Importance

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Abstract

A joint prosthesis comprising a metallic body having a plurality of negative surface features such as through-slots, deep grooves, tunnels or pits, or valleys defined between projecting fingers or flutes. The metallic body constitutes the structural component of the prosthesis, such as a shell, plate or stem. A second part attaches to and extends the body to provide both a fit and a change in the initial stiffness. The second part provides a time-evolving structural coupling, such that the prosthesis initially fits the patient's remnant bone to provide rigid fixation, while the mechanical properties shift with time in vivo to change its contact or loading characteristics. In one embodiment a femoral stem joint prosthesis is modular and the first, or structural component, accommodates bio-absorbable second components of varying geometries and dimensions which fit a range of bore sizes, and achieve different stiffnesses or strengths affecting load or strain distribution.

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First Claim