Magnetic Locking Mechanism (MLM) for Joint Arthroplasty

Abstract

A method of implanting a joint prosthesis assembly for joint arthroplasty using a coupling mechanism is disclosed. The method includes exposing a joint of a patient, resecting a portion of the joint, inserting a second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly into a medullary canal, and inserting a first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly from a lateral side of the joint, The joint prosthesis assembly includes a magnet. The magnet is configured to lock the first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis a.ssembly to the second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly. The first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a recess. The second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly includes a protrusion. The recess is configured to house the protrusion. Alternatively, the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis may be assembled in a direct line using the magnet for secure coupling of the components.

1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A joint prosthesis assembly comprising:
 a first prosthesis;   a second prosthesis; and   a magnetic prosthesis disposed between the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis and configured to connect the first prosthesis to the second prosthesis.   
     
     
         32 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis are configured to interconnect with one another. 
     
     
         33 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the magnetic prosthesis is a rare-earth magnet. 
     
     
         34 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the second prosthesis is a prosthetic stem comprising a grit-blast material with plasma coating. 
     
     
         35 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the second prosthesis is a prosthetic stem that is polished smooth. 
     
     
         36 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the first prosthesis is a prosthetic head, the second prosthesis is a prosthetic stem, a marker of the prosthetic head is configured to align with a marker of the prosthetic stem. 
     
     
         37 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the first prosthesis is a prosthetic head, the second prosthesis is a prosthetic stem, the prosthetic head or the prosthetic stem is coated with a ferromagnetic metal. 
     
     
         38 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the first prosthesis comprises a radial head, a humeral head, or an ulnar head and the second prosthesis comprises a radial stem, a humeral stem, or an ulnar stem respectively, 
     
     
         39 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 31 , wherein the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis are configured for radial head artharoplasty, shoulder arthroplasty, wrist arthroplasty, ankle arthroplasty, small joint arthroplasty in hands and feet, knee arthroplasty or hip arthroplasty. 
     
     
         40 . A joint prosthesis assembly comprising:
 a prosthetic head;   a prosthetic stem; and   a magnetic prosthesis disposed between the prosthetic head and the prosthetic stem and configured to couple the prosthetic head to the prosthetic stem.   
     
     
         41 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 40 , wherein the prosthetic head and the prosthetic stem are configured to interconnect with one another. 
     
     
         42 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 40 , wherein the prosthetic stem comprises a grit-blast material with plasma coating. 
     
     
         43 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 40 , wherein at least one of the prosthetic head or the prosthetic stem is coated with a ferromagnetic metal. 
     
     
         44 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 40 , wherein the prosthetic stem that is polished smooth. 
     
     
         45 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 40 , wherein the prosthetic head comprises a radial head, a humeral head, or an ulnar head and the prosthetic stem comprises a radial stem, a humeral stem, or an ulnar stem respectively. 
     
     
         46 . The joint prosthesis assembly according to  claim 40 , wherein the prosthetic head and the prosthetic stem are configured for radial head arthroplasty, shoulder arthroplasty, wrist arthroplasty, ankle arthroplasty, small joint arthroplasty in hands and feet, knee arthroplasty or hip arthroplasty. 
     
     
         47 . A method for joint arthroplasty comprising:
 exposing a joint of a patient;   resecting a head of the joint;   inserting a second prosthesis of a joint prosthesis assembly into a medullary canal;   and inserting a first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly from a lateral side of the joint; and   coupling, with a magnetic prosthesis, the first prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly to the second prosthesis of the joint prosthesis assembly,
 wherein the joint is an elbow, wrist, shoulder, ankle, hip, hand join, or foot joint. 
   
     
     
         48 . The method according to  claim 47 , wherein the first prosthesis and the second prosthesis are configured to interconnect with one another. 
     
     
         49 . The method according to  claim 47 , wherein the second prosthesis is a prosthetic stem comprising a grit-blast material with plasma coating. 
     
     
         50 . The method according to  claim 47 , wherein the second prosthesis is a prosthetic stem that is polished smooth.