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:
TIBIAL COMPONENT OF A KNEE IMPLANT
2. APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

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

FIELD OF INVENTION
[1] The present disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a tibial component of a knee implant.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[2] Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease in which tissue/ cartilage between the knee joints breaks over time which leads to joint pain, and stiffness. The degenerative disease may affect at least one of the components of the knee joint, including tibia, patella, and femur. Similarly, rheumatoid arthritis or traumatic injury may also damage a knee joint. A knee replacement surgery is performed in such cases to relieve pain and restore function in severely a damaged knee joint.
[3] Unicompartmental knee surgery, also known as partial knee replacement, is a type of a knee replacement surgery. In a unicompartmental knee surgery, only affected portion(s) is replaced. For example, if one side of the tibial joint is affected, the affected part is replaced with prosthetic components such as, for example, a tibial prosthesis including a tibial base plate and a tibial liner. Typically, a keel and/or one or more pegs are affixed with a tibial base plate. The keel and the pegs are disposed with the tibia and help in fixation of the tibial base plate with the tibia.
[4] Conventional tibial prostheses include a tibial base plate with prefabricated keel and peg(s) provided at a fixed location in the tibial base plate. But there are complications associated with fixing the tibial base plate with the tibia because of patient-specific anatomical variations. Differences in bone shape, size, curvatures and density of the tibia brings challenge for achieving optimal fixation. For example, the standard configuration of the prefabricated keel and pegs may not adequately address the unique geometry of the tibia. Further, conventional tibial prostheses with fixed keel and pegs offer limited or no adjustability during a surgery and may not provide optimal fit according to the patient’s anatomy. This may result in mispositioning of the tibial base plate and loosening of the tibial prosthesis (i.e., irregular alignment), which may compromise its stability or biomechanical support. The misalignment and/or loosening of the tibial prosthesis may also lead to improper functioning of the knee prosthesis and compromising rotational stability of the knee joint, which is essential for optimal performance and patient satisfaction.
[5] Thus, there arises a need for an implant that overcomes the problems associated with conventional implants.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[6] 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.
[7] The present disclosure relates to a tibial component. In an embodiment, the tibial component includes a tibial base plate, a keel, and a peg. The tibial base plate includes a first slot and a second slot provided on a distal face of the tibial base plate. The keel, coupled to the tibial base plate, includes a proximal portion coupled to the second slot and slidable along the length of the second slot, thereby adjusting a position of the keel. The peg, coupled to the tibial base plate, includes a proximal portion coupled to the first slot and slidable along the first slot, thereby adjusting a position of the peg.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[8] 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 instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[9] Fig. 1 depicts an assembled view of an implant 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[10] Fig. 2a depicts a perspective view of a tibial base plate 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[11] Fig. 2b depicts another perspective view of the tibial base plate 110, according to an embodiment of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[12] Fig. 2c depicts an enlarged view of an extended portion 117 of a first slot 111 of the tibial base plate 110, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[13] Fig. 3a depicts a perspective view of a keel 120, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[14] Fig. 3b depicts a perspective view of a stopper 130, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[15] Fig. 3c depicts another perspective view of the stopper 130, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[16] Fig. 4a depicts a perspective view of a peg 140, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[17] Fig. 4b depicts a perspective view of a plug 150, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[18] Prior to describing the invention 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.
[19] 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.
[20] 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.
[21] 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.
[22] The present disclosure relates to a tibial component (or implant). The proposed tibial component may be implanted in a patient during a knee replacement surgery, for example, a unicompartmental knee surgery. In an embodiment, the implant includes a tibial base plate, a keel and a peg. The tibial base plate, the keel and the peg are designed such that positions of the keel and the peg are adjustable. A surgeon can move the keel and the peg as desired according to a patient’s anatomy for optimal fixation. This offers flexibility to customize the implant to better match the individual patient’s anatomy and requirement. As a result, the proposed implant provides improved stability, fixation, and alignment over conventional implants having a keel and a peg at a fixed location. Consequently, the risk of misalignment and loosening of the implant is reduced, thereby ensuring long-term success of the implant and improving the patient outcome.
[23] Now, referring to figures, Fig. 1 depicts a tibial component 100 (interchangeably referred to as an implant 100) of a knee implant, according to an embodiment. The implant 100 has a proximal end 100a and a distal end 100b. The implant 100 includes a tibial base plate 110. The tibial base plate 110 replaces a diseased portion of the tibia in a patient suffering from severe knee arthritis or injury. The implant 100 further includes a keel 120, a stopper 130, a peg 140, and a plug 150. The keel 120 and the peg 140 are detachably coupled to the tibial base plate 110 such that a position of the keel 120 and the peg 140 is adjustable by a surgeon as desired according to the anatomy of the patient. The adjustability of the positions of the keel 120 and the peg 140 ensures optimal fixation of the tibial base plate 110 and prevents misalignment and/or loosening of the implant 100, thereby improving the effectiveness of the implant 100.
[24] The tibial base plate 110 may be made of a material, including, but not limited to, titanium, cobalt chromium, Stainless steel 316 (SS316). In an exemplary embodiment, the tibial base plate 110 is made of cobalt chromium. The dimensions of the tibial base plate 110 may vary according to or based upon the anatomy of the patient and/or of the patient population in consideration. The tibial base plate 110 has a pre-defined shape, such as, without limitation, rectangular, square, D-shape, semi-circular, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the tibial base plate 110 has a D shape.
[25] Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b depict perspective views of the tibial base plate 110, according to an embodiment. The tibial base plate 110 has a distal face 110a. The tibial base plate 110 includes a first slot 111 and a second slot 113 provided on the distal face 110a. The first slot 111 is configured to receive a portion of the peg 140. The first slot 111 may be positioned as desired. In an embodiment, the first slot 111 is situated towards the center of the distal face 110a. The first slot 111 is elongated and extends for at least a partial length of the distal face 110a. Elongated profile of the first slot 111 facilitates adjustment of the peg 140 across a wider range of positions. The first slot 111 has a pre-defined shape, such as, without limitation, square, rectangular, semi-circular, arc, etc. In an example implementation, the first slot 111 has an arc shape.
[26] In an embodiment, the first slot 111 includes a first groove 115a provided circumferentially on an inner surface of the first slot 111. The first groove 115a has a pre-defined cross-sectional shape, such as, without limitation, square, rectangular, triangular, dovetail, semi-circular, etc. In an example implementation, the first groove 115a has a rectangular cross-section. The first groove 115a is configured to receive a portion of the peg 140 to couple the peg 140 with the tibial base plate 110. The first slot 111 includes a face 115b. According to an embodiment, an extended portion 117 is provided at one end of the first slot 111 as shown in Fig. 2a. The extended portion 117 is coupled with the plug 150. In an embodiment, the extended portion 117 includes a protrusion 117a (as shown in Fig. 2c). In an embodiment, the protrusions 117a is C-shaped. The protrusion 117a is used to couple the plug 150 with the tibial base plate 110 (explained later). In an embodiment, the extended portion 117 has a generally circular shape. Further, according to an embodiment, the width of the extended portion 117 may be larger than the width of the first slot 111. This allows the peg 140 to be easily inserted into the first slot 111.
[27] The second slot 113 is configured to receive a portion of the keel 120. According to an embodiment, the second slot 113 is situated towards a medial side of the tibial base plate 110. For example, the second slot 113 is situated adjacent to a straight edge 119 of the tibial base plate 110. The second slot 113 is elongated and extends longitudinally for at least a partial length of the distal face 110a. In the depicted embodiment, the second slot 113 extends from a peripheral surface of the tibial base plate 110 for entire length of the distal face 110a. Elongated profile of the second slot 113 facilitates adjustment of the keel 120 across a wider range of positions. The second slot 113 has a pre-defined shape such as, without limitation, square, rectangular, etc. In an example implementation, the second slot 113 has a rectangular shape.
[28] In an embodiment, the second slot 113 includes a groove 113a provided along each longitudinal face of the second slot 113. The groove 113a is used to couple the keel 120 and the stopper 130 with the tibial base plate 110. The grooves 113a have a pre-defined cross-sectional shape, such as, without limitation, square, rectangular, dovetail, semi-circular, etc. In an example implementation, the grooves 113a have a dovetail shaped cross-section. The second slot 113 includes a face 113b. In an embodiment, the second slot 113 has an opening 113c at a first end of the second slot 113.
[29] Fig. 3a depicts a perspective view of the keel 120, according to an embodiment. The keel 120 is slidably coupled to the tibial base plate 110. The keel 120 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium, Stainless steel 316 (SS316), etc. In an example implementation, the keel 120 is made of cobalt chromium. The keel 120 may have any desired shape. The dimensions of the keel 120 may vary according to or based upon the anatomy of the patient and/or of the patient population in consideration. The keel 120 helps in providing biomechanical support to the tibial base plate 110, thereby enhancing the overall biomechanical integrity of the knee joint.
[30] The keel 120 has a proximal end 120a and a distal end 120b. The keel 120 includes a proximal portion 121 situated towards a proximal end 120a and a distal portion 123 situated towards the distal end 120b. The proximal portion 121 is disposed within and slidably coupled to the second slot 113. In other words, the proximal portion 121 is slidable along the length of the second slot 113; thereby adjusting a position of the keel 120. The proximal portion 121 includes a top face 121a. The top face 121a is configured to mate with the face 113b of the second slot 113. The proximal portion 121 further includes a projection 121b provided on each longitudinal side of the proximal portion 121. The projections 121b extend for at least a partial length of the proximal portion 121. In the depicted embodiment, the projections 121b extend for the entire length of the proximal portion 121. Each projection 121b of the projections 121b is configured to mate with and slide along a corresponding groove 113a of the second slot 113, thereby slidably coupling the keel 120 with the tibial base plate 110. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the projection 121b corresponds to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the groove 113a. The projections 121b have a pre-defined cross-sectional shape, such as, without limitation, square, rectangular, semi-circular, triangular, dovetail, etc. In an example implementation, the projections 121b have a dovetail shaped cross-section. The projections 121b helps in sliding motion of the keel 120 so that the position of the keel 120 can be adjusted as desired by the surgeon according to the patient’s anatomy for optimal fixation of the tibial component 100.
[31] The distal portion 123 is disposed within a cavity of the tibia of a patient and may be fixated with the tibia using, for example, bone cement. The fixation of the distal portion 123 with the tibia provides stability to the tibial base plate 110. The distal portion 123 has a pre-defined shape, such as, without limitation, square, rectangular, triangular, cylindrical, C-shaped, handle shaped, trapezoid, quadrilateral, etc. In the depicted embodiment, the distal portion 123 has a quadrilateral shape. The distal portion 123 may, optionally, include one or more openings and/or trabecular structures for better fixation of the keel 120 with the tibia.
[32] Figs. 3b – 3c depict the stopper 130, according to an embodiment. The stopper 130 is coupled to the second slot 113 at the first end of the second slot 113. The stopper 130 prevents the keel 120 from coming out of the second slot 113. The stopper 130 has a cross-sectional shape and dimensions corresponding to the second slot 113 such that the stopper 130 snugly fits within the second slot 113. In the depicted embodiment, the stopper 130 has a rectangular shape. The stopper 130 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium, Stainless steel 316 (SS316), etc. In an example implementation, the stopper 130 is made of cobalt chromium.
[33] The stopper 130 includes a top face 131a. The top face 131a is configured to mate with the face 113b of the second slot 113. The stopper 130 further includes a projection 131b provided on each longitudinal side of the stopper 130. The projections 131b extend for at least a partial length of the stopper 130. In the depicted embodiment, the projections 131b extend for the entire length of the stopper 130. Each projection 131b of the stopper 130 is configured to mate with a corresponding groove 113a of the second slot 113. The cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the projections 131b correspond to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the grooves 113a so that the stopper 130 is securely locked with the second slot 113. In an example implementation, the projections 131b have a dovetail shaped cross-section. The stopper 130 further includes a face 131c. The face 131c aligns with the opening 113c and is flush with the peripheral surface of the tibial base plate 110 when the stopper 130 is assembled with the tibial base plate 110.
[34] Fig. 4a depicts a perspective view of the peg 140, according to an embodiment. The peg 140 helps in securely anchoring the tibial base plate 110 with the tibia. Further, the peg 140 provides stability, alignment and rotational stability to the tibial component 100, thereby ensuring long-term success of the knee implant and facilitating proper functioning of the knee joint. The peg 140 may have any desired shape. The peg 140 may be made of a material, such as, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium, Stainless steel 316 (SS316), etc. In an example implementation, the peg 140 is made of cobalt chromium. The dimensions of the peg 140 may vary according to or based upon the anatomy of the patient and/or of the patient population in consideration.
[35] The peg 140 is slidably coupled to the tibial base plate 110. The peg 140 has a proximal end 140a and a distal end 140b. The peg 140 has a proximal portion 141 situated towards the proximal end 140a and a distal portion 143 situated towards the distal end 140b. The proximal portion 141 is disposed within and slidably coupled to the first slot 111. In other words, the proximal portion 141 is slidable along the length of the first slot 111; thereby adjusting a position of the peg 140. According to an embodiment, the proximal portion 141 is generally cylindrical. The proximal portion 141 includes a top face 141a. The top face 141a is configured to mate with the face 115b of the first slot 111. In an embodiment, the top face 141a is circular.
[36] The proximal portion 141 further includes a rim 141b disposed distal to the top face 141a. The rim 141b is provided circumferentially on the proximal portion 141. The rim 141b includes an edge 141c. The edge 141c is configured to mate with the first groove 115a of the first slot 111, thereby slidably coupling the peg 140 with the tibial base plate 110. The rim 141b helps in sliding motion of the peg 140 so that the position of the peg 140 can be adjusted as desired by the surgeon based on the patient’s anatomy for optimal fixation of the tibial component 100.
[37] The distal portion 143 is disposed with a cavity of the tibia and may be fixated with the tibia using, for example, bone cement. The fixation of the distal portion 143 with the tibia helps in providing support, alignment and rotational stability to the tibial base plate 110 and to the tibial component 100 as a whole. In the depicted embodiment, the distal portion 143 is generally cylindrical having an undulating outer surface, though, in other embodiments, the distal portion 143 may have any other desired shape.
[38] Though the present disclosure has been explained with one first slot 111 and one peg 140, it should not be considered as limiting. It should be appreciated that the teachings of the present disclosure may be extended to a tibial component having more than one pegs. In an embodiment, multiple pegs (e.g., more than one peg 140) may be coupled with the first slot 111 and fixed to a respective desired location by sliding the multiple pegs within the first slot 111. In another embodiment, more than one first slots 111 may be provided on the tibial base plate 110 and one or more pegs (similar to the peg 140) may be slidably coupled to each of the more than one first slots 111.
[39] Fig. 4b depicts an exemplary plug 150. The plug 150 acts as a stopper and prevents the peg 140 from sliding out of the first slot 111. The plug 150 is configured to fit within the extended portion 117 of the first slot 111. The plug 150 has a cross-sectional shape and dimensions corresponding to the cross-sectional shape and dimensions of the extended portion 117 so that the plug 150 can fit snugly within the extended portion 117. In the depicted embodiment, the plug 150 is a circular disc. The plug 150 may be made of a material such as, without limitation, titanium, cobalt chromium, Stainless steel 316 (SS316), etc. In an example implementation, the plug 150 is made of cobalt chromium. The plug 150 includes a top face 151a configured to mate with a face 117b of the extended portion 117.
[40] The plug 150 further includes a groove 151b provided circumferentially on the top face 151a. The groove 151b is configured to mate with the protrusion 117a of the extended portion 117. The groove 151b of the plug 150 is coupled with the protrusion 117a of the extended portion 117 of the first slot 111 by a press fit mechanism ensuring that the peg 140 does not come out of the implant 100.
[41] During an implantation procedure (or during a pre-operative assessment phase), a surgeon may accurately assess the patient’s knee anatomy, identify optimal places in the tibia where the keel 120 and the peg 140 could be placed for fixing implant 100. Based on the assessment, the surgeon prepares the tibia surface of the patient during the implantation procedure by removing damaged or diseased tissue, ensuring a clean and stable surface for implantation. According to an embodiment for assembling the implant 100, the proximal portion 141 of the peg 140 is inserted into the extended portion 117 and then coupled to the first slot 111 such that the top face 141a mates with the face 115b of the first slot 111 and the rim 141b fits within the first groove 115a of the first slot 111, thereby coupling the peg 140 with the tibial base plate 110. The peg 140 is then adjusted a desired optimal position by sliding the peg 140 along the first slot 111. The plug 150 is then inserted into and coupled with the extended portion 117 such that the top face 151a of the plug 150 mates with the face 117b of the extended portion 117 and the groove 151b mates with the protrusion 117a of the extended portion 117. Further, the proximal portion 121 of the keel 120 is inserted into the second slot 113 via the opening 113c. The proximal portion 121 is coupled with the second slot 113 such that the top face 121a of the keel 120 mates with the face 113b of the second slot 113 and the projections 121b of the keel 120 mate with the grooves 113a of the second slot 113, thereby coupling the keel 120 with the tibial base plate 110. The keel 120 is then adjusted to a desired position by sliding the keel 120 along the second slot 113. The stopper 130 is then inserted into the opening 113c and coupled with the second slot 113. The top face 131a mates with the face 113b of the second slot 113, the projections 131b mate with the grooves 113a of the second slot 113. Further, the face 131c is flush with the peripheral surface of the tibial base plate 110. As explained earlier, the plug 150 and the stopper 130 prevent the peg 140 and the keel 120, respectively, from sliding out of the tibial base plate 110. The assembled implant 100 may then be implanted at the prepared site.
[42] Since the positions of the keel 120 and the peg 140 are adjustable and matched according to the individual patient’s anatomy, the risk of misalignment and sub-optimal placement of the keel 120 and the peg 140 within the tibia is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of loosening of the implant 100. Consequently, the stability and functionality of the implant 100 improves and increases the longevity of the implant 100. And the overall patient outcome is improved.
[43] The proposed implant provides several advantages. For example, the proposed implant gives flexibility to the surgeon to adjust the positions of the keel and the peg (or pegs) according to the needs of the individual patient for better fixation. This results in the proper fixation of the tibial base plate with the tibia, thus, providing stability to the implant and preventing movement of the implant. Due to the optimal placement of the keel and the peg, forces exerted on the implant are distributed evenly across the bone, thereby ensuring less stress concentrations and potential for implant loosening. Further, the proposed implant is properly aligned within the tibia, which ensures optimal functioning and biomechanics of the knee joint. Moreover, the implant helps in maintaining correct orientation of the components within the knee joint, which is essential for optimal performance and patient satisfaction. Thus, the proposed implant is more effective compared to conventional implants and improves overall patient outcome.
[44] 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 tibial component (100) comprising:
a. a tibial base plate (110) comprising:
i. a first slot (111) provided on a distal face (110a) of the tibial base plate (110); and
ii. a second slot (113) provided on the distal face (110a) of the tibial base plate (110);
b. a keel (120) coupled to the tibial base plate (110), the keel (120) comprising a proximal portion (121) coupled to the second slot (113) and slidable along the length of the second slot (113), thereby adjusting a position of the keel (120); and
c. a peg (140) coupled to the tibial base plate (110), the peg (140) comprising a proximal portion (141) coupled to the first slot (111) and slidable along the length of the first slot (111), thereby adjusting a position of the peg (140).
2. The tibial component (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slot (111) comprises a first groove (115a), wherein the proximal portion (141) of the peg (140) comprises:
a. a top face (141a) configured to mate with a face (115b) of the first slot (111); and
b. a rim (141b) provided circumferentially on the proximal portion (141) of the peg (140), the rim (141b) having an edge (141c) configured to mate with the first groove (115a) of the first slot (111).
3. The tibial component (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an extended portion (117) is provided at one end of the first slot (111), wherein the tibial component (100) comprises a plug (150) disposed within the extended portion (117), the plug (150) comprising a top face (151a) configured to mate with a face (117b) of the extended portion (117) and a groove (151b) provided circumferentially on the top face (151a) and configured to mate with a protrusion 117a of the extended portion (117).
4. The tibial component (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second slot (113) comprises a groove (113a) provided along each longitudinal face of the second slot (113), wherein the proximal portion (121) of the keel (120) comprises:
a. a top face (121a) configured to mate with a face (113b) of the second slot (113); and
b. a projection (121b) provided on each longitudinal side of the proximal portion (121) of the keel (120), each projection (121b) is configured to mate with a corresponding groove (113a) of the second slot (113).
5. The tibial component (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the tibial component (100) comprises a stopper (130) coupled to the second slot (113) at a first end of the second slot (113), the stopper (130) comprising:
a. a top face (131a) configured to mate with the face (113b) of the second slot (113);
b. a projection (131b) provided on each longitudinal side of the stopper (130), each projection (131b) is configured to mate with the corresponding groove (113a) of the second slot (113); and
c. a face (131c) configured to align with an opening (113c) of the second slot (113) and configured to be flush with a peripheral face of the tibial base plate (110).
6. The tibial component (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second slot (113) is situated adjacent to a straight edge (119) of the tibial base plate (110).
7. The tibial component (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second slot (113) is provided towards a medial side of the tibial base plate (110) and extends longitudinally from a peripheral surface of the tibial base plate (110) for at least a partial length of the tibial base plate (110).
8. The tibial component (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slot (111) is provided centrally on the distal face (110a) of the tibial base plate (110) and extends longitudinally for at least a partial length of the tibial base plate (110).