Patent ID: 7247170
Filing Date: 2007-07-24
Classification: A61B,A61F

Abstract:
1. A linked prosthetic elbow joint comprising: a first stem structure; a second stem structure; a first bearing coupled to the first stem structure including at least a first portion that defines a portion of a hemisphere; a second bearing coupled to the second stem structure and including a slotted aperture; and a coupling structure for coupling the first and second bearings, the coupling structure including a coupling member that is fixedly coupled to the first bearing, the coupling member being received by the slotted aperture; wherein the first and second bearing components are mated together to permit a load associated with the operation of the linked prosthetic joint to be transmitted therebetween and wherein the load is not transmitted through the coupling member; and wherein the second bearing is rigid and the slotted aperture is unobstructed to permit reception of the coupling member without deforming the slotted aperture.