Multi-component implant assembly with dual articulating and/or rotating surfaces

Abstract

An implant assembly for re-establishing a glenohumeral joint between a scapula and humerus. A first receiver is adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned glenoid cavity defined in the scapula, with a second receiver adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned humeral head associated with the humerus. A three dimensional and at least partially spherical shaped component is interposed between the first and second receivers for establishing each of a first articulating interface with the first receiver and a rotating interface with the second receiver.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An implant assembly for re-establishing a glenohumeral joint between a scapula and humerus, comprising:
 a first receiver adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned glenoid cavity defined in the scapula, said first receiver exhibiting a concave profile;   a second receiver adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned humeral head associated with the humerus, said second receiver exhibiting a planar surface profile from which projects an expanded portion;   a three dimensional component interposed between said first and second receivers such that a spherical portion of said partially spherical portion of said intermediate component seats against said concave profile of said first receiver in universally articulating fashion; and   said intermediate component further having a flattened profile, a recessed interior profile extending from said flattened profile in an interiorly widened fashion, said flattened profile abutting said planar surface profile of said second receiver upon said expanded portion seating within said recessed interior profile and so that said second receiver establishes a second rotational interface with said intermediate component.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly as described in  claim 1 , said expanded portion further comprising first and second linearly split portions extending from said planar surface profile of said second receiver, a passageway communicating from a rear surface of said secondary receiver in interiorly extending fashion to said split portion, a pin inserting through said passageway from said rear surface for outwardly expanding said split portions into said widened interior profile of said intermediate component. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly as described in  claim 1 , said expanded portion further comprising exhibits a pseudo-elliptical and extended shape, a passageway communicating from a rear surface of said secondary receiver in interiorly extending fashion to an interior of said elliptical shaped portion, a flowable and displaceable material filling an interior of said passageway, a pin inserting through said passageway from said rear surface in order to displace said flowable material into said expanded portion such that that elliptical shape is reconfigured into a width expanded shape within said widened interior profile of said intermediate component. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly as described in  claim 1 , each of said first and second receivers and intermediate component being constructed of alternating materials including at least one of a polymer, polymer composite, metal, metal composite or polymer/metal admixture. 
     
     
         5 . An implant assembly for re-establishing a glenohumeral joint between a scapula and humerus, comprising:
 a first receiver adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned glenoid cavity defined in the scapula, said first receiver exhibiting a concave profile;   a second receiver adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned humeral head associated with the humerus, said second receiver further including first and second linearly split and mating halves, each exhibiting an interior extending and undercut profile extending inwardly from a flattened exterior profile;   a three dimensional component interposed between said first and second receivers such that a spherical portion of said partially spherical portion of said intermediate component seats against said concave profile of said first receiver in universally articulating fashion; and   said intermediate component further having a flattened end surface, a portion projecting from said end surface and, upon assembling said mating halves so that said portion is captured between said assembled undercut profile and said flattened exterior profile abuts said flattened end surface, said second receiver establishing a second rotational interface with said intermediate component.   
     
     
         6 . The implant assembly as described in  claim 5 , said interior extending and undercut profile of said second receiver split halves each further comprising an outer semi-circular and undercut side surface extending inwardly from said flattened exterior profile, said undercut side surface terminating in a recessed interior base surface, said projecting portion of said intermediate component having an outer angled annular extending side wall and planar end wall which is captured between said mating undercut profiles upon assembly of said split halves. 
     
     
         7 . The implant assembly as described in  claim 5 , said interior extending and undercut profile of said second receiver split halves each further comprising a narrowed entranceway extending inwardly from said flattened exterior profile and communicating with arcuate expanded interior profile, said projecting portion of said intermediate component being likewise reconfigured to include a spherical portion communicating with a flattened end profile, a bulbous arm socket portion having a narrowed neck or stem extending from a central location of the flattened end profile and communicating with a widened bulbous end portion. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly as described in  claim 5 , each of said first and second receiver components and interposed spherical component being constructed of an alternating material including at least one of a polymer, polymer composite, metal, metal composite or polymer/metal admixture.