Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an implantable ceramic joint head which can be readily marked without a reduction in the strength of the ceramic. In the artificial ceramic joint head of the present invention having a recess into which a stem is inserted, an insert with a marking is provided in the bottom of the recess.

Abstract: An artificial femoral head having outer casing and generally spherical head inserted therein with a plurality of bearings inserted therebetween, permitting rotation with a coefficient of friction substantially equal to that of human cartilage. An artificial hip joint having a cup-shaped socket, capable of either being threaded or cemented into a bone cavity, having a generally spherical head inserted therein, having a plurality of bearings therebetween permitting rotation. Another embodiment of the hip joint includes a slide bearing inserted therebetween in addition to the plurality of bearings, permitting rotation in a range up to 120.degree..

Abstract: An artificial joint has a first member mounted on a first bone and a second member mounted on a second member. An angle defined between the first and second members is variable. The first member has a convex curved surface and the second member has a concave curved surface with is in sliding contact with the convex curved surface. A groove is formed in one of the first and second members and a boss inserted into the groove for limiting the sliding movement of the joint in a single plane is formed in the other of the members. Also, an artificial fixed knuckle bone is disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial joint comprising a first member including a butt portion located at one end of the first member and having an internal opening and a long guide groove extending to the opening and a second member in contact with the butt portion of the first member and including an expanded portion at one end of the second member. The expanded portion is fitted in the internal opening of the first member. A projection along both sides of the long guide groove prevents the expanded portion from separating from the internal opening except at prescribed positions of the first and second members. The long guide groove guides the movement of the second member as it bends relative to the first member in a prescribed direction.