Patent ID: 8287549

Claim:
An instrument for handling a joint component of a joint prosthesis, which joint component includes a joint surface, the instrument comprising: a grip portion; a suction cup with an air-vent opening, said suction cup operatively coupleable in a sealing manner against said joint surface; and a pressure-relief valve operatively associated with said air-vent opening of said suction cup, said valve having a closed position wherein a distal end of said valve is engaged against a valve seat to block said air-vent opening, wherein said pressure-relief valve is coupled to an actuating element arranged so as to be movable in the region of a grip surface of said grip portion, said actuating element being actuatable, when said grip portion is gripped with one hand, with a finger or the thumb of the hand, to cause said valve to lift away from said air-vent opening from said closed position to an open position wherein said distal end of said valve is disengaged from said valve seat to unblock said air-vent opening.