Abstract:
A knee implantation system for replacing a portion of a knee joint includes an unicondyler tibial implant configured to replace a portion of a tibia that includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a body portion that includes an articulating surface for replacing only a single superior articulating surface of the tibia. The second member has a textured surface. The second member is removably connected to the body portion and the textured surface is disposed about opposite the articulating surface.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present teachings relate to a medical prosthetic and more particularly relate to a unicompartmental knee prosthetic system and related method. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a human knee joint is shown and generally indicated by reference numeral  10 . The knee joint  10  includes a femur  12 , a tibia  14 , a fibula  16  and a patella  18 . A myriad of medical problems can require partial or complete replacement of one or more portions of the aforesaid bones. In previous medical procedures, relatively large and complex prosthetics may be passed through one or more incisions and couple to the respective bones. The prosthetics may require relatively larger incisions and relatively complex manipulation to insert and secure the prosthetics to the bone. 
         [0003]    The relatively larger incisions and complex manipulation of the prosthetics may require additional movement and/or cutting of the soft tissue surrounding the knee joint  10 . The additional movement and/or cutting of the soft tissue may cause longer recovery times and additional trauma to the knee joint  10 . 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present teachings generally include a knee implantation system for replacing a portion of a knee joint. The knee implantation system includes an unicondyler tibial implant configured to replace a portion of a tibia that includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a body portion that includes an articulating surface for replacing only a single superior articulating surface of the tibia. The second member has a textured surface. The second member is removably connected to the body portion and the textured surface is disposed about opposite the articulating surface. 
         [0005]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings. 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a prior art front view of a knee joint showing bones, muscle tissue and connective tissue of the knee joint. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is similar to  FIG. 1  and shows a patella, associated muscles and connective tissue partially separated from the respective portions of the knee joint. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the knee joint, absent the muscle and connective tissue, showing a lateral condyle and a medial condyle of the femur and an exemplary incision in accordance with the present teachings.  FIG. 3  also illustrates reference planes with respect to the knee joint. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary unicompartmental knee implant system constructed prosthetic in accordance with the present teachings showing a femoral component and a tibial component. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the femoral component of  FIG. 4  showing bone in-growth holes in a web keel. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 4  and shows a height and a width of a peg relative to the web keel but does not show bone in-growth holes. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is similar to  FIG. 4  and shows an exploded assembly view of the tibial component including a body portion, a textured surface and bone screws that can couple to the tibial component in accordance with the present teachings. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the tibial component of  FIG. 7  showing a locking mechanism having compliant portions. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a prepared tibial plateau showing a cannulated driver positioning a cannulated bone screw therein in accordance with the present teachings. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9B  is similar to  FIG. 9A  and shows a portion of the tibial component of  FIG. 4  disposed above the cannulated bone screw. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9C  is similar to  FIG. 9B  and shows a head of the bone screw spreading apart compliant portions of the locking mechanism as the tibial component is moved toward the tibial plates. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9D  is similar to  FIG. 9C  and shows the head of the bone screw captured by the locking mechanism thus securing the tibial component against the prepared tibial plateau. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10A  is similar to  FIG. 9D  and shows the tibial component coupled to a bone screw without cannulation therethrough in accordance with the present teachings.  FIG. 10A  also shows the configuration of the locking mechanism relative to the bone screw. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10B  is similar to  FIG. 10A  and shows bone in-growth around the tibial component. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11A  is a partial cross-sectional view of a tibial component secured to a tibial plateau in accordance with another aspect of the present teachings. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11B  is similar to  FIG. 11A  shows bone in-growth around the tibial component. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of a knee showing a femoral component secured to the medial condyle and a tibial component secured to the medial articular surface of the tibia in accordance with the present teachings. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12B  is similar to  FIG. 12A  and shows a femoral component secured to the lateral condyle and a tibial component implanted over the lateral articular surface of the tibia. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a kit including varying sizes and/or configurations of tibial components, femoral component and bone screws constructed in accordance with the various aspects of the present teachings. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 14A-14D  are cross sectional views of textured surfaces associated with tibial components in accordance with the present teachings. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 14E-15F  are bottom views of textured surfaces associated with tibial components in accordance with the various aspects of the present teachings. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    The following description of the various aspects of the present teachings is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the teachings. While the various illustrated aspects of the present teachings pertain to a knee joint  10  of the human body, it will be appreciated that the teachings may also be applicable to various bones of the human body including, but not limited to, the tibia, the fibula, the humerus, the ulna or the radius. It will also be appreciated that the teachings may be applicable to various bones of other animals, mammalian or otherwise, requiring replacement with prosthetics due to various medical concerns. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 4  and in accordance with the present teachings, a unicompartmental knee implantation system  100  generally can include a femoral component  102  and a tibial component  104 . The femoral component  102  can include a peg  106  and a wall  108  that can intersect, abut and/or be integrally formed with the peg  106 . The wall  108  can include a web keel  110 . The wall  108  can also include a cross-web keel  112 , which can be generally perpendicular to the web keel  110 . The peg  106  can generally extend from a center  114  of the femoral component  102 . The cross-web keel  112  and a portion of the web keel  110  (i.e., the portion adjacent to the cross-web keel  112 ) can define the peg  106 . In another aspect, the wall  108  of the femoral component  102  can intersect and/or abut the peg  106 , e.g., a multiple component construction where the peg  106  is separate from the wall  108 . 
         [0030]    The femoral component  102  can be made of a cobalt chrome alloy, one or more other suitable bio-compatible materials and/or a suitable combination of materials. The femoral component  102  can also be coated (partially or entirely) in a titanium plasma coating. The titanium plasma coating can be sputter-coated onto a portion of the (or the entire) femoral component  102 . It may be shown that the titanium plasma coating can create a porous surface on the femoral component  102  that can promote bone growth thereto. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , the web keel  110  and/or the cross-web keel  112  can have a web portion  116  that can define one or more holes  118  formed (entirely or partially) therethrough. The holes  118  through the web keel  110  and/or the cross-web keel  112  can promote bone growth therethrough (or therein) after the femoral component  102  has been implanted in the femur  12 , as is illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . The plurality of holes  118  can be formed as circles, rectangles or other polygonal shapes. When the plurality of holes  118  are not formed entirely through the web portion  116 , dimples, depressions, waves and/or other suitable structures, shapes, configurations, etc. can be formed on the web keel  110  and/or the cross-web keel  112 . An edge  120  of each of the plurality of holes  118  can be chamfered, dimpled, scalloped, rounded and/or various combinations thereof and, as such, can promote bone growth therethrough (or therein). The titanium plasma coating can be applied on the web portion  116  (partially or entirely) and/or can be applied near the holes  118  and/or the edge  120 . 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the web keel  110  can have a dimension that can define a height  122  (i.e., H wk  shown in  FIG. 5 ) from a rear face  124  of the femoral component  102 . The rear face  124  can be generally opposite an articulating surface  126 . The height  122  (H WK ) of the web keel  110  can vary such that the web keel  110  can be about flush (i.e., contoured to join) with the rear face  124  near a posterior side  128  and/or an anterior side  130  of the femoral component  102 . The height  122  (H WK ) of the web keel  110  adjacent the peg  106  can be almost equal to a height  132  of the peg  106  (i.e., H P  as shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0033]    It may be shown that the varying height  122  (H WK ) of the web keel  110  and/or the relatively little difference between the height  132  (H P ) of the peg  106  and the height  122  (H WK ) of the web keel  110  can be shown to make insertion of the femoral component  102  through the incision  134  ( FIG. 3 ) relatively easier. This may be so because of the possible reduction of the propensity of catching or hanging up the femoral component  102  on the incision  134  and/or other medical equipment, including, but not limited to, an interior surface of a cannula. 
         [0034]    The height  122  (H WK ) of the web keel  110  can be based on the height  132  (H P ) ( FIG. 5 ) and/or a dimension defining a width  136  (i.e., W P ) (or diameter if applicable) of the peg  106 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . A dimension  138  (i.e., D) can define a difference in a value of the length between a top  140  of the peg  106  and a top edge  142  of the web keel  110  adjacent to the peg  106 , i.e., (D), is about equal to (H P ) minus (H WK ). The dimension  138  (D) can be less than or generally equal to the width  136  (or diameter) of the peg  106  (W P ) (i.e., D about ≦W P ). In another aspect, the height  122  (H WK ) of the web keel  110  adjacent to the peg  106  can be greater than or generally equal to a value of the height  132  (H P ) of the peg  106  minus the width  136  (or diameter) (W P ) of the peg  106 . In addition, the height  122  (H wk ) of the web keel  110  adjacent to the peg  106  can be less than or generally equal to the height  132  (H P ) of the peg  106  (i.e., H P  about ≧H WK  about ≧H P −H WK ). 
         [0035]    In further aspects of the present teachings, the height (H WK ) of the web keel  110  can be predetermined by need not based on the height  132  (H p ) and/or the width  136  (W p ) of the peg  106 , notwithstanding, the peg  106  can have a varying width, diameter and/or taper. With reference to  FIG. 6 , an imaginary plane (P WK ) can extend between the posterior side  128  and the anterior side  130  of the femoral component  102 . The imaginary plane (P WK ) can contact the posterior side  128  where the rear face  124  and the articulating surface  126  can terminate at a posterior edge (E P ). The imaginary plane (P WK ) can also contact the rear face  124  of the anterior side  130  near an anterior edge (E A ). It will be appreciated that the imaginary plane (P WK ) can contact either edge or contact near either edge (E P , E A ) of the femoral component  102 . 
         [0036]    The web keel  110  can extend from the rear face  124  substantially to the imaginary plane (P WK ). In this regard, the web keel  110  can abut the imaginary plane (P WK ) or can be spaced therefrom to accommodate, for example, curvature in the web keel  110 . As such, the web keel  110  need not be completely flush with the imaginary plane (P WK ). In other aspects, the peg  106  can extend through the imaginary plane (P WK ). In this regard, portions of the web keel  110  can be contoured to join the peg  106  and, therefore, portions of the web keel  110  can extend beyond the imaginary plane (P WK ). The cross-web keel  112  can also extend beyond the imaginary plane (P WK ) and can be contoured to join the peg  106 . 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a dimension can define a height  144  of the cross-web keel  112  (i.e., H CWK ). The height  144  (H CWK ) can be less than or generally equal to the height  132  (H P ) of the peg  106  (i.e., H CWK  about ≦H P ). The top  140  of the peg  106  can be contoured to join the web keel  110  and/or the cross-web keel  112 . Intersections  146  between the web keel  110  and the cross-web keel  112  can be rounded and/or chamfered (i.e., no sharp outside/inside corners and/or rounded edges). It may be shown that doing so can reduce the propensity of catching or hanging up the femoral component  102  on the incision  134  ( FIG. 3 ) and/or other suitable medical equipment (e.g., an interior of a cannula.) 
         [0038]    A predetermined orientation of the peg  106  relative to the rear face  124  (e.g., an angle formed therebetween) can be shown to reduce the catching or hanging up the femoral component  102  on the incision  134  ( FIG. 3 ) and/or other suitable medical equipment. As such, the peg  106  can extend from the rear face  124  in a direction that can be generally perpendicular to the rear face  124 . The peg  106  can also be positioned such that an angle  148  ( FIG. 5 ) defined between the peg  106  and the rear face  124  can be less than 90 degrees. The angle  148  of the peg  106  relative to the rear face  124  can be varied so that the predetermined angle can further facilitate compatibility with a native bone structure  150  ( FIGS. 1-3 ). 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the tibial component  104  can generally include a first member  152  and a second member  154 . The first member  152  can generally include an articulating surface  156  ( FIGS. 12A and 12B ), a circumferential surface  158  and a base surface  160 . The base surface  160  can be generally opposite the articulating surface  156 . The surfaces  156 ,  158 ,  160  can define a body portion  162 . The base surface  160  can include one three, four, or more apertures  164  that extend into the body portion  162 . The base surface  160  can also omit any apertures  164 . The articulating surface  156  of the tibial component  104  can articulate with the articulating surface  126  ( FIG. 6 ) of the femoral component  102 , as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . The articulating surface  156  of the tibial component  104  can also be configured to articulate with the native bone structure  150 , e.g., the femur  12  ( FIGS. 1-3 ). 
         [0040]    The second member  154  can include a textured portion  166  that can include one or more surfaces. In one example, the second member  154  can define one or more complementary apertures  168 , which can be generally concentric with one or more of the apertures  164  formed in the body portion  162 . A textured portion  166  can define the entire second member  154 , i.e., generally the entire second member can be textured. The textured portion  166  can also be a portion of the second member  154  such that one or more portions of the second member  154  can have the textured portion  166  and the remaining portions of the second member  154  can have a generally planar or smooth appearance. 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 14E , the textured portion  166  can define a wavy surface. In other aspects, the textured portion  166  can define other surface configurations and/or combinations thereof discussed in greater detail and illustrated in  FIGS. 14A-15F . It will be appreciated that the textured portion  166  can have a single consistent pattern, a single varying pattern, a combination of single consistent patterns, a combination of single varying patterns and combinations thereof. For example, the textured portion  166  can have a dimension  170  ( FIG. 7 ) defining a distance between crests and the troughs of similar structures. The dimension  170  between the crests and troughs and/or the dimension between crests (i.e., a pitch) can be constant and/or vary over the textured portion  166 . 
         [0042]    The first member  152  of the tibial component  104  can be made of a material that can be softer than the second member  154  can be. For example, the first member  152  can be generally made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The second member  154  can be generally made of titanium. The second member  154  can be partially (or completely) encapsulated by the first member  152  and thus can couple the second member  154  to the first member  152 . For example, the first member  152  can encapsulate the second member  154  such that only the apertures  168  are visible (not specifically illustrated). In another example, the first member  152  can encapsulate the second member  154  such that the first member  152  can encapsulate only a periphery  172  of the second member  154  and therefore can expose all or a portion of the textured portion  166 , as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 8 . 
         [0043]    The apertures  164  formed in the body portion  162  of the first member  152  can include a compliant locking mechanism  174  in each (or some) of the apertures  164 . Each compliant locking mechanism  174  can be used to secure a ball-head  176  of a bone screw  178  to the tibial component  104 . The compliant locking mechanism  174  can include two (or more) semi-annular compliant portions  180  generally opposed from one another. The compliant portions  180  can be spaced from one another and can generally define a straight channel  182  therebetween. The complaint portions  180  can also be spaced from walls  184 , which can define each of the apertures  164 , and thus can define an arcuate channel  186  between the complaint portions  180  and the walls  184 . In another aspect, a single compliant portion  180  can be spaced from a portion of the walls  184  (not specifically shown). 
         [0044]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 9A , each of the bone screws  178  (or a portion thereof) can be sized to be similar to a dental-sized bone screw and can thus be relatively smaller than typical bone screws used in previous medical procedures concerning the knee joint  10 . 
         [0045]    One or more of the bone screws  178  can be cannulated, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-9B . Each of the cannulated bone screws  178  can include an elongated channel formed along (or aligned with) a longitudinal axis L ( FIG. 7 ). The cannulation of bone screws  178  can be shown to assist the medical practitioner in inserting the bone screw  178  into a tibial plateau  188 , as shown in  FIG. 9A . Each of the ball-heads  176  of the bone screws  178  can be formed with a generally spherical shape (or other suitable polygonal shape). The ball-head  176  can be received by a spherical accepting cavity  190  (or other suitable and/or complementary polygonal shaped cavities) ( FIG. 9B ) of the tibial component  104 . 
         [0046]    Each of the bone screws  178  can also include mechanical threads  192  to secure the bone screw  178  to the tibial plateau  188 . The ball-head  176  of each of the bone screws  178  can also include a suitable socket-head  194  ( FIG. 9B ) to accept a driving member  196 . The suitable socket-head  194  can be formed as a Phillips head, a Torx® head, a square-drive head or other suitable shaped socket-head  194  ( FIG. 9D ). The longitudinal cannulation  198  ( FIG. 9C ) can be centered within the socket-head  194 , to thus allow a guide wire  200  to be placed through the driving member  196  and through the socket-head  194 . The driving member  196  can be powered manually, electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically and/or by other suitable methods or combinations thereof that produce torque. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIGS. 9C-9D , the semi-annular compliant portions  180  can move from a normal condition  202  (i.e., non-deflected) to a deflected condition  204 . The ball-head  176  of the bone screw  178  can move the compliant portions  180  from the normal condition  202  to the deflected condition  204 . The accepting cavity  190  can define the volume behind the semi-annular compliant portions  180 . With reference to  FIG. 10A , a dimension defining a distance  206  between the semi-annular compliant portions  180  (i.e., D CP ) can be less than a dimension defining a diameter  208  (i.e., D SP ) between walls  210  of the accepting cavity  190  (i.e., D SP  about &gt;D CP ). The accepting cavity  190  need not be spherical but can be rectangular (or other suitable polygonal shaped cavities) and as such, the distance  206  (D CP ) can be less than a dimension defining a width between walls of the rectangular portion. In one example, a dimension defining a diameter  212  of the ball-head  176  (i.e., D BH ) can be less than the diameter  208  (D SP ) (or applicable width) and can be greater than the distance  206  (D CP ) (i.e., D SP  about &gt;D BH  about &gt;D CP ). 
         [0048]    A length of the bone screw  178  (along the axis L) can be in a range from about 8 millimeters to about 13 millimeters (about 0.3 inches to about 0.5 inches). In one aspect, a diameter of a shaft can be in a range from about 1 millimeter to about 3 millimeters (about 0.04 inches to about 0.12 inches). In a further aspect, the diameter of the shaft can be about 2 mm (about 0.08 inches). The shaft of the bone screws  178  can taper in the area of the mechanical threads  192 . The thread configuration can resemble a wood screw thread, other suitable thread configurations and combinations thereof. The diameter  212  of the ball-head  176  (D BH ) can be in a range from about 3 millimeters to about 4 millimeters (about 0.12 inches to about 0.16 inches). 
         [0049]    The tibial component  104  can be secured to the tibial plateau  188  by snapping the tibial component  104  onto the bone screws  178 . With reference to  FIG. 9A , one or more bone screws  178  can be secured to the tibial plateau  188  by, for example, rotating the driver member  196  to insert the bone screw  178 . The guide wire  200  can be inserted through the cannulation of the driver member  196  and the bone screw  178 . The driver member  196  and/or the bone screw  178  can be used without the guide wire  200  or without the cannulation  198 . With reference to  FIG. 9B , the ball-head  176  of the bone screw  178  can be inserted through the aperture  168  on second member  154  of the tibial component  104  and thus into the compliant locking mechanism  174 . 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIG. 9C , the ball-head  176  can move the compliant locking portions  180  from the normal condition  202  ( FIG. 9B ) to the deflected condition  204  ( FIG. 9C ). With reference to  FIG. 9D , the ball-head  176  can move past the compliant locking portions  180  and into the accepting cavity  190 . As the ball-head  176  of the bone screw  178  passes the compliant portions  180 , the compliant portions  180  can move back to the normal condition  202  from the deflected condition  204 . When the compliant portions  180  move back to the normal condition  202 , the ball-head  176  can be drawn in and become captured in the accepting cavity  190  (i.e., a snap fit) and thus can secure the tibial component  104  to the tibial plateau  188 , as shown in  FIGS. 9D and 10A . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 10A , the tibial component  104  is illustrated in contact with the tibial plateau  188  shortly after implantation of the tibial component  104 . With reference to  FIG. 10B , the tibial component  104  is shown in contact the tibial plateau  188  after a period in which the bone in-growth can occur. With reference to  FIGS. 9D ,  10 A and  10 B, the tibial component  104  can be held against the tibial plateau such that the tibial component  104  exerts a force on the tibial plateau  188  because the snap-fit connection of the ball heads  176  of the bone screws  178  to the compliant locking mechanism  174  can generate the force to pull the tibial component  104  toward the tibial plateau  188 . As a reaction to that force, it can be shown that bone in-growth can occur around the first member  152  and/or the second member  154  of the tibial component  104 , as shown in  FIG. 10B . With reference to  FIG. 10B , the bone in-growth can occur around the textured portion  166 , which can be shown to result in new bone filling into the textured portion  166 . It can be shown that the bone in-growth into or around the textured portion  166  can provide a more secure installation relative to a tibial component without the textured portion. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , an alternative tibial component  214  can be formed with a locking rim  216  generally around a periphery  218  of the tibial component  214 . A complimentary locking rim structure  220  can be formed in the tibial plateau  188  and can receive the locking rim  216  formed on the tibial component  214 . The tibial component  214  can include one or more flanges  222 . For example, the tibial component  214  includes a pair of the flanges  222  that are generally opposite each other on the first member  222 . Each flange  222  can include a protrusion  224  that can engage a groove  226  that can be formed in the tibial plateau  188 . 
         [0053]    The tibial component  214  can also include a textured portion  228  that can be similar to the textured portion  166 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 14 . In one example, the textured portion  228  can be recessed into the tibial component  214  such that walls  230  can bound the textured portion  228 . The textured portion can also form the bottom (or a portion thereof) of the tibial component  214  and, as such, may not recessed. 
         [0054]    In one example, the tibial plateau  188  can be configured to accept the tibial component  104  ( FIG. 4 ), the tibial component  214  ( FIG. 11A ) or the tibial component  400  ( FIG. 15A ). Regardless of what is used, the menisci and/or other native materials of the knee joint  10  may need to be removed or resected from the tibia  14  unless already absent due to myriad medical concerns. Once the superior articular surfaces  232  ( FIG. 3 ) of the tibia  14  are exposed, the tibia  14  can be prepared to accept the tibial component  104 ,  214 ,  400 . It will be appreciated that only the medial superior articular surface or the lateral superior articular surface need to be prepared to accept the tibial component  104 ,  214 ,  400  of the unicompartmental knee implantation system  100  in accordance with the various aspects of the present teachings. 
         [0055]    With reference to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the tibia  14  can be prepared to accept the tibial component  214 . An aperture  234  can be formed in the tibia  14  that can have two of the grooves  226  and a raised portion  236 . The aperture  234  can be open on one end to permit sliding of the tibial component  214  into the aperture  234  in a direction that can be generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis  238  ( FIG. 3 ) of the tibia  14 . The aperture  234  can also be configured to accept the tibial component  214  in a direction that can be generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis  238  of the tibia  14 . 
         [0056]    The aperture  234  can define a dimension  240  (i.e., D A ) spanning the opening of the aperture  234 . The grooves  226  can further expand a portion of the aperture  234  such that a dimension  242  (i.e., D G ) between the sides  244  of the grooves  226  can be greater than the dimension  240  (D A ) (i.e., D G  about &gt;D A ). Because the grooves  226  can further expand a portion of the aperture  234 , a lip  246  can be defined by the aperture  234  and, as such, the dimension  240  (D A ) can be defined by a distance (i.e., the size of the opening) between the lips  246 . The raised portion  236  can be sized to fit into the recessed portion of the tibial component  214  and thus can contact the wavy portion  228 . 
         [0057]    The flanges  222  of the locking rim  216  can be positioned in the grooves  226  of the aperture  234  to secure the tibial component  214  to the tibia  14 . The flanges  222  can be deflected when positioned in the aperture  234  (i.e., an implanted position), such that a spring force can be applied to the lips  246  of the aperture  234  and/or other portions of the tibia  14 . It may be shown that the spring force further secures the tibial component  214  to the tibia  14 . As such, the position of the tibial component  214  causes the textured portion  228  to exert a force on the raised portion  236  and/or other portions of the tibial plateau. It may be shown that the force exerted on the raised portion  236  and/or other portions of the tibial plateau may promote bone in-growth into the textured portion  228 . 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIGS. 15A-15F , the textured portions of the tibial components  400  can be similar to the tibial component  104  but can omit the apertures  164  and can thus omit the compliant locking mechanisms  174 . The textured portions  402  will be discussed in further detail. The tibial component  400  can be secured to the tibial plateau  188  with bone cement and/or other suitable bonding materials. 
         [0059]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  12 A and  12 B, the femoral component  102  and/or the tibial component  104 ,  214 ,  400  can attach to either the medial ( FIG. 12A ) or the lateral ( FIG. 12B ) condyles of the femur  12  and the tibia  14 , respectfully. In one example, the inferior end of the femur  12  can be prepared by resecting a portion of either the medial or lateral condyles. The portion of the condyle can be further prepared (e.g., reamed and/or chiseled) to receive the femoral component  102 . 
         [0060]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the web keel  110  of the femoral component  102  can be generally aligned with an anterior-posterior plane  248  of the femur  12  ( FIG. 3 ). The cross-web keel  112  can be generally perpendicular to the web keel  110  and thus be generally aligned with a medial-lateral plane  250  of the femur  12 . The femoral component  102  can be inserted in the resected portions of the respective condyles. The peg  106 , the web keel  110 , the cross-web keel  112  or portions thereof can be received by an intramedullary canal  252 . 
         [0061]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , it will be appreciated that the anterior-posterior plane  248  and the medial-lateral plane  250  are not exactly and specifically located on the body but can provide general guidance as to orientation and location. As such, alignment of the web keel  110  ( FIG. 4 ) to the anterior-posterior plane  248  and cross-web keel  112  ( FIG. 4 ) to the medial-lateral plane  250  can provide a general orientation of the femoral component  102  relative to the femur  12 . 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , the incision  134  can be a medial parapatellar incision and can be made proximate to the knee joint  10 . The incision  134  can be of a minimally invasive type, thus the incision  134  can have an overall length of approximately 3 inches to approximately 5 inches (approximately 76 millimeters to approximately 127 millimeters). The incision (or multiple incisions) can be made at various locations around the knee joint  10  and can aid in insertion of the femoral component  102  and/or the tibial component  104 . While a minimally invasive incision  136  can be used, the femoral component  102  and/or the tibial component  104  can be compatible with other incisions and/or other suitable medical equipment. For example, the tibial component  104  and/or the femoral component  102  can be passed through a cannula and into the incision  134 . The configuration of the peg  106 , the web keel  110  and/or the cross-web keel  112 , as above-described, may be shown to reduce the propensity of hanging up or catching on the walls of the cannula. 
         [0063]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , a kit  254  is shown constructed in accordance with the present teachings. The kit  254  can include a plurality of femoral components  102  having varying peg lengths, diameters, concavities and/or other suitable femoral component configurations. The kit  254  can also include a plurality of the tibial components  104 ,  214 ,  400 . The tibial components  104 ,  214 ,  400  can also include varying sizes, configurations, degree of encapsulation, textured surface configurations, and number of locking mechanisms formed on the tibial component  104 ,  214 ,  400 , as applicable. The kit  254  can also include a plurality of bone screws  178  having varying lengths, widths, bone screw thread configurations and cannulated and non-cannulated configurations (not specifically shown). 
         [0064]    In one example and with reference to  FIGS. 14A-15F , alternative configurations  256  of the textured portion  166 ,  402  are illustrated in accordance with the various aspects of the present teachings. With reference to  FIG. 14A , the textured portion  166  can include a square-wave pattern  258  that can have a top surface  260  (i.e., similar to a crest) and a respective bottom surface  262  (i.e., similar to a trough). The square wave pattern  258  can include a height  264  between the top surface  258  and the bottom surface  260 . The top surface  260  can include a width  266  and the bottom surface  260  can include a width  268 . The height  264 , the width  266  and/or the width  268  can be uniform, varied or combinations thereof throughout the textured portion  166 . 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIG. 14B , the textured portion  166  can include a saw tooth pattern  270  that can have a top peak  272  (i.e., similar to a crest) and a respective bottom peak  274  (i.e., similar to a trough). The saw tooth wave pattern  270  can include a height  276  between the top peak  272  and the bottom peak  274 . Two adjacent top peaks can include a distance  278  therebetween and two adjacent bottom peaks  274  can include a distance  280  therebetween. The height  276 , the distance  278 , and/or the distance  280  can be uniform, varied, or combinations thereof throughout the textured portion  166 . 
         [0066]    With reference to  FIG. 14C , the textured portion  166  can include a repeating cylindrical protrusion pattern  282  that can have a top surface  284  and a plurality of bottom surfaces  286 . The pattern  282  can include a height  288  between the top surface  284  and each bottom surface  286 . A pitch  290  can be defined between two of the cylindrical portions  292  (i.e., a distance therebetween). The height  288 , the pitch  290 , the configuration of the cylindrical protrusions and combinations thereof can be uniform, varied, or combinations thereof throughout the textured portion  166 . 
         [0067]    With reference to  FIG. 14D , the textured portion  166  can include a repeating rectangular protrusion pattern  294  that can have a top surface  296  and a respective bottom surface  298 . The repeating rectangular pattern  294  can include a height  300  between the top surface  296  and the bottom surface  298 . A pitch  302  can be defined between two rectangular portions  304  in the repeating rectangular pattern  294 . The height  300 , the pitch  302 , the configuration of the repeating rectangular protrusions and/or combinations thereof can be uniform, varied, or combinations thereof throughout the textured portion  166 . 
         [0068]    With reference to  FIGS. 14E and 15A , the textured portion  166 ,  402  can include a wavy pattern  306 ,  406 . The wavy pattern  306 ,  406  can include a plurality of wave shaped grooves  308 ,  408 . The wave shaped grooves  308 ,  408  can be parallel to one another, intersect one another and/or be arranged in a random pattern. The apertures  164  can be formed through the textured portion  166  and can be omitted from the textured portion  402 . 
         [0069]    With reference to  FIGS. 14F and 15B , the textured portion  166 ,  402  can include a diagonal line pattern  310 ,  410 . The diagonal line pattern  310 ,  410  can include a plurality of diagonal grooves  312 ,  412 . The diagonal grooves  312 ,  412  can be formed parallel to one another, intersect one another, and/or can be formed in a random pattern. 
         [0070]    With reference to  FIGS. 14G and 15C , the textured portion  166 ,  402  can include a dimple pattern  314 ,  414 . The dimple pattern  314 ,  414  can include a plurality of dimples  316 ,  416 . The dimples  316 ,  416  can have varying sizes, varying depths and/or varying shapes. The dimples  316 ,  416  can be arranged in rows and/or columns or also can be arranged in a random pattern. 
         [0071]    With reference to  FIGS. 14H and 15D , the textured portion  166 ,  402  can include a radiating line pattern  318 ,  418 . The radiating line pattern  318 ,  418  can include a plurality of radiating grooves  320 ,  420  from a side  322 ,  422  of the textured portion  166 ,  402 . The radiating grooves  320 ,  420  can be formed in semi-annular shapes. The width and/or curvature of the radiating grooves  320 ,  420  can be uniform and/or random throughout portions of the textured portion  166 ,  402 . 
         [0072]    With reference to  FIGS. 14I and 15E , the textured portion  166 ,  402  can include a mesh pattern  324 ,  424 . The mesh pattern  324 ,  424  can include a first set of line members  326 ,  426  generally perpendicular to a second set of line members  328 ,  428  that can form a plurality of wells  330 ,  430  therebetween. It may be shown that the plurality of wells  330 ,  430  promote bone ingrowth and, therefore, may be shown to secure the tibial components  104 ,  400  to the tibial plateau  188 . 
         [0073]    With reference to  FIGS. 14J and 15F , the textured portion  166 ,  402  can include a plurality of patterns  332 ,  442 . The plurality of patterns  332 ,  442  can include one or more of the above disclosed patterns  306 ,  406 ,  310 ,  410 ,  314 ,  414 ,  318 ,  418 ,  324 ,  424 . The amount of each of the above patterns, the configuration of each pattern and the position of each pattern relative to another pattern may be uniform, varied or a combination thereof. The configuration of each pattern or the configuration of certain patterns relative to other patterns may be based on the native bone structure. 
         [0074]    While specific aspects of the present teachings have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalence may be substituted for elements thereof without parting from the scope of the present teachings, as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of features, elements and/or functions between various aspects is expressly contemplated herein so that one skilled in the art would appreciate from the present teachings that features, elements and/or functions of one aspect may be incorporated into another aspect of the present teachings as appropriate, unless described otherwise above. Moreover, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the present teachings without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the various aspects of the present teachings not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present teachings but that the scope of the present teachings will include any aspects following within the foregoing description and defined in the appended claims.