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Abstract

A prosthesis for a joint of the human body, such as the metacarpophalangeal, knee, or other joint. The prosthesis includes at least a pair of elongated stem members adapted to be inserted into and bonded to two bones which met to form the joint. The adjacent surfaces of the two stem members form an interface with each other to present the prosthetic joint interface. The two members are interconnected by a pivot mechanism comprised of a rotatable element in a slot in a first of the stem members, and a linking pin pivotally coupled to the element and to the second stem member so that the second stem member can pivot relative to the first stem member about three different axes. The mechanism is made so that the pivotal movement of the second stem member relative to the first stem member about any one of the axes can be accomplished without imparting significant torsional or bending loads to the first stem member. This assures that the first and second stem members remain implanted in the respective bones at all times.

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First Claim