Importance

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Abstract

A socket bearing assembly for a constrained ball and socket joint is provided which comprises: (a) a plastic socket bearing having a wall and a spherically-shaped cavity which has an opening defined by a rim for receiving the ball, the opening being smaller than the ball, and the wall having at least two cuts therethrough which extend from the rim towards the equator of the spherically-shaped cavity and which divide the portion of the wall in the vicinity of the opening into at least two flexible segments which can move apart to allow the ball to enter the cavity; (b) a reinforcing band; and (c) means associated with the bearing for attaching the band to the bearing at a location where the band can prevent the flexible segments from moving apart, thereby constraining the ball in the bearing. The bearing assembly is easily assembled in the operating room making it simpler for surgeons to use constrained ball and socket joints in both original and replacement implantations.

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First Claim