Patent ID: 7780736

Claim:
A method for increasing the stability of a prosthetic joint, the method comprising the step of: sandwiching a reabsorbable stabilizing device between a first prosthetic joint component and a second prosthetic joint component to reduce play between the first prosthetic joint component and the second prosthetic joint component, the first prosthetic joint component and the second prosthetic joint component cooperating to form a prosthetic joint, wherein the reabsorbable stabilizing device is positioned remote from native connective tissue and is comprised of a reabsorbable material, and wherein the reabsorbable stabilizing device is absorbed by a native body in which the prosthetic joint is implanted so that play is increased, over time as the reabsorbable stabilizing device is absorbed, between the first prosthetic joint component and the second prosthetic joint component: wherein the prosthetic joint comprises a prosthetic knee joint; wherein the first prosthetic joint component includes a tibial component; and wherein the second prosthetic joint component includes a femoral component.