Importance

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Abstract

A modular humeral prosthesis for replacement of the humeral head of a humerus. The prosthesis generally comprises a stem to be fitted to a resected humerus; a head sized and configured to approximate the humeral head; and an intermediate connecting member for connecting the stem to the head. A first engagement/mounting portion is provided on the intermediate connecting member for mounting the intermediate connecting member on the stem, and a second engagement/mounting portion is provided on the intermediate connecting member for mounting the head on the intermediate connecting member. The first engagement/mounting portion has an axis about which the intermediate connecting member can be rotated through 360.degree. relative to the stem and thereafter secured at a selected relative orientation. The second engagement/mounting portion has an axis about which the head can be rotated through 360.degree. relative to the intermediate connecting member and thereafter secured at a selected relative rotation. The axis of rotation of the first and second engagement/mounting portions are not coincident, whereby the first and second engagement/mounting portions allow the head to be given a desired offset relative to the stem. Also disclosed is a modular humeral prosthesis kit comprising a variety of different intermediate connecting members that may be selected to fit the prosthesis to the patient, and a method of replacing a humeral head in a patient.

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First Claim