A twin-head acetabular cup which can be fixed in a pelvic bone socket for an artificial hip joint

摘要

An essentially hemispherical acetabular cup (1) for an artificial hip joint is described, which cup (1) can be fixed in a pelvic bone socket and is based on the twin-head principle. A number of radially projecting fixation elements (3) protrude from the outer shell of the cup. In the other areas, the outer shell is covered with a layer (4) of particles which form undercuts and/or open meshes. Upon implantation, the acetabular cup (1) is pressed into the acetabulum, the fixation elements penetrating the cartilage left in the acetabulum in order to effect a locking in terms of rotation. Connective tissue grows into the undercuts and/or meshes. This later compensates for the microscopic movements of the acetabular cup in relation to the acetabulum. <IMAGE>