摘要 |
A prosthetic joint such as a hip prosthesis includes a semipermeable membrane to encapsulate articulating surfaces of the joint. The semipermeable membrane permits circulation of natural body fluid to the articulating surfaces of the joint for lubrication purposes, while preventing systemic distribution of particulate generated at the articulating surfaces in the course of normal mechanical wear. In addition, the membrane isolates the articulating surfaces from other particulate debris, such as fragments of bone cement and/or bone ingrowth materials associated with the prosthesis-bone interface. One or more stay rings are carried by the membrane to prevent the membrane from becoming entrapped between articulatory surfaces of the prosthetic joint.
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