Implantable elbow joint

摘要

An implantable elbow joint for connecting the upper arm and the forearm includes an axially extending sleeve of C-shape transverse cross-section, a cylindrical member engageable within the sleeve, and a connecting member implantable in the ulna and engageable with the cylindrical member in the sleeve. The sleeve embraces the trochlea of the humerus through an angle of more than 180 DEG about the sleeve axis and also serves as the abutment for supporting the radius. The sleeve has a slot extending in the radial and the circumferential directions. At least in the region of the slot, the internal surface of the sleeve is formed by a cylindrically shaped surface. A cylindrically shaped sliding member is supported in the sleeve in the region of the slot. An elongated shaft is arranged to be inserted into the ulna with one end projecting out of the ulna and extending through the slot into the sliding member.