| abstract |
A prosthetic joint kit that is particularly well suited for an elbow. In each of the various embodiments, the prosthetic joint kit transmits load through the prosthetic joint (10) through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces (66, 84) so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, bearing structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint (10) to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange (20) for compressing a bone graft (110), a tissue fastener (22) for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint (10), a cam (600) for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint (10) articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint. |