Abstract: An acetabular rim cutter has an annular cutting face provided on a rotatable carrier. A coupler is provided for attaching the carrier to a rotational power source. A guide element is axially aligned with the cutting face to locate and align the cutting face on the acetabulum with which it is to be used. Preferably, the guide element is axially movable in relation to the cutting face and a resilient element is provided for biasing it axially away therefrom.

Abstract: A prosthetic fixing plate comprises a component to be located into the acetabulum prior to the insertion of a prosthetic ball joint cap. The plate has a closure wall adapted to close the wall or rim of the acetabulum across any discontinuity therein, and a locator is provided for locating said closure wall in place. The fixing plate can be supplied in various sizes and arrangements, the correct plate being chosen by the surgeon after close examination of X-ray photographs of the patient and through the use of a template which is used to determine the size and arrangement of the discontinuity and thus the correct size and arrangement of the plate to be used.

Abstract: A prosthesis provided with a stem at least part of which is enclosed in a mantle and which is for insertion in a bone cavity and attachment thereto by cement, said mantle having a wall thickness which is increased towards its proximal end to provide an outwardly projecting proximal balcony and which is dimensioned and adapted to locate the stem in a predetermined position within the cross-sectional area of the bone cavity at or towards the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A femoral component for a hip replacement joint having a tapered collarless stem for being cemented in a medullary canal. The proximal portion of the stem has a taper and the distal segment is generally circular in cross-section and has a length equal to or greater than the proximal portion. The component can be made in two separate pieces and can be coupled in the metaphysical area of the femur. In one embodiment, at the proximal end of the stem, there is a pronounced laterally projecting heel adapted to extend into the greater trochanter of the femur of the femur into which it is to be filled. Thus, the distal facing part of the heel can provide a lateral portion which is greater than that of known collarless stems and which is particularly adapted to resist torque. In order to fit the femoral component in the medullary canal, it is necessary to broach the medullary canal so that there is a cavity within the greater trochanter.

Abstract: A femoral component of a replacement hip joint is provided which has a stem for fixing in cement in a medullary cavity by cement and having a separate proximal component provided with a neck for a ball head. An attachment system is provided for securing the proximal component to the stem which allows selection of an infinite number of angularly displaced positions about a proximal/distal axis, and adapted to allow fixation of the two parts after insertion of the stem into the prepared medullary cavity and without causing torsional loads on the stem. The stem extends proximally to the level of the bone cut which allows the proximal component to rotate after the stem is implanted. If an infinite number of angularly displaced positions is not required, then a Vernier coupling system with a large member of positions can be used.

Abstract: A prosthesis provided with a stem at least part of which is enclosed in a mantle and which is for insertion in a bone cavity and attachment thereto by cement, said mantle having a wall thickness which is increased towards its proximal end to provide an outwardly projecting proximal balcony and which is dimensioned and adapted to locate the stem in a predetermined position within the cross-sectional area of the bone cavity at or towards the proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A device for plugging the medullary canal of a bone to prevent the passage of locating cement and for centralising or guiding the stem of a prosthesis comprising a main body portion adapted to engage the wall of the canal to act as a plug and having a centralising or guide opening to receive the stem of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthesis provided with a device for guiding its stem in a bone cavity and in which it is to be attached by cement. The sleeve guiding device comprises a sleeve having an opening to receive the stem and locate the sleeve on the stem at a position at or towards its proximal end. The is dimensioned and adapted to locate the stem in a predetermined position within the cross-sectional area of the bore of the bone cavity.

Abstract: A prosthesis provided with a stem for fixation with cement in a bone socket, the proximal portion of the stem being provided with a number of shaped projections which are dimensioned to contact the inner wall of the bone socket and to act to guide the proximal end of the stem therein.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic knee joint device is suited to a unicondylar procedure in which only one compartment of the knee is treated, or a duocondylar procedure, the latter employing a pair of like femoral components and a tibial component having a common platform defining separate recesses for similar pads. In addition the device maximizes the use of advantageous material properties, allows pad replacement in the event of wear, and allows pad thickness selection to correct for varus and valgus deformities.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic bone joint device developed for the elbow, but applicable elsewhere, has two hinge components respectively defining complementary first and second bearing surfaces for mutual articulatory engagement, and each apertured to define third bearing surfaces. When implanted the hinge components are first coupled by a further component passed through the apertures and defining fourth bearing surfaces to articulate with the third surfaces. At this stage all of the bearing surfaces are appropriately engaged and stabilization of the implantation securement is facilitated. Subsequently the coupling can be removed to reduce the effect of distraction stresses on the device. The first and second surfaces are suitably of spherical ball and socket form, and can be of a twinned form, while the third and fourth surfaces are suitably of circular cylindrical form extending diametrally through the ball and socket.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic femoral head device comprising a ball-shaped head connected, by way of a necked portion, to the wider end of a tapered intramedullary stem is modified to facilitate implantation involving detachment and re-attachment of the greater trochanter. The modification comprises the provision of a slot which extends longitudinally along the wider end of the stem, is open at one end, and has an interior width greater than that of its longitudinal mouth. A bolt-like member is adjustably located by its head in this slot with its shaft projecting from the device for passage through a bore formed in the detached trochanter. The trochanter is thus relocated and is secured by a fastener on the shaft free end. Preferably a spider-form washer with spring legs is located between the trochanter and fastener, and a screw-in plug is applied to the slot to positively locate the bolt head.