Patent ID: 8163016

Claim:
An implant assembly adapted to be established between first and second bones, comprising: a first three dimensional shaped end plug adapted to be secured to a reconditioned end of the first bone; a second three dimensional shaped end plug adapted to be secured to an opposing and reconditioned end of the second bone; a plurality of ligaments extending in a cross-wise pattern including overlaying and displaceable end pockets, each of said ligaments including an elongated body and an inner filament extending within said elongated body, said plurality of ligaments adapted to extend through apertures formed in opposing profile surfaces of said first and second end plugs, each of said filaments having an elongated body terminating at opposite ends in enlarged beads which seat within said end pockets and a series of recessed cavities formed within each of said end plugs and in communication with the apertures formed in said profile surfaces, a maximum diameter of each recessed cavity being greater than a diameter of each communicating aperture so that, upon said end pockets deforming within said cavities, said beads are retained within said end pockets and said ends pockets are retained within said recessed cavities of said end plugs such that said ligaments are extended in a crosswise pattern between said plugs to provide a degree of elasticity while maintaining overall joint integrity.