MULTI-COMPONENT PROSTHESIS WITH INCREASED WALL FLEXIBILITY AND SEGMENTED LOCKING RIDGE TO FACILITATE COMPONENT ASSEMBLY

摘要

A multi-component hip joint prosthesis is provided comprising an acetabular cup and a plastic bearing liner, each of which defines a segmented open shell with an inferior segment thereof removed to provide enhanced flexibility. The enhanced flexibility substantially facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the components. The liner and the cup are retained in their assembled condition by interengagement between a plurality of ridges and at least one groove on the respective components. The plurality of independent ridges enhances the flexibility of the ridges, thereby further mimimizing the assembly forces required. Interengageable keys and keyways on the respective components may be provided to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The cup may comprise a removable tab to facilitate the insertion of a tool between the cup and the liner for prying the liner from the cup if necessary.