Patent ID: 8048165

Claim:
A method for removing a bearing that is coupled to a prosthetic implant by a ring, the method comprising: advancing a distal end of a removal tool in a first direction into a slit formed in the ring such that the ring expands radially from engagement with the bearing at a locked position to an unlocked position; advancing the distal end of the removal tool in a second direction such that the removal tool engages the bearing; continuing the advancing of the distal end of the removal tool in the second direction such that the removal tool urges the bearing away from the prosthetic implant; wherein advancing the distal end of the removal tool in the first direction further comprises: slidably advancing a pair of converging sloped surfaces formed on the distal end of the removal tool along opposing surfaces of the ring at the slit; and wherein advancing the distal end of the removal tool in the second direction further comprises: moving an engagement lip formed on the distal end of the removal tool into contact with an underside surface of the bearing.