Meniscus Prosthetic Device

Abstract

A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A meniscus prosthetic device, comprising:
 an upper articulating surface comprising a flexible polymeric material and configured for moving engagement with a femur within a knee joint, wherein the upper articulating surface further comprises a first vertical bearing component and a first horizontal bearing component both configured for bearing against the femur;   a lower articulating surface comprising the flexible polymeric material and configured to contact a tibia within the knee joint, wherein the lower articulating surface further comprises a second vertical bearing component and a second horizontal bearing component both configured for bearing against the tibia; and   a perimeter completely surrounding the upper articulating surface, the perimeter comprising an increased thickness and an increased stiffness with respect to the upper articulating surface, wherein the perimeter comprises a reinforcement component providing the increased stiffness,   wherein upper articulating surface and the lower articulating surface are configured to contact the femur and the tibia, respectively, without being rigidly affixed to the femur and the tibia such that the meniscus prosthetic device is translatable and/or rotatable within the knee joint, and   wherein at least one of the increased thickness or the increased stiffness of the perimeter limits movement of the femur with respect to the upper articulating surface.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement component comprises at least one material different than the flexible polymeric material. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcement component extends through at least a portion of the perimeter. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcement component is positioned within an opening in the perimeter. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the reinforcement component comprises at least one of a wire, cable, or a filament. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the reinforcement component comprises carbon fiber, a metal, or a polymer. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the perimeter comprises a first portion and a second portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the first and the second portions of the perimeter together completely surround the upper articulating surface. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the first portion and the second portion each have the increased thickness relative to the upper articulating surface. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion has a first thickness and the second portion has a second thickness different than the first thickness. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the perimeter comprises a plurality of thicknesses. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a central body portion,
 wherein the perimeter completely surrounds the central body portion,   wherein the upper articulating surface is an upper surface of the central body portion, and   wherein the lower articulating surface is a lower surface of the central body portion.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the upper articulating surface comprises a concave shape. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the lower articulating surface comprises a convex shape.