bone tunnel.

20. The method of claim 15, comprising coupling the articular member to the attachment feature of the joint replacement implant.

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