Patent ID: 6120543
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A prosthetic joint adapted to replace a natural joint comprising at least two prosthetic joint parts with curved articulation surfaces, wherein on each of the articulation surfaces is defined a contact line (k) along a circle having a center (M) and lying in a plane, wherein the articulation surfaces are arranged as a pair with respect to one another in such a manner that the contact lines (k) can roll onto one another, axes (m) running vertical to the planes and through the centers (M) of the contact circles intersect in an intersection point (S), wherein the articulation surfaces comprise ruled surfaces (3,4) which are formed from a large number of straight pathlines of contact (s) formed at one side of the contact lines (k), wherein the pathlines of contact lie on momentary connecting lines (s) extending between momentary contact points (K), appearing during the rolling movement, and the momentary intersection points (S), which are generated by a swivel movement of the contact lines (k) at an angular velocity (.OMEGA.) around a common tangent (t) of the contact lines (k) through the momentary contact points (K).