Paragraph Number

59

In one embodiment, the implant 310 includes a joint-facing articular surface 312. A joint-facing articular surface 312 is a surface that faces a joint, such as MTP joint 250. The joint-facing articular surface 312 can replace at least part of a natural articular surface of a bone adjacent to a joint. For example, in FIG. 1, the joint-facing articular surface 312 may replace at least part of the natural articular surface 260 of the first metatarsal 110 in an MTP joint 250. Of course, the implant 310 may be deployed on any articular surface of a joint of the patient. In certain embodiments, the joint-facing articular surface 312 is a smooth surface that minimizes friction between the joint-facing articular surface 312 and other articular surfaces of a joint. The size of the joint-facing articular surface 312 may vary according to the needs of the patient. In certain embodiments, the joint-facing articular surface 312 is sized to be just larger in diameter than a lesion or other area of the natural articular surface 260 being replaced. In other embodiments, the joint-facing articular surface 312 is as large in diameter or greater in diameter than the natural articular surface 260.

Added by DJM 2 2022