摘要 |
An improved constrained socket for use with an orthopedic implant for replacing a ball-and-socket joint. The constrained socket includes cuts extending from the opening of the socket generally toward the articular region thereof. Petals are formed between adjacent cuts in the socket. The socket further includes an annular expansion cutout, with the aforementioned cuts terminating therein. The socket does not include cuts on the primary articular surface, but nevertheless has a relatively low assembly force to allow assembly of the ball-and-socket joint during a surgical procedure. The relatively low assembly force of the constrained socket of the current disclosure is due in part to the annular expansion cutout which allows sufficient outward flexure of the petals to allow insertion of the ball of the ball-and-socket joint. The ball-and-socket joint of the current invention further includes a locking ring with an interior annular beveled surface to facilitate operable positioning of same and with an exterior visual indicator to facilitate identification of the beveled end of the locking ring. The exterior visual indicator comprises an exterior annular protrusion against which axial force may be supplied for positioning the locking ring about the acetabular cup. In one exemplary embodiment, an acetabular liner incorporates the features of the current invention.
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