Patent ID: 7678153
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. An implant for insertion into a joint between articulating bones, the implant comprising: a generally cylindrical metal body having a proximal end and a distal end, and defining a longitudinal axis, the body including at least one thread disposed on an external surface thereof, the at least one thread being configured to engage tissue in the joint, the body further including a first axial hole disposed therethrough; a generally smooth polymeric portion directly contacting the proximal end of the body and comprising a non-resorbable material, the polymeric portion including an external surface configured to directly contact articulating bones of the joint and to provide a bearing surface for the articulating bones, the polymeric portion further including a second axial hole disposed therethrough and generally aligned with the first axial hole, the polymeric portion having a maximum diameter that is no greater than a maximum diameter of the body, thereby facilitating insertion of the implant into the joint, the external surface of the polymeric portion and the external surface of the body defining an external surface of the implant; and an elongate member disposed through the first and second axial holes, thereby maintaining the polymeric portion and the body in close proximity to each other.