Importance

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Abstract

A load-stabilizing prosthetic joint is comprised of three basic components. A first component is adapted to be associated with a first bone and has an arcuate bearing surface and a shank terminating in a headed member. A second component is adapted to be associated with a second bone adjacent the first bone and has a terminal portion with rigid walls defining an open ended socket. A third component, for connecting the first and second components, has an internal cavity and a passage communicating therewith. The third component is sufficiently flexible to permit the headed member to be passed through the pasage into the cavity to connect the first and third components. The rigid walls of the second component embrace the third component providing support therefor, and prevent the headed member from passing outwardly of the passage in use. Included on the third component is an arcuate bearing surface mating with the arcuate bearing surface of the first component, the bearing surfaces cooperating to carry the loading forces of and stabilize the joint in use. This joint includes cooperative locking means between the second and third components to prevent their separation under lateral displacement between the first and second components.

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First Claim