Patent ID: 7744602

Claim:
A tool for removing the acetabular shell of an artificial hip, said acetabular shell having a semi-spheroidal outer surface and a semi-spheroidal inner surface, said tool comprising: a. a fixture which attaches to the acetabular shell; b. a chisel guide mounted on said fixture; c. a chisel associated with said chisel guide, wherein said chisel guide controls the movement of said chisel such that said chisel substantially circumscribes the outer surface of the acetabular shell when moved; d. wherein the shell has an opening located in its center and said fixture includes an anchor which is attached to the shell through said opening; and e. wherein said fixture includes a centering plate which is circular in cross-section with a diameter which is equal to the inner diameter of an intermediate section of the shell and has a central hole which allows said centering plate to be placed over said anchor when said anchor is attached to said shell and moved along said anchor into the shell to center said anchor in said shell.