Abstract: An artificial joint for a patient includes a joint plateau having a recess including a first dimension and a joint overlay having a projection corresponding to the recess and a second dimension, the second dimension being larger than the first dimension at a body temperature of the patient. The projection is insertable into the recess by virtue of a temperature difference of at least one of the projection and the recess with respect to the body temperature. A contact area is formed between the projection and the recess at the body temperature. At least one of the second dimension and the contact area is determined such that fixation forces exerted on the projection at the body temperature create a state of stress in at least one of the joint overlay and the joint plateau, the state of stress improving at least one of a load-bearing capacity and a durability of the artificial joint.