Fibular stiffener and bony defect replacer

Abstract

A fibular implant is provided. The implant includes a stem anchored to the fibula and a joint-body. The stem is at least partially covered with a bony-in-growth surface. The joint body includes an articulating surface for articulating with the talus. The articulating surface is polished to reduce friction in the ankle joint.

1 . A fibular prosthetic comprising:
 a stem sized and configured for insertion into the fibula; and   a joint body sized and configured for articulating with the talus,   at least a portion of the stem including a surface permitting bony in-growth.   
   
   
       2 . The prosthetic of  claim 1  wherein the stem structure is of a cylindrical configuration. 
   
   
       3 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the stem is of a conical configuration.   
   
   
       4 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the stem comprises a prosthetic material.   
   
   
       5 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the stem comprises a biologic material.   
   
   
       6 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the stem is threaded.   
   
   
       7 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the joint body is coupled to said stem.   
   
   
       8 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the joint body is integrally formed to said stem.   
   
   
       9 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the joint body comprises a prosthetic material.   
   
   
       10 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the joint body comprises a biologic material.   
   
   
       11 . The prosthetic according to  claim 1  wherein
 the lateral malleolus replacement potion includes an articulating surface for articulating with the talus.   
   
   
       12 . The prosthetic according to  claim 11  wherein
 the articulating surface is polished.   
   
   
       13 . The prosthetic according to  claim 11  wherein
 the joint body further includes a lateral surface for engaging the fibula.   
   
   
       14 . The prosthetic according to  claim 13  wherein
 at least a portion of the lateral surface is adapted for bony-in-growth.   
   
   
       15 . The prosthetic according to  claim 14  wherein
 the articulating surface is polished.   
   
   
       16 . A method comprising
 providing a fibular prosthetic, said fibular prosthetic having a stem and a joint body coupled to said stem;   forming a cavity in the fibula, said cavity being sized and configured for receiving the stem, and inserting the prosthetic stem into the cavity in the fibula.   
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16  further comprising
 fixing the prosthetic stem in the fibula.   
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein the prosthetic stem is fixed in the fibula with bone cement. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17  wherein the prosthetic stem is formed with external threads. 
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 19  wherein the prosthetic stem is fixed in the fibula by screwing the stem into the cavity in the fibula.