Patent Abstract:
A method of reconstructing a wrist includes removing a patient&#39;s scaphoid to create a void. The scaphoid has a plurality of adjacent bones, each of the adjacent bones comprising a surface generally facing the void. The surface of at least two of the adjacent bones is prepared by affixing a magnetic element thereto and a magnetic scaphoid implant is inserted into the void. A magnetic relationship exists between the magnetic elements and the magnetic scaphoid implant.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to joint repairs and replacements. More specifically, this invention relates to repairing a wrist by replacing a bone proximate the joint with a prosthetic including a magnet. 
     As is conventionally known, the wrist is a very intricate interconnection of several bones, ligaments and tendons. The cooperation of these results in an elegant system allowing for varied and complex movement.  FIG. 1  shows the conventional structure, which includes five metacarpals  2 , the radius  4 , the ulna  6 , and eight carpal bones. The carpal bones include the trapezium  10 , the trapezoid  12 , the capitate  14 , the hamate  16 , the pisiform  18 , the triquetrum  20 , the lunate  22 , and the scaphoid  24 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , outer surfaces of the scaphoid  24  cooperate with corresponding surfaces of the surrounding carpal bones and the radius. 
     Arthritis of the wrist is a common ailment. There are multiple etiologies for the development of wrist degenerative arthritis, including trauma, inflammatory, and crystal induced. The two most common causes of wrist degenerative arthritis are scapholunate ligament tears and scaphoid fractures. When a scapholunate ligament tear is left untreated, a progression of degenerative arthritis can occur, known as SLAC wrist. Scaphoid fractures that do not heal and that go onto non-union develop a progression of wrist degenerative arthritis known as SNAC wrist. 
     In SLAC wrist, the progression of the degenerative arthritis originates at the radial styloid. Due to the abnormal mechanics after a scapholunate ligament tear, the main stabilizer between the scaphoid and lunate is disrupted. As a result, the scaphoid flexes forward and the lunate and triquetrum extend dorsally. Due to the fact that the scaphoid is volar flexed it has difficulty clearing the radial styloid with wrist flexion and extension, causing abnormal wear and degeneration at the radial styloid. This is the first stage of SLAC wrist degenerative arthritis. 
     The second stage occurs with increased abnormal mechanics at the radioscaphoid joint region. As a result of the scaphoid being in a more flexed position, increased pressure and wear occur on the dorsal aspect of the scaphoid fossa articular surface of the distal radius and dorsal aspect of the scaphoid. With continued abnormal forces and wear, formation of degenerative arthritis occurs. In the third stage, the arthritis occurs at the capitolunate joint, and stage four occurs when the capitate head sinks deeper in the interval between the scaphoid and lunate. In many cases the radiolunate joint is spared, but not always. 
     In stage 1 of SNAC wrist, the distal pole of the scaphoid cannot clear the radial styloid and degenerative arthritis occurs at the styloid region. In stage 2, degenerative arthritis occurs at the radioscaphoid joint. In stage 3 the arthritis occurs at the capitolunate joint. 
     In both types, the disease progression is fairly predictable. Conventional attempts at combatting arthritis at any stage generally include reconstructive procedures such as removing carpal bones and/or fusing several of the carpal bones to each other as well as to the radius. These types of drastic procedure can severely limit motion of the wrist after surgery. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved method and procedure for repairing the wrist. 
     As a result there is a need for a procedure that can recreate the normal anatomic relationship of the carpal bones, can recreate the normal anatomy and kinematics of the wrist in the earlier stages of the disease, and will lead to improved functional outcomes as compared to the reconstructive procedures that are used presently. To this end, there also is a need in the art for a procedure for replacing the scaphoid while maintaining relative movement of the carpal bones relative to each other as well as relative to the radius and ulna. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure satisfies the foregoing need in the art by providing an improved method and apparatus for doing selective replacement of portions of the wrist, including replacing only the scaphoid. 
     In one aspect of the invention, a method of reconstructing a wrist includes removing a patient&#39;s scaphoid to create a void. The scaphoid has a plurality of surfaces and a plurality of adjacent bones that are aligned with the scaphoid surfaces, each of the adjacent bones comprising a joint surface generally facing the void. The joint surfaces of at least two of the adjacent bones are prepared by affixing a magnetic element to the bone, and a scaphoid implant is inserted into the void. A magnetic relationship exists between the magnetic element(s) and the scaphoid implant. More specifically, the magnetic element(s) and/or the scaphoid implant include a magnet. 
     In another aspect of the invention, a prosthesis includes a scaphoid implant approximating the size of a scaphoid to be replaced, a first bone implant securable to a first bone adjacent the scaphoid to be replaced, and a second bone implant securable to a second bone adjacent the scaphoid to be replaced. The first and second bone implants each have a magnetic relationship with the scaphoid implant. 
     In another embodiment of the invention as more joint surfaces are effected by the disease process more magnetic connections are necessary. 
     These and other aspects and features of the invention will be appreciated with reference to the following detailed description and accompanying figures, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view showing the anatomy of the human wrist. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a wrist-repair apparatus according to this disclosure, in which a prosthesis replaces the scaphoid. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a wrist-repair apparatus according to this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4A-4I  illustrate a method of repairing a wrist using the apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of a wrist-repair apparatus according to this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of concepts of the invention used to repair an ankle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As noted above, the present invention relates to joint replacement. One present embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     As used herein, a “magnetic element” generally refers to a component that includes a magnet or that responds to a magnetic field, i.e., by being attracted to or repelled by a magnet. 
     A “magnetic implant” is a type of magnetic element that is implanted into the body. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the bones of the wrist are illustrated. Specifically, the metacarpal bones  2 , the radius  4  and seven of the carpal bones  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22  are illustrated. Different from the natural anatomy of the hand, however, the scaphoid has been removed from the hand illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In its place, a magnetic implant, here a scaphoid implant  100  has been inserted such that the implant  100  is aligned proximate to the adjacent bones. The implant  100  is illustrated as having a generally oblong shape, substantially similar to the shape of the removed scaphoid. Accordingly, the implant  100  is arranged proximate surfaces of the trapezium  10 , the trapezoid  12 , the capitate  14 , the lunate  22  and the radius  4 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the implant  100  features a series of scaphoid implant magnetic elements  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  122 ,  104  disposed on an external surface of the scaphoid implant  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the magnetic elements is a magnet arranged to face one of the bones proximate the implant  100 . 
     The scaphoid implant magnetic elements  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  122 ,  104  cooperate with magnetic elements disposed on each of the adjacent bones. Specifically, the scaphoid implant magnetic element  110  is arranged to cooperate with trapezium magnetic element  10   m  disposed on the trapezium  10 , the scaphoid implant magnetic element  112  is disposed to cooperate with a trapezoid magnetic element  12   m , which is disposed on the trapezoid  12 , the scaphoid implant magnetic element  114  is disposed to cooperate with a capitate magnetic element  14   m  disposed on the capitate  14 , the scaphoid implant magnetic element  122  is disposed to cooperate with a lunate magnetic element  22   m  disposed on the lunate  22 , and the scaphoid implant magnetic element  104  is disposed to cooperate with the radius magnetic element  4   m  disposed on the radius  4 . Each of the scaphoid implant magnetic elements  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  122 ,  104  is illustrated as protruding from a surface of the implant  100 . This is not required. For example, the magnetic elements may be imbedded in a surface of the implant  100 . In one example, the implant  100  may include a series of bores or similar cutouts in its surface, each disposed to accept the respective magnetic element. The magnetic elements may be retained in such a bore or opening using any conventional method, including but not limited to adhesive, press fit, and by other mechanical fasteners. 
     The trapezium magnetic element  10   m , the trapezoid magnetic element  12   m , the capitate magnetic element  14   m , the lunate magnetic element  22   m , and the radius magnetic element  4   m  all are illustrated as protruding from a surface of the respective bone to which they are attached. In practice, the magnetic elements could be attached to the bone using any known method including adhesive or mechanical fastener, cement or screw. In addition in another embodiment the magnets could be flush with the surface of the respective bone. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the surface of the respective bone to which each of the magnetic elements is placed may require some preparation prior to attachment of the magnetic element. For example, each of the bone surfaces to which the magnetic elements are attached may need to be stripped of any ligament. Moreover, degenerated cartilage and bone material may necessarily be removed from the bone. 
     As indicated above, the magnetic implants disposed on the carpal bones surrounding the removed scaphoid and the magnets disposed on the scaphoid magnetic implant cooperate with each other. Accordingly, they are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, i.e., each magnetic element in each carpal bone has a mating or coupling magnetic surface in the scaphoid magnetic implant. In one embodiment, both magnetic elements in each of the respective couplings include magnets, which cooperate by having an opposite polarity, thus attracting each other. In this embodiment, an attraction is made between the trapezium magnetic element  10   m  and the scaphoid implant magnet  110 , the trapezoid magnetic element  12   m  and the scaphoid implant magnet  112 , the capitate magnetic element  14   m  and the scaphoid implant magnet  114 , the lunate magnetic element  22   m  and the scaphoid implant magnet  122 , and the radial magnetic element  4   m  and the scaphoid implant magnet  104 . Each of the scaphoid implant magnets may have a north polarity while the bone magnetic elements disposed on the carpal bones and the radius will have a south pole. Of course, this arrangement could be reversed. Moreover, some of the implant magnets could have a north polarity while others have a south polarity. The respective coupling carpal bone or radius magnetic elements have the opposite polarity in this arrangement. 
     In still other embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable that the respective implant and bone magnet couples repel each other. In one such embodiment, the scaphoid implant  100  would be repelled by the magnetic elements associated with each of the carpal bones  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  22  and the radius  4 , causing the scaphoid implant to remain suspended between each of the bones. In other arrangements, some scaphoid implant/bone magnet couples could attract while others could repel. 
     According to the embodiments just described, the functionality of the wrist after inserting the implant  100  is substantially the same as prior to surgery and removal of the scaphoid. The magnet pairs preferably, whether attracted or repelled relative to each other, will move relative to each other in a sliding engagement, as necessary, recreating the normal kinematics of the wrist. Thus, the drawbacks of a complete wrist fusion are avoided, but the defective scaphoid and degenerative surfaces of the adjacent bones are removed, thereby providing pain relief and increased function. 
     Although  FIG. 2  shows five magnet pairs, other embodiments also are contemplated. For example as few as two magnet pairs could be included. In preferred embodiments, those pairs could include the implant magnet  112  and the trapezoid magnet  12   m  and the implant magnet  104  and radius magnet  4   m . Similarly, the pairs may be the implant magnet  110  and the trapezium magnet  10   m  and implant magnet  122  and lunate magnet  22   m . In each of these alternative embodiments, the magnet pairs may preferably be disposed proximate opposite sides of the scaphoid implant  100 , although such is not necessary. The magnet pairs may instead be disposed on adjacent bones such as on the lunate and the capitate, by way of non-limiting example. 
     In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention, the implant magnets  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  122 ,  104  or the magnetic elements attached to the bones  10   m ,  12   m ,  14   m ,  22   m ,  4   m  may not be magnets at all. Instead, one or the other could be a ferrous material or an alternative material that responds to a magnetic field so as to be attracted (or repelled) by the magnet disposed on the adjacent surface. For example, each of the implant magnets  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  122 ,  104  could be a ferrous material instead of a magnet, and thus would be attracted to each of the magnets disposed on the carpal bones and the radius. In a similar embodiment, the implant  100  may simply be made of a ferrous material, which would be attracted to the magnets disposed on the bones. This arrangement would alleviate the need for separate components attached to the implant  100 , such as those surfaces illustrated by reference numerals  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  122 , and  104 . Although adjacent surfaces of the bone and the magnetic material are shown as being generally planar, this is not required. For example, the magnets may have surface curvature which may approximate the curvature of the scaphoid and/or other, adjacent bones. 
     In yet another embodiment of the invention, the scaphoid implant  100  may be a magnet, and the bone magnetic elements represented by reference numerals  10   m ,  12   m ,  14   m ,  22   m , and  4   m  may be ferrous surfaces or magnets of opposite polarity. The ferrous surfaces may be implanted, or may simply be added to a screw or the like that is fastened to the bone. In this embodiment, the implant  100  will attract each of the implants placed in the proximate bones, resulting in a similar arrangement as described above. 
     Depending upon the strength of the magnets used, the embodiments of the invention may further require a shield that is placed over the magnetic components of the invention, i.e., to limit the impact of the magnetic field beyond the inside of the wrist. For example, it may be desirable to shield the magnetic components to prevent accidental attraction or repulsion of the magnetic components to metal or magnets in the environment that the user may operate or handle with the hand having the replaced wrist. 
     A preferred method of using an implant  100  such as described above generally includes making an incision in the user&#39;s wrist. This is common with a conventional wrist replacement surgery. The scaphoid preferably is freed from adjacent bones and tissue by cutting connective tissue, and is then removed from the wrist entirely. The surfaces of the trapezium  10 , trapezoid  12 , capitate  14 , lunate  22  and the radius  4  that articulate with the scaphoid are then prepared by removing any connective tissue and degenerated cartilage and bone, as appropriate. 
     An implant or a component is then fixed to each of those prepared surfaces. For example, the implant may be the bone magnetic elements  10   m ,  12   m ,  14   m ,  22   m , and  4   m  described above. As noted above, the magnets may be fixed to the surface of the bones by any conventional means including adhesive and mechanical fasteners, such as bone cement. In one embodiment, the magnet is arranged on the head of a screw, such as a surgical screw, which would be inserted into the bone in a conventional manner by a surgeon. Once each of the surfaces has been prepared, the scaphoid implant  100  is put into place between those surfaces. The scaphoid implant  100  may be sized such that it is pressed into the opening between the prepared surfaces with force. Once pressed into place, the magnetic relationship between the scaphoid implant magnetic elements  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  122  and  104  and the bone magnetic elements  10   m ,  12   m ,  14   m ,  22   m , and  4   m  act to retain the scaphoid implant  100  in place. As required, a shielding mechanism may be placed over the magnets. The shield is so placed to shield the magnetic field from affecting any area outside of the wrist. In one embodiment, the magnets and the shielding mechanism may be integrally formed. For example, the magnets may be generally cylindrical in shape, with a center, cylindrical region that is magnetized and a surrounding cylindrical region that is non-magnetized. This non-magnetized region could actually act to dissipate the magnetic field of the central magnet, so the magnetic field acts substantially only at the ends of the magnet. The procedure is completed by suturing the incision closed. 
     Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in which a single magnetic element is included as a plate  211 , spanning and attached to both the trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12 . As illustrated by this embodiment, it is not required that the magnetic bone implants and the bones have one-to-one correspondence as in the prior embodiments, but instead a single magnetic implant may be fixed to more than one bone. In this embodiment, the scaphoid implant  200  is magnetic and the magnetic bone implant  211  spanning the trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12  has an opposite polarity, such that the magnetic bone implant  211  is attracted to the scaphoid implant  200 . 
     Also in this embodiment, an insert  213  is fastened to the magnetic bone implant  211  such that the insert  213  is arranged on a face of the bone implant  211  facing the scaphoid implant  200 . The insert  213  is disposed for contact by the scaphoid implant  200 , and provides a surface upon which the implant  200  moves freely. In a preferred embodiment, the insert  213  is made of a biocompatible material having a low coefficient of friction. Examples of such materials include polymers such as polyethylene, ceramics, and pyrolytic carbon (pyrocarbon). The insert  213  is preferably to provide a smooth gliding surface to prevent metal-on-metal wear, especially because the opposing implant contact surfaces will move relative to each other. Also the insert will be thin enough and be made of appropriate material to allow unimpeded attraction of magnetic surfaces on opposing sides of the insert  213 . 
     The implant  213  preferably is fixed to the magnetic bone implant  211 . Fasteners may be used to this end, but in a preferred embodiment the insert is sized to be snapped onto the magnetic bone implant  211 . In one embodiment, edges of the insert have one or more extensions that engage over the sides of the bone implant  211 . In another embodiment, the bone implant has one or more bores drilled therein and the insert has mating protrusions on the surface facing the bone implant  211 . The protrusions are press fit into the bores to retain the insert  213  on the implant  211 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate additional mechanisms for retaining the insert  213  on the implant  211 . 
     The insert  213  preferably is contoured to accommodate the contour of the scaphoid implant  200 , i.e., such that the scaphoid implant  200  and the insert  213  articulate relative to each, as in normal wrist operation. Moreover, and as will be described in more detail below, the bone implant  211  and insert  213  preferably are positioned to closely approximate the pre-surgery size and shape of the trapezium and trapezoid original surfaces. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 3  is a second magnetic implant  204 , provided on the distal radius  4 , and having the same polarity as the first magnetic bone implant  211  spanning the trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12 . The second magnetic bone implant  204  preferably is inserted into the distal radius and an insert  205  is disposed thereon, much like the insert  213  described above. Also shown in  FIG. 3  are magnetic implants, which are illustrated as substantially cylindrical magnets  214  and  222  disposed on the capitate  14  and the lunate  22 , respectively. Fixation methods such as those described above may be used to affix the magnets to the respective bones. For example, the first magnetic implant  211  is screwed into the trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12  in the illustration using surgical screws  230 . The second magnetic bone implant  204  may be press fit into a cup or indentation formed in the distal radius  4 , or it could be affixed using screws, adhesives or any other known method. 
     A preferred method of implementing the prosthetic system of  FIG. 3  now will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4A-4I . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the defective scaphoid is first removed. As will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, the scaphoid is accessed by making necessary incisions, opening the wrist capsule, and removing ligaments, as required. As also illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the surfaces  10   a ,  12   a  of the trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12  that articulate relative to the scaphoid are precisely prepared by removing any and all arthritic bone and cartilage, using conventional tools, such as surgical saws, chisels, and the like. Jigs also may be constructed particularly for use in the method. A small amount of subchondral bone also is removed, but much of the trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12  are left in place. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4B , the first magnetic bone implant  211  is fixed to the prepared trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12 . In the illustration, surgical screws  230  are used to retain the plate  211 . The screws  230  are illustrated as extending into the trapezium  10  and the trapezoid  12 . In other embodiments, the screws may extend into the metacarpals, which may increase stability. Alternatively, or in addition, cement or glue may be used to fix the first magnetic bone implant  211 . The surface of the implant  211  contacting the trapezium and the trapezoid preferably has bone ingrowth surfaces, as are conventional in the art. 
     In  FIG. 4C , the insert  213  is fixed to the first magnetic bone implant. As detailed above, the insert is preferably a thin, low-friction material upon which a scaphoid implant  200  will freely articulate. The insert  213  may be contoured to accommodate the scaphoid implant  200 . 
     In  FIG. 4D , the surgeon removes any arthritis from the portion of the radius surface that articulates with the scaphoid, namely, the radial scaphoid fossa, as well as a small amount of subchondral bone. After prepared, the radial fossa preferably has a concave shape. A bore hole (not shown) also may be drilled longitudinally into the radial fossa. The bore may be provided, to receive a spike, keel or similar protrusion on the second magnetic bone implant  204 . In other embodiments, the spike or keel may be driven directly into the bone. 
     In  FIG. 4E , the second bone implant  204  is fixed to the prepared surface of the radial fossa. The implant  204  may be fixed with screws, adhesive, cement, or press fit or any known methodology. In the illustrated embodiment, a keel protrudes from the back surface of the second magnetic bone implant  204  and the implant  204  is hammered into the radius. The keel provides increased fixation and stability to the implant. In other embodiments, other fasteners, such as screws, may be used for secure affixation. 
     In  FIG. 4F , the insert  205  is fixed to the second magnetic bone implant  204 . As with the insert  213 , the insert  205  preferably snaps onto the implant  204 , although other attachment means may be used. Also as with the insert  213 , the radial implant insert is made of a material such as polyethelene or ceramic to provide a smooth gliding surface between the implants. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 4G , the surgeon drills bore holes into the capitate  14  and the lunate  22 , and in  FIG. 4H  the magnets  214 ,  222  are pressed into the bores. The magnets  214 ,  222  preferably are press fit into the bore holes, although they may be retained in the capitate  14  and lunate  22  by any conventional means. As with the first magnetic bone implant  211  and the second magnetic bone implant  204 , the magnets  214 ,  222  preferably include porous ingrowth surfaces. An insert (not shown) also may be provided on each of the magnets  214 ,  222 , to minimize friction between the magnets  214 ,  222  and the implant  200  (shown in  FIG. 4I ). Such an insert could be similar to the inserts  205 ,  213 . 
     In  FIG. 4I , the scaphoid implant  200  is placed in the void bounded by the inserts  205 ,  213 . In the preferred embodiments, the surfaces of the inserts  205 ,  213  and of the magnets  214 ,  222  form a void for receiving the scaphoid implant  200 . Each of those surfaces is disposed approximately at the position of the removed surface of the original bone and preferably has a concave surface. Moreover, as illustrated, the majority of the original surfaces of the lunate and capitate that face the scaphoid and in which the magnets  214 ,  222  are placed, are maintained, because the disease process generally will not affect those surfaces. For instance, the surface of the insert  205  approximates the position, contour and size of the original radius surface. Accordingly, the scaphoid implant  200  approximates the size and shape of the removed scaphoid (pre-injury). In this manner, the reconstructed anatomy of the wrist is substantially the same as the original anatomy of the wrist. In one preferred embodiment, the scaphoid implant is placed into the void to cooperate with recessed or concave areas of the magnets/implants placed in the trapezium, trapezoid, and radius, for example. To this end, those surfaces may have a generally concave shape to receive a generally convex feature on the outer surface of the scaphoid implant. This relationship between the concave and convex surfaces, combined with the attractive forces between the magnetic implant  200  and the magnetic implants  211 ,  204  and magnets  214 ,  222 , hold the implant in place. The surgery is completed by closing up any incisions. As will be appreciated, the size and features of the implants, magnets and plates, including the convex and concave shapes of the implant and the plates fixed to the bones, are intended to closely recreate the original physiology and functioning of the wrist. 
     In the embodiment described in connection with FIGS.  3  and  4 A- 4 I, the bone implants  211 ,  204  are magnets. That is, they may be a magnetized plate. Alternatively, the implants may be made of more than one component, for example, a non-ferrous plate or component with one or more attached magnets. The non-ferrous material may be non-metallic, such as, pyrocarbon or ceramic, which could alleviate the need for an insert, i.e., because there would be minimal friction between the implant and the scaphoid implant  200 . In other embodiments, the insert may still be used. Moreover, although in the embodiments described above the insert is applied to the magnetic implants after those implants are affixed to the bone, the inserts could be applied to the magnets before the magnets are attached to the respective bones. 
     The magnets described in this disclosure preferably have up to 5000 Gauss surface strength. They are made from any number of materials, including neodymium, metal alloy, ceramic or rubberized magnetic material. The inserts are preferably relatively thin members, such that they do not impede the magnetic attraction between the implant  200  and the surrounding magnets/implants. 
     FIGS.  3  and  4 A- 4 I generally illustrate a methodology for replacing a scaphoid in a manner that closely approximates pre-injury wrist kinematics and physiology. According to the methods described above, injured bone and/or tissue are replaced, but the remainder of the wrist is left intact. In a preferred embodiment, as much as possible of the original wrist structure is left in place. This methodology is in stark contrast to previous methods in which an entire row or more of carpal bones are removed and remaining structure is fused. 
     However, the invention is not limited to replacing only the scaphoid. As described in the Background of the Invention section, common wrist arthritis diseases follow a common pattern. The embodiments described above are generally successful at repairing a SLAC or SNAC wrist that is at Stage 1 and even Stage 2. Further progressed arthritis, though, may not be fixed by replacing only the scaphoid. If the injury is not diagnosed until farther along in the process, the composition of the capitate may also be compromised. In such a situation, another embodiment of the invention contemplates providing a capitate implant, such as is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . It is at the discretion of the surgeon whether such an additional implant is indicated based on the severity of the disease process. 
     In  FIG. 5 , the scaphoid and capitate have been replaced, respectively, with a scaphoid implant  200  and a capitate implant  300 . Like in previous embodiments, the bones surrounding those implants are prepared, e.g., by removing diseased surfaces, and bone magnetic elements are attached thereto. The scaphoid and capitate implants  200 ,  300  are then inserted into the respective voids created by removing the native bones. In a preferred embodiment, the scaphoid and capitate implants  200 ,  300  are attracted to each other, as is generally illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     In the illustration, two lunate magnetic elements  222   a ,  222   b  are placed in the lunate, the first element  222   a  for communicating with the scaphoid implant  200  in the same manner as the lunate magnetic element  222  described above and the second element  222   b  for communicating magnetically with the capitate implant  300 . Also in  FIG. 5 , a hamate magnetic member  216  is affixed to the hamate  16  in a position to have a magnetic relationship with the capitate implant  300 . A metacarpal magnetic implant  202  also is provided on the third metacarpal, for cooperating magnetically with the capitate implant  300  and an insert  203  is provided on the metacarpal magnetic implant  202 . As illustrated, the magnetic elements  222   a ,  222   b , and  216  are similar to magnetic elements described above, which are inserted into bore holes formed in the respective bone, and the metacarpal magnetic implant  202 , is similar in composition to the implants  204 ,  211 . This alternative embodiment is not limited to these arrangements. Generally speaking, the specifics of the type, size, and placement of the magnetic implants will be dictated by the procedures undertaken to remove diseased areas from surrounding bones. 
     Like in previous embodiments, in the embodiment of  FIG. 5  other bones and structure in the joint are not affected by the prosthesis. So, for example, native structure is left intact where possible, while diseased surfaces and bones are repaired. The magnetic relationships between the magnetic implants, the scaphoid implant, and the capitate implant act to provide proper orientation of the components, essentially serving as “magnetic ligaments.” The overall result is a reconstructed wrist with operation that very closely approximates pre-injury operation. 
     As should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art, other or additional bones in the wrist could also be replaced with a similar implant, for example, because the disease has further progressed. 
     Although the invention has been described in terms of replacing a wrist, it may be used in other instances. Specifically, the novel concepts described herein may be used in other instance of complex joints that include more than three bones that move relatively. 
     For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a foot  402  in which the talus has been replaced with a talus implant  500 . Like in the embodiments described above, surfaces of the navicular, the tibia and fibula, and/or the calcaneus may be freed from arthritis or other disease and fitted with a magnetic implant that cooperates with the talus implant to recreate anatomy prior to the injury. In  FIG. 6 , a calcaneus magnetic implant  630  is provided in the calcaneus  30  and a navicular magnetic element  632  is provided in the navicular  32 . As will be appreciated, other or additional bones also may include magnetic elements, and the invention is not limited to the magnetic elements illustrated. For example  FIG. 6  also illustrates a fibular magnetic element  634  and a tibial magnetic element  636 . Those elements are disposed at the distal end of the fibula and tibia, and are similar in construction and application to the radial magnetic element  204  shown in  FIG. 3 , disposed in the radius. Although not illustrated, an insert may be disposed on each of the fibular and tibial magnetic elements  634 ,  636 . In other embodiments, other bones may be replaced with an implant. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the illustrated magnetic attachments; any of the magnetic attachments described in the disclosure can be used to hold the talus implant  500  in place. As should be appreciated, the invention is particularly useful in complex joints like the wrist, ankle and foot, where the joint comprises a plurality of bones, and those bones move relative to each other. 
     The invention also is not limited to application in humans. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate many additional applications, such as in animal applications. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with several presently preferred embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications and changes may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention which accordingly is intended to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0