Patent ID: 7572294
Filing Date: 2009-08-11
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A system for replacing a portion of a hip joint comprising: a cup having an outer acetabulum engaging surface, an inner bearing facing surface and an upper rim portion, said upper rim portion including a slot having a ramped surface that slopes downward to said inner bearing facing surface, said outer surface engagable to an acetabulum; a bearing having an outer bearing surface and an inner articulating surface, said outer bearing surface positioned adjacent said inner bearing facing surface; a ring selectively disposed between said cup and said bearing, said ring including an annular body having a slit formed therein, said ring movable between a locked position and an unlocked position wherein said ring retains said bearing relative to said cup in said locked position; and a removal tool having a proximal end and a distal end, said distal end defining having a ring engaging surface and a bearing engaging surface, said ring engaging surface adapted to engage said ring at said slit such that said ring expands radially from said locked position away from engagement with said bearing to said unlocked position, said bearing engaging surface configured to engage said ramped surface, adapted to engage said bearing and urge said bearing away from said cup.