| abstract |
An implant (10) for replacement of the proximal portion of a femur (12), and specifically for replacement of the natural femoral head is provided. The implant (10) includes a body member (14) for insertion, in use, through the natural femoral neck (8) and in substantial alignment therewith; a head member (16) with a spherical portion (60) for engagement with a natural or a prosthetic hip socket; a joining portion (18) for joining the head member (16) to the body member (14); and a rod (44) for insertion, in use, through the transverse passage (43) of the body member (14). The rod (44) is designed such that it has a cross-sectional configuration that contacts the cortical surfaces in the bone and inhibits micro-motion within the bone. In addition, the transverse passage (43) of the body member (14) is configured to complement the configuration of the rod (44) such that the need for stabilizing screws toward the distal end of the rod (44) is eliminated when the implant (10) is assembled within the patient. <IMAGE> |