Patent ID: 6312471
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An artificial condyle for use in a human hip joint, having a spherical joint shell which has a radius of curvature R.sub.1 and a curvature midpoint M.sub.1 and in cross-section a circular concave section contour, said condyle having a functional surface which is convex at least in a region which articulates in the joint shell, said functional surface having a convexly rounded form such that when said functional surface is inserted in the shell, a first radius R.sub.K1 equal to R.sub.1 is formed in a longitudinal plane X--X extending through the midpoint M.sub.1, said first radius having a midpoint M.sub.K1 coinciding with M.sub.1, and a second radius R.sub.K2 which is smaller than R.sub.K1 exists in a transverse plane Y--Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X--X and extending through the midpoint M.sub.K1, said second radius having a midpoint MK.sub.2, and a stable dimeric joint chain is formed in the transverse plane Y--Y, wherein the midpoints M.sub.K1 and M.sub.K2 have a joint axis path having a joint path radius R equal to R.sub.K1 minus RK.sub.2,and wherein the radius R.sub.K1 is constant along the entire circumference.