Prosthetic implant and surgical tool

Claim 2

A prosthetic implant for implantation into a surgically prepared cavity in a bone of a patient comprising a main body portion, having a first surface shaped for presentation to a reception bone surface of the surgically prepared cavity and a second surface shaped for receipt of an articulating joint, and filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a bore in the main body portion through which a filamentary member can be threaded, the filamentary member attachment means comprising a plurality of bores in the main body portion and wherein a filamentary member having a pair of free ends is threaded through each of the plurality of bores in turn, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member.

Claim 3

A prosthetic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the free ends of the filamentary member are secured to one another by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 4

A prosthetic implant according to claim 1 , wherein the filamentary member is a poly-filament cable.

Claim 5

A prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface shaped for presentation to a surgically prepared bone cavity of a patient and a second surface shaped for receipt of an articulating joint, and filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of bores in the main body portion through which a filamentary member can be threaded, a filamentary member having a pair of free ends is threaded through each of the plurality of bores in turn, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured to one another by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 6

A prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface shaped for presentation to a surgically prepared bone cavity of a patient and a second surface shaped for receipt of an articulating joint, and filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of bores in the main body portion through which a filamentary member can be threaded, a filamentary member having a pair of free ends is threaded through each of the plurality of bores in turn, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured to one another by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 7

A prosthetic implant according to claim 4 , wherein the filamentary member is a poly-filament cable.

Claim 8

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner generally concave surface; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface; and at least one bore which extends from a first opening in the surface of the bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bore being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 9

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner generally concave surface; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface; and at least one bore which extends from a first opening in the surface of the bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bore being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 10

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 6 , wherein a filamentary member having a pair of free ends is threaded through said at least one bore, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 11

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner generally concave surface; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface; and a plurality of bores each of which extends from a first opening in the surface of the bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bore being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 12

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner generally concave surface; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface; and a plurality of bores each of which extends from a first opening in the surface of the bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bore being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 13

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 8 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is provided with a coating of hydroxyapatite.

Claim 14

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 8 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is texturised to facilitate ingrowth of bone after implantation into a surgically prepared hip socket of a patient.

Claim 15

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 8 , wherein a filamentary member having a pair of free ends is threaded through said plurality of bores, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member.

Claim 16

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 11 , wherein the free ends of the filamentary member are secured to one another by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 17

A protected prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant, said filamentary member attachment means comprising at least one element selected from a lug on the main body portion and a bore in the main body portion and a protective cap for covering at least part of the second surface of the main body portion of the implant, the protective cap being attached to the main body portion of the implant by means of a cable.

Claim 18

A protected prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant, said filamentary member attachment means comprising at least one element selected from a lug on the main body portion and a bore in the main body portion and a protective cap for covering at least part of the second surface of the main body portion of the implant, the protective cap being attached to the main body portion of the implant by means of a cable.

Claim 19

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 13 , wherein the cable is tensioned so that the protective cap is tightly attached to the main body portion of the implant.

Claim 20

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 13 , wherein the protective cap is of a rigid material.

Claim 21

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 13 wherein the protective cap is a disposable protective cap.

Claim 22

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 13 , wherein the protective cap is reusable after appropriate sterilisation.

Claim 23

A protected prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant, said filamentary member attachment means comprising at least one element selected from a lug on the main body portion and a bore in the main body portion and a protective cap for covering at least part of the second surface of the main body portion of the implant, the protective cap being provided with a number of holes adapted to threadably receive the filamentary member therethrough for a attachment of the protective cap to the prosthetic implant.

Claim 24

A protected prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant, said filamentary member attachment means comprising at least one element selected from a lug on the main body portion and a bore in the main body portion and a protective cap for covering at least part of the second surface of the main body portion of the implant, the protective cap being provided with a number of holes adapted to threadably receive the filamentary member therethrough for a attachment of the protective cap to the prosthetic implant.

Claim 25

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 18 , wherein the protective cap is a disposable protective cap.

Claim 26

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 18 , wherein the protective cap is reusable after appropriate sterilisation.

Claim 27

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 18 , wherein the protective cap is of a rigid material.

Claim 28

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: (i) a generally cup-shaped metal body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner substantially part spherical cavity in the metal body, the cavity having a generally concave polished surface for receipt of a ball head on a femoral prosthesis and a periphery surrounding the cavity and defining a mouth; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the periphery of the cavity and the outer generally convex surface; and at least one bore which extends from a first opening in the surface of the peripheral bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the at least one bore being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the surgically prepared socket; (ii) a cover member adapted to bridge the cavity, the cover having apertures therethrough which correspond to the first and second openings in the metal body and are adapted for passage of the filamentary member; and (iii) a filamentary member having a pair of free ends threaded through the at least one bore in the generally cup-shaped metal body and through the apertures in the cover member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another to form a closed loop a filamentary member which secures the cover to the generally cup-shaped metal body.

Claim 29

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: (i) a generally cup-shaped metal body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner substantially part spherical cavity in the metal body, the cavity having a generally concave polished surface for receipt of a ball head on a femoral prosthesis and a periphery surrounding the cavity and defining a mouth; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the periphery of the cavity and the outer generally convex surface; and at least one bore which extends from a first opening in the surface of the peripheral bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the at least one bore being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the surgically prepared socket; (ii) a cover member adapted to bridge the cavity, the cover having apertures therethrough which correspond to the first and second openings in the metal body and are adapted for passage of the filamentary member; and (iii) a filamentary member having a pair of free ends threaded through the at least one bore in the generally cup-shaped metal body and through the apertures in the cover member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another to form a closed loop a filamentary member which secures the cover to the generally cup-shaped metal body.

Claim 30

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 31 , wherein the free ends of the filamentary member are secured to one another by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 31

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis for implanation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: (i) a generally cup-shaped metal body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner substantially part spherical cavity in the metal body, the cavity having a generally concave polished surface for receipt of a ball head on a femoral prosthesis and a periphery surrounding the cavity and defining a mouth; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the periphery of the cavity and the outer generally convex surface; and a plurality of bores each of which extends from a first opening in the surface of the peripheral bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bores being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the surgically prepared socket; (ii) a cover member adapted to bridge the cavity, the cover having apertures therethrough which correspond to the first and second openings in the generally cup-shaped metal body and are adapted for passage of the filamentary member; and (iii) a filamentary member having a pair of free ends threaded through each of the plurality of holes in the generally cup-shaped metal body and through the apertures in the cover member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another to form a closed loop of filamentary member which secures the cover to the generally cup-shaped metal body.

Claim 32

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis for implanation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: (i) a generally cup-shaped metal body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; an inner substantially part spherical cavity in the metal body, the cavity having a generally concave polished surface for receipt of a ball head on a femoral prosthesis and a periphery surrounding the cavity and defining a mouth; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the periphery of the cavity and the outer generally convex surface; and a plurality of bores each of which extends from a first opening in the surface of the peripheral bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bores being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the surgically prepared socket; (ii) a cover member adapted to bridge the cavity, the cover having apertures therethrough which correspond to the first and second openings in the generally cup-shaped metal body and are adapted for passage of the filamentary member; and (iii) a filamentary member having a pair of free ends threaded through each of the plurality of holes in the generally cup-shaped metal body and through the apertures in the cover member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another to form a closed loop of filamentary member which secures the cover to the generally cup-shaped metal body.

Claim 33

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 24 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped metal body is provided with a coating of hydroxyapatite.

Claim 34

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 24 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped metal body is texturised to facilitate ingrowth of bone after implantation into a surgically prepared hip socket of a patient.

Claim 35

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 24 , wherein the free ends of the filamentary member are secured to one another by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 36

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: (i) a generally cup-shaped metal body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; a cavity in the metal body for receipt of a liner of plastics material, the cavity having a periphery surrounding the cavity and defining a mouth; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the periphery of the cavity and the outer generally convex surface; and a plurality of bores each of which extends from a first opening in the surface of the peripheral bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped metal body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bores being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the surgically prepared socket; (ii) a liner of plastics material secured in the cavity of the generally cup-shaped metal body, the liner having an outer surface adapted to conform to the inner surface of the cavity in the generally cup-shaped metal body and a substantially part spherical inner surface for receipt of a ball head on a femoral hip prosthesis; (iii) a cover member having a first face adapted to bridge the cavity, the cover member having apertures therethrough which correspond to the first and second openings in the generally cup-shaped metal body and are adapted for passage of the filamentary member; and (iv) a filamentary member having a pair of free ends threaded through each of the plurality of bores in the generally cup-shaped metal body and through the apertures in the cover member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another to form a closed loop of filamentary member which secures the cover to the generally cup-shaped metal body.

Claim 37

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: (i) a generally cup-shaped metal body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; a cavity in the metal body for receipt of a liner of plastics material, the cavity having a periphery surrounding the cavity and defining a mouth; a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the periphery of the cavity and the outer generally convex surface; and a plurality of bores each of which extends from a first opening in the surface of the peripheral bridge portion through an interior portion of the generally cup-shaped metal body to a second opening in the surface of the bridge portion, the bores being adapted for receipt of a filamentary member therethrough for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the surgically prepared socket; (ii) a liner of plastics material secured in the cavity of the generally cup-shaped metal body, the liner having an outer surface adapted to conform to the inner surface of the cavity in the generally cup-shaped metal body and a substantially part spherical inner surface for receipt of a ball head on a femoral hip prosthesis; (iii) a cover member having a first face adapted to bridge the cavity, the cover member having apertures therethrough which correspond to the first and second openings in the generally cup-shaped metal body and are adapted for passage of the filamentary member; and (iv) a filamentary member having a pair of free ends threaded through each of the plurality of bores in the generally cup-shaped metal body and through the apertures in the cover member, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another to form a closed loop of filamentary member which secures the cover to the generally cup-shaped metal body.

Claim 38

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 28 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped metal body is provided with a coating of hydroxyapatite.

Claim 39

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 28 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped metal body is texturised to facilitate ingrowth of bone after implantation into a surgically prepared hip socket of a patient.

Claim 40

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 37 , wherein the free ends of the filamentary member are secured to one another by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 41

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 28 , wherein the cavity in the cup-shaped metal body is provided with an inwardly projecting lip surrounding the mouth of the cavity and in which the liner is provided with a peripheral ledge which is adapted to snap fit under the inwardly projecting lip of the cup-shaped metal body.

Claim 42

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 32 , wherein the cavity in the cup-shaped metal body is provided with a circumferential internal ridge below and adjacent the inwardly projecting lip and wherein the liner is provided with a corresponding circumferential groove on its outer surface which is adapted to receive the circumferential ridge.

Claim 43

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 28 , wherein the liner is made from high density polyethylene.

Claim 44

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 28 , wherein the cover member is provided on a second face opposite its first face with an axial blind bore for location of a corresponding axial locating peg on an insertion tool.

Claim 45

A protected acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 35 , wherein the cover member is provided on its second face with an auxiliary bore whose axis is parallel to and offset from the axis of the axial blind bore, the auxiliary bore being adapted to receive a corresponding offset peg on an insertion tool to prevent relative rotation of the acetabular hip prosthesis and cover member about the axis of the axial locating peg of the insertion tool.

Claim 46

A prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of bores in the main body portion, and a filamentary member having a pair of free ends and threaded through each of the plurality of bores in turn, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 47

A prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of bores in the main body portion, and a filamentary member having a pair of free ends and threaded through each of the plurality of bores in turn, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 48

A prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a surgically prepared bone cavity of a patient and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of bores in the main body portion, and a filamentary member having a pair of free ends and threaded through each of the plurality of bores in turn, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 49

A prosthetic implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a surgically prepared bone cavity of a patient and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of bores in the main body portion, and a filamentary member having a pair of free ends and threaded through each of the plurality of bores in turn, the free ends of the filamentary member being secured one to another so as to form a closed loop of filamentary member by means of a sleeve having first and second ends, the sleeve snugly receiving a first looped portion of filamentary member located near a first end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the first end of the sleeve so as to project as a first loop from the second end of the sleeve with the first end portion being passed through the first loop, and the sleeve further snugly receiving a second looped portion of filamentary member located near a second end portion of the filamentary member and inserted from the second end of the sleeve so as to project as a second loop from the first end of the sleeve with the second end portion being passed through the second loop, whereby upon tension being applied to the closed loop of filamentary member the first and second loops are tightened and the first and second end portions of the filamentary member are firmly gripped by the first and second loops respectively.

Claim 50

A protected implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant, and a protective cap for covering at least part of the second surface of the main body portion of the implant attached to the main body portion of the implant by means of a cable.

Claim 51

A protected implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface for presentation to a receptive bone surface and a second surface for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant, and a protective cap for covering at least part of the second surface of the main body portion of the implant attached to the main body portion of the implant by means of a cable.

Claim 52

A protected prosthetic implant according to claim 39 wherein the cable is tensioned so that the protective cap is tightly attached to the main body portion of the implant.

Claim 53

A prosthetic implant for implantation into a surgically prepared cavity in a bone of a patient comprising a main body portion, having a first surface shaped for presentation to a receptive bone surface of the surgically prepared cavity and a second surface shaped for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a bore in the main body portion through which a filamentary member can be threaded, and a cable temporarily attached to the main body portion of the implant by the filamentary member attachment means.

Claim 54

A prosthetic implant for implantation into a surgically prepared cavity in a bone of a patient comprising a main body portion, having a first surface shaped for presentation to a receptive bone surface of the surgically prepared cavity and a second surface shaped for receipt of an articulating joint, filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a bore in the main body portion through which a filamentary member can be threaded, and a cable temporarily attached to the main body portion of the implant by the filamentary member attachment means.

Claim 55

A prosthetic implant according to claim 41 , wherein the filamentary member attachment means comprises a lug on the main body portion around which the cable can be looped.

Claim 56

A prosthetic acetabular implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface shaped for presentation to a receptive pelvic bone surface and a second surface shaped for receipt of an articulating joint, and filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of equally sized lugs integrally formed with the main body portion which are spaced substantially evenly around the main body portion of the implant whereby a filamentary member can be looped around each of the plurality of lugs for holding the implant on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate presentation of the implant to the pelvic bone surface.

Claim 57

A prosthetic acetabular implant comprising a main body portion, having a first surface shaped for presentation to a receptive pelvic bone surface and a second surface shaped for receipt of an articulating joint, and filamentary member attachment means adapted for attachment of a filamentary member to the implant comprising a plurality of equally sized lugs integrally formed with the main body portion which are spaced substantially evenly around the main body portion of the implant whereby a filamentary member can be looped around each of the plurality of lugs for holding the implant on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate presentation of the implant to the pelvic bone surface.

Claim 58

A prosthetic acetabular implant according to claim 43 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is provided with a coating of hydroxyapatite.

Claim 59

A prosthetic acetabular implant according to claim 43 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is texturised to facilitate ingrowth of bone after implantation into a surgically prepared hip socket of a patient.

Claim 60

A prosthetic acetabular implant according to claim 43 , further comprising a protective cap attached to the main body portion of the implant by means of a cable.

Claim 61

A prosthetic acetabular implant according to claim 46 , wherein the cable is tensioned so that the protective cap is tightly attached to the main body portion of the implant.

Claim 62

A prosthetic acetabular implant according to claim 46 , wherein the protective cap is of a rigid material.

Claim 63

A prosthetic acetabular implant according to claim 46 , wherein the protective cap is provided with a number of holes, through which a filamentary member is threaded for attachment of the protective cap to the implant.

Claim 64

A prosthetic acetabular implant according to claim 43 , further comprising a cable temporarily attached to the main body portion of the implant by the filamentary member attachment means.

Claim 65

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; and an inner generally concave surface; and a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface and defines an outer rim at its junction with the outer generally convex surface; wherein a plurality of portions of the generally outer convex surface are removed to form a plurality of external undercut lugs which are substantially evenly spaced around the outer rim and are each adapted to receive a portion of a filamentary member looped therearound for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 66

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; and an inner generally concave surface; and a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface and defines an outer rim at its junction with the outer generally convex surface; wherein a plurality of portions of the generally outer convex surface are removed to form a plurality of external undercut lugs which are substantially evenly spaced around the outer rim and are each adapted to receive a portion of a filamentary member looped therearound for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 67

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 51 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is provided with a coating of hydroxyapatite.

Claim 68

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 51 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is texturised to facilitate ingrowth of bone after implantation into a surgically prepared hip socket of a patient.

Claim 69

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 51 , further comprising a protective cap attached to the main body portion of the implant by means of a cable.

Claim 70

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 54 , wherein the cable is tensioned so that the protective cap is tightly attached to the main body portion of the implant.

Claim 71

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 54 , wherein the protective cap is of a rigid material.

Claim 72

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 54 , wherein the protective cap is provided with a number of holes, through which a filamentary member is threaded for attachment of the protective cap to the implant.

Claim 73

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 51 , further comprising a cable temporarily attached to the main body portion of the implant by the filamentary member attachment means.

Claim 74

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface defining an external envelope, the outer generally convex surface being shaped for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; and an inner generally concave surface; and a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface and defines an outer rim at its junction with the outer generally convex surface; wherein a plurality of portions of the generally outer convex surface are removed from within the external envelope so as to form a plurality of external undercut lugs which are substantially evenly spaced around the outer rim and are each adapted to receive a respective portion of a filamentary member looped therearound for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 75

An acetabular hip prosthesis for implantation in a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient comprising: a generally cup-shaped body having: an outer generally convex surface defining an external envelope, the outer generally convex surface being shaped for contact with bone of a surgically prepared socket in a hip of a patient; and an inner generally concave surface; and a peripheral bridge portion whose surface extends between the outer generally convex surface and the inner generally concave surface and defines an outer rim at its junction with the outer generally convex surface; wherein a plurality of portions of the generally outer convex surface are removed from within the external envelope so as to form a plurality of external undercut lugs which are substantially evenly spaced around the outer rim and are each adapted to receive a respective portion of a filamentary member looped therearound for holding the prosthesis on the end of an insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the prosthesis into the prepared socket.

Claim 76

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 59 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is provided with a coating of hydroxyapatite.

Claim 77

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 59 , wherein the outer generally convex surface of the cup-shaped body is texturised to facilitate ingrowth of bone after implantation into a surgically prepared hip socket of a patient.

Claim 78

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 59 , further comprising a protective cap attached to the main body portion of the implant by means of a cable.

Claim 79

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 62 , wherein the cable is tensioned so that the protective cap is tightly attached to the main body portion of the implant.

Claim 80

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 62 , wherein the protective cap is of a rigid material.

Claim 81

An acetabular hip prosthesis according to claim 59 , wherein the protective cap is provided with a number of holes, through which a filamentary member is threaded for attachment of the protective cap to the implant.