摘要 |
An implantable joint for replacing a human toe joint. The joint includes a one-piece tack member implantable into the distal end of a metatarsal, and a one-piece socket member implantable into the proximal end of a phalanx. The tack member has an enlarged head defining a smooth part-spherical convex bearing surface which engages a smooth part-spherical concave bearing surface on an enlarged head of the socket member. The head of the socket member is elliptical in cross section so that the concave bearing surface extends through about 90 DEG in the vertical direction. The convex bearing surface of the tack member is nonsymmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis and extends through an angle which closely approximates 180 DEG , with this bearing surface projecting downwardly from the horizontal longitudinal axis through an extent greater than 90 DEG . Each of the members has a stem which projects for engagement within the respective bone, the stems being disposed with their longitudinal axes extending generally parallel with but disposed downwardly from the longitudinal axes of the respective head parts.
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