Lockable Knee Implants and Related Methods

Eric Montgomery Lucas, Clemson University
John David DesJardins, Clemson University
Kim John Chillag, University of South Carolina - Columbia
Frank Richard Voss, University of South Carolina - Columbia

Document Type Patent

Abstract

Total knee replacements for hinged knee implants include a tibial member, a femoral member, a hinge assembly having a laterally extending axle configured to hingedly attach the femoral member to the tibial member, and a lock mechanism in communication with the hinge assembly. The lock mechanism is configured to (i) lock the femoral member in alignment with the tibial member for a full extension or other defined stabile walking configuration to thereby allow an arthrodesis or stiff knee gait and (ii) unlock to allow the femoral and tibial members to pivot relative to each other for flexion or bending when not ambulating.