Patent ID: 9149363
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method for replacing a proximal interphalangeal joint with a modular implant assembly comprising: during a first surgical procedure, implanting a first stem component of the implant assembly having a first articulation component removably attached thereto in a proximal phalanx bone and implanting a second stem component of the implant assembly that is the same as the first stem component and has a second articulation component removably attached thereto in a middle phalanx bone, wherein the first articulation component and the second articulation component cooperate to provide the implant assembly with a first degree of articulation constraint; during a second surgical procedure performed after the first surgical procedure, removing the first articulation component from cooperation with the first stem component and removing the second articulation component from cooperation with the second stem component; and further during the second surgical procedure attaching a third articulation component of the implant assembly to the first stem component and attaching a fourth articulation component of the implant assembly to the second stem component, wherein the third articulation component and the fourth articulation component cooperate to provide the implant assembly with a second degree of articulation constraint that is different than the first degree of articulation constraint; wherein the second surgical procedure is performed without removing the first stem component from the first bone and without removing the second stem component from the second bone.