Abstract: A centering element for a shank of a femur bone prosthesis is of three-sided pyramidal shape with an equilateral triangular-shaped base. The apex of the centering element is also rounded while a stud is provided at the base for interfitting in a recess in the prosthesis shank. The shape of the centering element enables insertion of the element together with a shank in a cavity in a bone already filled with bone cement.

Abstract: A multi-layered porous wire mesh defining a trough shape is used in association with an artificial acetabulum to strengthen the edge of a hip bone near the main load direction. The porous wire mesh is of trough shape and is filled with compacted fragments of spongy tissue for intimate uniting with the edge of the hip bone.

Abstract: The reinforcement is formed of a peg from which a plurality of flaps extend with slots formed between adjacent flaps. The flaps serve to separate a bone cement bed within the interior of the reinforcement from a layer of a compacted spongy tissue externally of the reinforcement. The slots between the flaps extend over the entire height of the reinforcement and permit substantial spreading or widening of the flaps radially in order to adapt to the individual operation cavity and to anchoring stems of different cross-sectional sizes and shapes.

Abstract: The hip joint socket has a plastic socket body which is covered on the outer surface with a multi-layer grid and which is provided with a plurality of peg-like projections of metal which are welded into the plastic socket body. The use of the metal projections and the metal grid prevent direct contact between the pelvic bone and plastic socket body in order to avoid disintegration of the plastic body by body fluids. The welding in of the projections provides a cost effective and small labor-intensive fixation of the projections in the socket body while ensuring firm and secure anchoring.

Abstract: The total implant is constructed of a prosthesis shank, a U-shaped plastic insert which envelops the proximal region of the shank, a deformable sheet metal jacket about the plastic insert and a pair of wedges which are driven into a space between the sides of the prosthesis shank and the sheet metal jacket in order to expand the jacket against the bone during implantation. A guide sleeve is also disposed at the distal end of the shank to slidably receive and guide the distal end of the shank.