END SURFACE MOUNTED PLUGS INCORPORATED INTO AN ARTIFICIAL JOINT AND INCLUDING CUSHIONED SOFT PLASTIC BETWEEN OUTER HARDENED PLASTIC LAYERS TO IMPROVE WEAR CHARACTERISTICS

摘要

The present invention discloses an implant for use with a joint defining bone having a three dimensional shape and including a first exposed and joint surface defining layer and an inner most and bone mounting layer. The body further has at least one intermediate layer exhibiting a hardness less than either of the exposed layer and the inner most layer such that, upon mounting the body to a conditioned end of a joint defining bone, it provides the dual features of dynamic cushioning support and external wear resistance.