ARTHROPLASTY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Systems for joint arthroplasty include prostheses which are secured to bone with sliding anchors. Examples include unicondylar and bicondylar knee prostheses for hemi-arthroplasty and total arthroplasty. Instruments guide the anchors into proper engagement with the prosthetic components. Methods of using the prostheses and instruments are disclosed.
1 . A joint arthroplasty system, comprising:
a prosthetic articular surface which replaces at least a portion of a natural articular surface of a bone;
a prosthetic component comprising a bone-contacting surface, the bone-contacting surface comprising at least one undercut channel extending across at least a portion of the bone-contacting surface and through a perimeter edge of the bone-contacting surface; and
an anchor comprising a rail, a blade, and a support, the rail comprising at least one lateral protrusion, the blade offset from the rail, the support connecting the rail and the blade;
wherein the rail is insertable into the channel to connect the anchor to the prosthetic component;
wherein, when the rail is inserted into the channel, the lateral protrusion plastically deforms, the support protrudes through the bone-contacting surface, and the blade is carried at a distance from the bone-contacting surface.