Element for temporarily increasing the rigidity of a prosthesis

Abstract

Abstract The element (20) according to the invention comprises a biodegradable body which is inserted, before or during implantation of an orthopaedic prosthesis (1), into a recess (2) in the prosthesis (1) in such a way that the rigidity of the prosthesis is increased. The element (20) brings about a mechanical connection between the shell segments (1a, 1b, 1c), so that the element (20) exerts a supporting function reducing the elastic properties and the mobility of the outer shell (1). The ability of the biodegradable element (20) to transmit forces is progressively reduced after the implantation, so that the outer shell (1) of the artificial acetabular cup has increasingly great elastic properties in accordance with the mechanical properties due to its design. After a specific period of time after implantation the biodegradable element (20) is degraded to such an extent that it can no longer transmit forces. <IMAGE>

Inventors

• 👤 Jean Dr. Maumy
• 👤 Roland Baege

Bibliographic Details