Glenoid implant having multiple sections of differing diameters

Abstract

Disclosed are prosthesis systems and methods that provide ways by which the articulating surfaces of the implant can be exchanged such that the anatomic surfaces can be converted to reverse surfaces, while not exchanging the fixation components. Also disclosed herein are methods by which the surgeon can implant an inset anatomic articulating glenoid implant whereby at a later date, can remove the anatomic articulating surface and replace it with a reverse articulating surface such that the primary means of fixation remains well fixed in the glenoid fossa at the moment of articular exchange.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A shoulder implant configured for implantation within a glenoid of a patient, the shoulder implant comprising:
 a cylindrical section comprising an articulating surface adapted to articulate with a complimentary component;   an intermediate section positioned medial to the cylindrical section, the intermediate section having a circular cross-sectional shape and an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the cylindrical section; and   a fixation element positioned medial to the intermediate section and having a circular outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the intermediate section.   
     
     
         16 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the cylindrical section is made of polyethylene. 
     
     
         17 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the fixation element comprises a post or a peg. 
     
     
         18 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the fixation element comprises one or more fins. 
     
     
         19 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the fixation element is coaxially aligned with a central axis of the shoulder implant. 
     
     
         20 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the intermediate section comprises a groove. 
     
     
         21 . The shoulder implant of  claim 20 , wherein the groove comprises a circumferential groove. 
     
     
         22 . The shoulder implant of  claim 20 , wherein the groove is configured to house a snap ring. 
     
     
         23 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the intermediate section comprises a slot. 
     
     
         24 . The shoulder implant of  claim 23 , wherein the slot comprises a circumferential slot. 
     
     
         25 . The shoulder implant of  claim 23 , wherein the slot is configured to house a snap ring. 
     
     
         26 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the outer diameter of the intermediate section is 5-50% less than the outer diameter of the cylindrical section. 
     
     
         27 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the intermediate section comprises a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge comprising a plurality of spaced apart radially inward indents. 
     
     
         28 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the shoulder implant is configured to be inset when implanted. 
     
     
         29 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the articulating surface is concave. 
     
     
         30 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the articulating surface is convex. 
     
     
         31 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the cylindrical section, the intermediate section, and the fixation element each have a cylindrical shape. 
     
     
         32 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the cylindrical section, the intermediate section, and the fixation element are coaxially aligned. 
     
     
         33 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , further comprising an osteoinductive or osteoconductive surface. 
     
     
         34 . The shoulder implant of  claim 15 , wherein the fixation element is configured to facilitate bone ingrowth.