Bone implant prosthesis

Claim 3

The method of claim 1 wherein the slots are generally "T" shaped and the cross-bar of the "T" forms a subsurface carried beneath and parallel to the outer surface.

Claim 4

The method of claim 1 wherein the prosthesis has an arcuate surface and wherein the electrode is passed through the prosthesis to define slots which are generally linear and spaced laterally, each slot being formed as a chord across said arcuate surface.

Claim 5

The method of claim 1 wherein the electrode is passed through the prosthesis to define slots which are spaced laterally and extend around the prosthesis spaced inwardly from the outer perimeter.

Claim 6

The method of claim 1 wherein the electrode is passed through the prosthesis to define slots which are spaced laterally and extend spirally about the prosthesis spaced inwardly from the outer surface of the prosthesis.

Claim 7

Method of relieving stress concentrations from the outer surface of a bone implant prosthesis that is subjected to stress during use, the method comprising the steps of providing a generally T-shaped electrode, supplying to the electrode an electrical current, and passing the electrode beneath the surface of the prosthesis to form substantially parallel, generally T-shaped slots therein, the slots being spaced from one another and having widened floor portions together defining a stress-bearing discontinuous smooth subsurface spaced beneath the outer surface.

Claim 8

Method of relieving stress concentrations from the outer surface of a bone implant prosthesis that is subjected to stress during use, the method comprising the steps of providing a generally T-shaped electrode, supplying to the electrode an electrical current, and passing the electrode beneath the surface of the prosthesis to form substantially parallel, generally T-shaped slots therein, the slots being spaced from one another and having widened floor portions together defining a stress-bearing discontinuous smooth subsurface spaced beneath the outer surface.

Claim 9

The method of claim 6 wherein said prosthesis includes an arcuate surface and, wherein said electrode is passed through said prosthesis to define generally linear slots, each slot forming a chord across said arcuate surface.

Claim 10

The method of claim 6 wherein said prosthesis includes an arcuate surface and wherein said electrode is passed through said prosthesis to define generally arcuate slots positioned at a substantially uniform depth below said surface, said stress-bearing subsurface being generally parallel to the surface of the prosthesis.

Claim 11

The method of claim 8 wherein said prosthesis has an axis and said T-shaped electrode includes a longitudinal portion and a cross bar, the step of passing the electrode beneath the surface of the prosthesis further comprising the steps of orienting the longitudinal portion of the electrode generally perpendicular to said axis and orienting the cross bar of the electrode substantially perpendicular to, but radially spaced from, said axis; inserting the electrode into the prosthesis to a predetermined depth; rotating the electrode with respect to the prosthesis about said longitudinal portion through an angle of approximately 90°; rotating the prosthesis with respect to the electrode; rotating the electrode with respect to the prosthesis about said longitudinal portion to orient the cross bar substantially perpendicular to but radially spaced from said axis; and removing the electrode from the prosthesis.

Claim 12

The method of claim 6 wherein said step of forming generally T-shaped slots further comprises the steps of passing said electrode beneath the surface of the prosthesis to define a single T-shaped slot, removing the electrode from the prosthesis, moving the electrode laterally with respect to the prosthesis, passing the electrode beneath the surface of the prosthesis to define a second T-shaped slot adjacent to the first slot, the first and second slots being substantially parallel to one another.