Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
JOINT IMPLANT

2. APPLICANT:
Meril Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., an Indian company of the Survey No. 135/139, Bilakhia House, Muktanand Marg, Chala, Vapi- 396191, Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to a medical implant. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a joint of a medical implant.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] A joint replacement can be performed by removing or replacing a damaged joint with a metal or plastic or ceramic device, commonly referred as a prosthesis. Prosthesis is designed to mimic or replicate the shape and action (movement) of the natural or healthy joint that are being replaced. The joint replacement being a surgical procedure, requires preparation such as blood tests, scans, cardiogram, etc. During the surgical procedure, the damaged cartilage and bone is removed from a joint and replaced with the implant.
[003] The replacement can be performed for a damaged joint such as a knee, hip, ankle, wrist, shoulder, elbow, etc. For example, in an arthritic hip, the damaged ball (the upper end of the femur) is replaced with a metal ball attached to a metal stem that is fitted into the femur, and a plastic socket is implanted into the pelvis, replacing the damaged socket.
[004] Typically, the implants in these procedures are multi-component and are attached to each other by way of a joint. The joints may be cemented or uncemented. Implant joints considered for cemented fixation involve coupling the components by using bone cement. Usually, cemented joints wear off with time while uncemented joints have a complex construction. The conventional implant also has reduced lifespan due to the sub-optimal fit of the joint coupling components. Further, most implant fail due to wear, osteolysis, prosthetic joint infections and/or aseptic failure of the joint coupling components.
[005] Therefore, a prerequisite exists for procedures of mounting the implants on a surface of a joint that overcome restrictions of existing procedures.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[006] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are mere examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
[007] In an exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a joint for coupling a first component and a second component of an implant. The joint includes a first joint portion and a second portion. The first joint portion is provided with the first component. The first joint portion includes a proximal end, a distal end and a length extending therebetween. The first joint portion includes an orifice extending at least up to a predefined length of the first component. The orifice including a plurality of internal threads. The second joint portion is provided with the second component. The second joint portion includes a protrusion having dimensions corresponding to the orifice of the first joint portion. The protrusion includes a plurality of external threads. Upon coupling, the protrusion of the second joint portion mates with the orifice of the first joint portion, thereby coupling the first component and second component of the implant.
[008] In another exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a joint for coupling a first component and a second component of an implant. The joint includes a first joint portion, a second joint portion and at least one screw. The first joint portion is provided with the first component. The first joint portion includes a proximal end, a distal end and a length extending therebetween. The first joint portion includes a protrusion and at least one hole. The protrusion has an outer surface having an elongated face. The at least one hole is provided on the elongated face extending at least partially across the width of the protrusion. The second joint portion is provided with the second component. The second joint portion includes a bore and at least one slot. The bore extends at least partially through the length of the second component. The bore includes a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion. The at least one slot is provided in the wall of the second component that extends through the entire width of the wall. The at least one screw couples the first joint portion and second joint portion of the implant via the slot of the second joint portion into the hole of the first joint portion.
[009] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a first implant 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 1A depicts an exploded view of the first implant 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of a first joint portion 107 of the first implant 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 1C depicts an enlarged view of a second joint portion 109 of the first implant 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 1D depicts a flow chart of a method for connecting a stem extension and a base plate, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts a second implant 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 2A depicts an exploded view of the second implant 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a third implant 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 3A depicts an exploded view of the third implant 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 3B depicts an enlarged view of a first joint portion 307 of the third implant 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 3C depicts an enlarged view of a second joint portion 309 of the third implant 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 3D depicts a screw of the third implant 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3E depicts a flow chart of a method for connecting a stem extension and a keel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts a fourth implant 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts a fifth implant 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 depicts a sixth implant 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0027] Prior to describing the disclosure in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0028] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0029] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0030] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[0031] The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein to refer to the relative positions of the components of the present disclosure. When used herein, “proximal” refers to a position relatively closer to the exterior of the body or closer to the physician, or other user dealing with a medical prosthesis. In contrast, “distal” refers to a position relatively further away from the physician, or other user, dealing with the medical prosthesis or deeper inside the interior of the body.
[0032] The term “end” as used herein refers to an extreme position of the component/device while the term “portion” refers to a finite length of the component/device.
[0033] The present disclosure is directed to a joint to be employed in a multi-component implant. The joint of the present disclosure provides strong coupling of the two components of an implant and helps to avoid dislocation and loosening of the connection between the two components of the implant. As per the teachings of the present disclosure, a first component includes an orifice extending up to a predefined length of the first component while the second component includes a protrusion that mates with the orifice in a manner as described in the context of various diagrams below. For example, in a knee joint, an elongated structure of a base plate (‘first component’) includes an orifice while a stem extension (‘second component’) includes a protrusion or a cylindrical structure that couples with the orifice in the elongated structure of the base plate to form a joint like a lock and key set. Alternately, a D-shaped structure provided with the stem extension couples with the orifice in the elongated structure of the base plate. The stem extension reduces the implant movement at tibial and femoral bones, thus ensuring reduced risk of implant loosening and implantation failure.
[0034] Now referring to figures, FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first implant 100. The first implant 100 includes a stem extension 101 coupled to a base plate 103 via a first joint as per the teachings of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, the base plate 103 is a tray-like structure. The base plate 103 may be made of any medical grade metallic biocompatible material, without limitation titanium, cobalt chromium, Stainless Steel 316 (SS316), etc. In an embodiment, the base plate 103 is made of cobalt chromium.
[0035] The base plate 103 includes an upraised keel (or keel) 105. In the depicted embodiment, the keel 105 extends from the center of the inner surface of the base plate 103 and couples the stem extension 101 with the base plate 103. However, it is possible that the keel 105 can be attached to the inner surface of the base plate 103 at other locations thereof.
[0036] The keel 105 may include without limitation, a body with a pair of triangular wings or an upraised conical structure. In an embodiment, the keel 105 includes a body with a pair of triangular wings disposed on the base plate 103. The body of the keel 105 (or ‘keel body’) includes a proximal end and a distal end defining a length therebetween. FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of the first implant 100 where, a distal portion of the keel 105 defines a second joint portion 109.
[0037] The stem extension 101 includes a stem body 101a having a distal end 101b and a proximal end 101c. The stem extension 101 may be made of any medical grade metallic biocompatible material, without limitation titanium, cobalt chromium, SS316, etc. In an embodiment, the stem extension 101 is made of titanium.
[0038] The stem body 101a can be tubular having either a rough outer surface or a smooth outer surface. In an embodiment, the stem extension 101 is tubular having a rough outer surface. The stem body 101a can be hollow or solid. In an embodiment, the stem body 101a is hollow. The stem body 101a includes a straight face 101d. The straight face 101d can be used for tightening the stem extension 101 to the base plate 103.
[0039] The proximal end 101c of the stem extension 101 is coupled to the keel 105 of the base plate 103 through the joint disclosed in the present disclosure. The stem extension 101 decreases movement of the implant at the tibial bone, thereby resulting in reduction in the risk of implant loosening, eventually lessens the chances of implantation failure. FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of the first implant 100 where, the proximal end 101c of the stem extension 101 defines a first joint portion 107.
[0040] FIG. 1B depicts the first joint portion 107 of the first implant 100. The first joint portion 107 includes an orifice 107a in the stem body 101a. The orifice 107a extends at least up to a predefined length of the stem body 101a. The orifice 107a can either be threaded, semi-threaded or non-threaded. In an embodiment, the orifice 107a is threaded including a plurality of internal threads 107b. The internal threads 107b may vary in shape, and dimension. In an embodiment, the orifice 107a is of uniform width. Alternately, the orifice 107a can include a decreasing taper from the proximal end 101c towards the middle portion or distal end 101b of the stem extension 101.
[0041] FIG. 1C shows the second joint portion 109 of the first implant 100. The second joint portion 109 includes a protrusion 109a having a head 109b at a distal end, and a tail 109c at a proximal end. In the depicted embodiment, the protrusion 109a is a solid structure with an outer surface. The length of the protrusion 109a is reciprocal to the length of the orifice 107a. In an embodiment, the protrusion 109a includes a uniform width. Alternately, the protrusion 109a can include an increasing taper from the head 109b to the tail 109c. The taper dimensions of the protrusion 109a correspond to the taper dimensions of the orifice 107a for proper coupling.
[0042] The outer surface of the protrusion 109a can be a threaded, semi-threaded or non-threaded. In an embodiment, the outer surface of the protrusion 109a is threaded i.e. the protrusion 109a includes a plurality of external threads 109d. The external threads 109d may vary in shape, and dimension. The dimension of the external threads 109d corresponds to the dimension of the internal threads 107b.
[0043] The first joint portion 107 and second joint portion 109 couple together as described in FIG. 1D resulting in the first joint.
[0044] A method 120 for connecting the stem extension 101 with the keel 105 is depicted in FIG. 1D. At step 122, the first joint portion 107 and the second joint portion 109 are placed in close proximity with each other. For example, the stem extension 101 including the first joint portion 107 is placed in the close proximity with the keel 105 of the base plate 103, including the second joint portion 109.
[0045] At step 124, the first joint portion 107 and the second joint portion 109 are aligned such that the protrusion 109a of the second joint portion 109 can be threaded in the orifice 107a of the first joint portion 107.
[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second implant 200 having its components coupled via the first joint. The second implant 200 includes a femoral component 217 along with the stem extension 201 to be implanted in the femur bone as per the teachings of the present disclosure. The stem extension 201 includes a stem body 201a, a distal end 201b, a proximal end 201c, and a straight face 201d. The details of the stem extension 201 can be referred from the description of the stem extension 101 of FIGs. 1, 1A and 1B and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0047] The femoral component 217 includes a stem engagement portion 217a at the distal portion. The femoral component 217 is a partial-ball-shaped structure including an outer surface and an inner surface. From the inner surface of the femoral component 217, the stem engagement portion 217a extends centrally away from the femoral component 217. The femoral component 217 may be made of titanium, cobalt chromium, SS316, etc. or any biocompatible medical grade material. In an embodiment, the femoral component 217 is made of cobalt chromium.
[0048] The stem engagement portion 217a of the femoral component 217 is removably coupled to the proximal end 201c of the stem extension 201 through the first joint disclosed in the present disclosure. The stem engagement portion 217a interacts with the stem extension 201 to resist rotational movement of the stem extension 201 in relation to the femoral component 217.
[0049] FIG. 2A shows the exploded view of the second implant (or implant) 200. The proximal end 201c of the stem extension 201 defines the first joint portion 207. Further details of the first joint portion 207 provided with the stem extension 201 can be referred from FIGs. 1 and 1A and are not repeated for the sake of brevity. The femoral component 217 includes the second joint portion 209. Further details of the second joint portion 209 can be referred from the details of the second joint portion 109 of FIGs. 1 and 1A and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0050] It is to be noted that the first joint portion 107, 207 and second joint portion 109, 209 of the first joint may be swapped between the stem extension and the keel/ stem engagement portion. In such a case, the first joint portion 107, 207 is provided with the keel/ stem engagement portion while the second joint portion 109, 209 is provided with the stem extension. The details of the first and second joint portions of the first joint can be referred from the aforesaid figures and not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0051] The first joint is capable of withstanding high stresses generated by the forces for a longer duration during the gait cycles.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a third implant 300. The third implant 300 includes a stem extension 301 coupled to a base plate 303 via a second joint. The stem extension 301 includes stem body 301a, distal end 301b, proximal end 301c and a straight face 301d. The base plate 303 is a tray-like structure. The base plate 303 may be made of any medical grade metallic biocompatible material, without limitation titanium, cobalt chromium, SS316, etc. or any biocompatible medical grade material. In an embodiment, the base plate 303 is made of cobalt chromium. The proximal end 301c of the stem extension 301 includes a first joint portion 307 (FIG. 3A).
[0053] The base plate 303 includes an upraised keel (or keel) 305. The keel 305 couples the stem extension 301 with the base plate 303. In the depicted embodiment, the keel 305 extends from the inner surface of the center of the base plate 303. However, it is possible that the keel 305 can be attached to the inner surface of the base plate 303 at other locations thereof. In an embodiment, the keel 305 includes a body with a pair of triangular wings placed on the base plate 303 and a pair of screws 311. Further details of the keel 305, base plate 303 and the stem extension 301 can be referred from FIG.s 1 and 1A (depicting the keel 105, the base plate 103 and the stem extension 101) and are not repeated for the sake of brevity. The distal end of the keel 305 includes a second joint portion 309 (FIG. 3A).
[0054] Now referring to FIG. 3B, the first joint portion 307 includes a protrusion 307a having an elongated face 307b, a curved outer periphery 307c and at least one hole 307d. In an embodiment, the protrusion 307a is a D-shaped structure defined by the curved outer periphery 307c and the elongated face 307b. The elongated face 307b can be a flat surface, a tapered surface or a curved surface. In the depicted embodiment, the elongated face 307b is a flat surface.
[0055] The protrusion 307a may be made of any medical grade metallic biocompatible material, without limitation titanium, cobalt chromium, SS316, etc. any biocompatible medical grade material. In an embodiment, the protrusion 307a is made of titanium. The protrusion 307a may include a rough outer surface or a smooth outer surface. The depicted embodiment illustrates the protrusion 307a having two holes 307d. However, the number of holes 307d may vary as per the requirement. Further, the holes 307d extend at least partially through the width of the protrusion 307a.
[0056] The holes 307d may include but not be limited to a blind hole, a thorough hole, an interrupted hole, a counterbore hole, a spot face hole, a countersink hole, a tapered hole, a screw clearance hole, a tapped hole, a threaded hole, a semi-threaded hole, a non-threaded hole or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the holes 307d are threaded. The holes 307d may vary in shape, dimension, etc. The holes 307d may be circular, square, angular, oblong, etc. In an embodiment, the holes 307d are circular.
[0057] FIG. 3C depicts the second joint portion 309 of the third implant 300. The second joint portion 309 includes a bore 309a provided in the distal portion of the keel 305. The bore 309a extends at least partially through the length of the keel 305 (or the base plate 303). The bore 309a can have a varying shape, but not limited to circular, D-shaped, oblong, closed, open, partially closed, etc. In an embodiment, the bore 309a is D-shaped. The shape of the bore 309a corresponds to the shape of the protrusion 307a of the first joint portion 307. Further, the bore 309a includes an inner surface. The inner surface can be threaded, semi-threaded or non-threaded. In an embodiment, the inner surface is threaded to mate with the threads of the protrusion 307a.
[0058] The keel 305 includes at least one slot 309b extending through the entire width of a wall of the bore 309a. In an embodiment, two slots 309b are provided in the wall of the bore 309a. The number of slots 309b vary corresponding to the number of holes 307d provided with the first joint portion 307. The slots 309b can be threaded, semi-threaded or non-threaded. In an embodiment, the slots 309b are threaded. The slots 309b may vary in shape, dimension, etc. The slots 309b may be circular, square, angular, oblong, etc. In an embodiment, the slots 309b are circular.
[0059] The slots 309b can be coupled to the holes 307d using respective screws 311 (as shown in FIG. 3D). The screw 311 includes a main body 311a, a head 311b and a tail 311c. The main body 311a can be threaded, semi-threaded or non-threaded. In an embodiment, the main body 311a is threaded. The main body 311a may vary in shape, dimension, etc. The main body 311a may be circular, square, angular, oblong, etc. In an embodiment, the main body 311a is circular. The dimension of the main body 311a of the screw 311 can depend on the dimension of the slot 309b and the hole 307d. The screw 311 may be made of titanium, cobalt chromium, SS316, etc. or any biocompatible medical grade material. In an embodiment, the screw 311 is made of titanium.
[0060] The first joint portion 307 and second joint portion 309 couple together as described in FIG. 3E resulting in the second joint.
[0061] A method 320 for connecting the stem extension 301 with the keel 305 is depicted in FIG. 3E. At step 322, the first joint portion 307 and the second joint portion 309 are placed in close proximity with each other. For example, the stem extension 301 including the first joint portion 307 is placed in close proximity with the keel 305 including the second joint portion 309.
[0062] At step 324, the first joint portion 307 and the second joint portion 309 are aligned such that the protrusion 307a of the first joint portion 307 slides into the bore 309a of the second joint portion 309.
[0063] At step 326, the first joint portion 307 is coupled to the second joint portion 309 using the screws 311. As in, once the holes 307d of the first joint portion 307 are aligned with the slots 309b of the second joint portion 309, the holes 307d and the slots 309b are secured using screws 311, resulting in coupling of the stem extension 301 with the keel 305 via the second joint.
[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary fourth implant 400 wherein the components of the implant are coupled via the second joint in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The fourth implant 400 is an implant to be introduced in a femur bone, having a stem extension 401 attached to a femoral component 419. The stem extension 401 includes a stem body 401a, a distal end 401b, a proximal end 401c, and a straight face 401d. The details of the stem extension 401 can be referred from FIG.s 1 and 1A and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0065] The details of the femoral component 419 can be referred from FIG. 2. In this fourth implant 400, the second joint is formed by the coupling of the first and second joint portions 407, 409. The first joint portion 407 is provided with the stem extension 401 while the second joint portion 409 is provided with the femoral component 419. The details of the first and second joint portions 407, 409 can be referred from the first and second joint portions 307 and 309 of FIGs. 3B-3C and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0066] The second joint is capable of withstanding high stresses generated by the forces for a longer duration during the gait cycles.
[0067] It is to be noted that the first joint portion 407 and second joint portion 409 of the second joint may be swapped between the stem extension and the keel/stem engagement portion as depicted in FIGs. 5-6. In these figures, the first joint portion 407 is provided with the keel /stem engagement portion while the second joint portion 409 is provided with the stem extension. The details of the first and second joint portions of the second joint can be referred from FIGs. 3A-3E and not repeated for the sake of brevity.
[0068] The description above has been provided for the first joint and the second joint. Individually, the first joint or the second joint may be referred as the joint.
[0069] The force reaction analysis and stress analysis of the first joint for the tibial joint was performed. The test was carried out in Ansys. It was observed that the force reaction value of the joint was 827 N while Von-Mises stress and maximum principle stress were 43 MPa and 66 MPa respectively. These stresses were below the yield limit (795 MPa).
[0070] Similarly, the force reaction analysis and stress analysis of the second joint for the tibial joint was performed. The test was carried out in Ansys. It was observed that the force reaction value of the joint was 1000 N while Von-Mises stress and maximum principle stress were 324 MPa and 129 MPa respectively. These stresses were below the yield limit (795 MPa).
[0071] The description above refers to various components of an implant including the stem extension, keel and stem engagement portion merely as exemplary components and may be termed as first component or the second component, as applicable.
[0072] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM
1. A joint for coupling a first component and a second component of an implant (100, 200), comprising:
a. a first joint portion (107, 207) provided with the first component, the first joint portion (107, 207) including a proximal end, a distal end and a length extending therebetween, the first joint portion (107, 207) including an orifice (107a) extending at least up to a predefined length of the first component, the orifice (107a) including a plurality of internal threads (107b);
b. a second joint portion (109, 209) provided with the second component, the second joint portion (109, 209) including a protrusion (109a) having dimensions corresponding to the orifice (107a) of the first joint portion (107, 207), the protrusion (109a) including a plurality of external threads (109d);
wherein, upon coupling, the protrusion (109a) of the second joint portion (109, 209) mates with the orifice (107a) of the first joint portion (107, 207), thereby coupling the first component and second component of the implant (100, 200).
2. The joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first component is a stem extension (101, 201) and the second component is one of a base plate (103) or a femoral component (217).
3. The joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second component is a stem extension (101, 201) and the first component is one of a base plate (103) or a femoral component (217).
4. The joint as claimed in claim 1, wherein the orifice (107a) and the protrusion (109a) are tapered.
5. A joint for coupling a first component and a second component of an implant (300, 400, 500, 600), comprising:
a. a first joint portion (307, 407) provided with the first component, the first joint portion (307, 407) including a proximal end, a distal end and a length extending therebetween, the first joint portion (307, 407) including
i. a protrusion (307a) having an outer surface having an elongated face (307b); and
ii. at least one hole (307d) provided on the elongated face (307b) extending at least partially across the width of the protrusion (307a);
b. a second joint portion (309) provided with the second component, the second joint portion (309) including
i. a bore (309a) extending at least partially through the length of the second component, including a shape corresponding to the shape of the protrusion (307a); and
ii. at least one slot (309b) provided in the wall of the second component that extends through the entire width of the wall; and
c. at least one screw (311) to couple the first joint portion (307) and second joint portion (309) of the implant (300, 400, 500, 600) via the slot (309b) of the second joint portion (309) into the hole (307d) of the first joint portion (307).
6. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the protrusion (307a) is a D-shaped structure.
7. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bore (309a) is D-shaped.
8. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elongated face (307b) is a flat surface.
9. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the protrusion (307a) is defined by a curved outer periphery (307c) and the elongated face (307b).
10. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the holes (307d) are threaded and circular.
11. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the slot (309b) is circular and threaded.
12. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first component is a stem extension (301, 401) and the second component is one of a base plate (303) or a femoral component (419).
13. The joint as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second component is a stem extension (301, 401) and the first component is one of a base plate (303) or a femoral component (419).