Improvements in and relating to joint prostheses, kits and methods of use

Abstract

An acetabular component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, the acetabular component having: an outer housing for mounting on the acetabulum; an inner liner disposed at least partially within the outer housing for providing a contact surface for a femoral component of the orthopaedic joint prosthesis; and an adapter disposed at least partially within the outer housing with the liner at least partially within the adapter. The adapter allows a larger range of liners to be used with a given housing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to improvements in and relating to joint prostheses, kits comprising joint prostheses, and methods of using joint prostheses. The present disclosure relates particularly, but not exclusively, to orthopaedic joint prostheses, such as acetabular portions thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] In orthopaedic use, a number of different acetabular cup replacement methods can be employed. Only a few of these methods are suitable for use in complex acetabular defect surgery, in which more traditional shells with fixation to the adjoining bone cannot be used successfully. A fully porous shell with a cemented inlay provides one such method. However, the fully porous shell is designed to be complementary to a given size and type of inlay, which is cemented to the fully porous shell. Thus, for any given shell, the size and positioning of the inlay is limited, and so this method does not provide the same size and positioning range for the implant as a modular system. It would be beneficial to potentially increase the size and positioning range by using a non-cemented inlay. SUMMARY

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present application, there is provided a component of a prosthesis, the component comprising: an outer shell; an inlay at least partially disposed within the outer shell and adapted to provide a contact surface for another component of the prosthesis; and an adapter at least partially disposed within the outer shell, and the inlay is at least partially disposed within the adapter.

[0004] The component can further provide that the acetabular component has an assembled state, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell is prevented. The component can further provide that the acetabular component has an assembled state, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the inlay is prevented. The component can further provide that the acetabular component has an assembled state, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell is prevented, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the inlay is prevented.

[0005] The component can be an acetabular component. The component can be a component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The outer shell can be for mounting on an acetabulum.

[0006] The further component can be, for example, a femoral component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis.

[0007] The adapter can have an engaged state with the shell. In the engaged state, the adapter can be at least partially located within the shell.

[0008] In the engaged state of the housing and the adapter, the plurality of attachment elements can be engaged with the plurality of attachment locations. At least one of the attachment elements and / or the attachment locations can be provided on the adapter, for example the other on the housing.

[0009] All attachment elements can be provided on the adapter. All attachment locations can be provided on the housing. Alternatively, all attachment elements can be provided on the housing and / or all attachment locations can be provided on the adapter. Each attachment element can match with an attachment location. The number of attachment locations can match or exceed the number of attachment elements.

[0010] The adapter can have a disengaged state and an engaged state with the housing. In the disengaged state of the housing and the adapter, the adapter can be completely outside the housing.

[0011] In the disengaged state of the housing and the adapter, the plurality of attachment elements can be disengaged from the plurality of attachment locations. At least one of the attachment elements and / or the attachment locations can be provided on the adapter, for example the other on the housing.

[0012] The adapter can further have a transition state between the disengaged state and the engaged state of the housing and the adapter. The adapter can have a first configuration in the transition state and a different second configuration in the engaged state.

[0013] In the disengaged state of the housing and the adapter, the adapter can have a first configuration. The attachment elements or the attachment locations provided on the adapter can have a greater circumferential and / or radial extent in the first configuration than in the second configuration and / or than in a third configuration. The attachment elements or the attachment locations provided on the adapter can have a greatest circumferential and / or radial extent in the first configuration.

[0014] The adapter can have a second configuration in the transition state. The adapter can have a third configuration in the transition state.

[0015] During or in the transition state of the housing and the adapter, the circumferential extent and / or the radial extent of the attachment elements and / or the attachment locations can decrease, for example to a minimum. In the engaged state of the housing and the adapter, the circumferential extent and / or the radial extent of the attachment elements and / or the attachment locations can be below a maximum and / or above a minimum. When the attachment elements enter the attachment locations, the circumferential and / or radial extent of the attachment elements and / or the attachment locations can decrease from a maximum to a lower extent.

[0016] The inner liner can have an engaged state with the adapter. In the engaged state, the inner liner can be at least partially located within the adapter.

[0017] In the disengaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the plurality of abutment elements can be disengaged from the plurality of abutment locations. At least one of the abutment elements and / or the abutment locations can be provided on the adapter, e.g. the other on the inner liner.

[0018] All abutment elements can be provided on the adapter. All abutment locations can be provided on the inner liner. Alternatively, all abutment elements can be provided on the inner liner and / or all abutment locations can be provided on the adapter. Each abutment element can match an abutment location. The number of abutment locations can match or exceed the number of abutment elements.

[0019] The adapter can have a disengaged state and an engaged state with the inner liner. In the disengaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can be completely outside of the adapter.

[0020] In the disengaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the plurality of abutment elements can be disengaged from the plurality of abutment locations. At least one of the abutment elements and / or the abutment locations can be provided on the adapter, e.g. the other on the inner liner.

[0021] The inner liner can further have a transition state between the disengaged state and the engaged state of the inner liner and the adapter. The inner liner can have a first configuration in the transition state and a different second configuration in the engaged state.

[0022] In the disengaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a first configuration. In the disengaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a maximum radial extent. The inner liner can have a second configuration in the transition state. The inner liner can have a third configuration in the transition state. In the transition state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a maximum radial extent. In the transition state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a reduced radial extent, e.g. due to the inner liner being compressed by the adapter. In the engaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a maximum radial extent. In the engaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a reduced radial extent, e.g. due to the inner liner being compressed by the adapter.

[0023] When the components of the implant are in the assembled state, the outer housing can be abutted by the adapter and / or the adapter is abutted by the outer housing and / or the adapter is abutted by the inner liner and / or the inner liner is abutted by the adapter. The abutment can prevent relative movement of the adapter and the housing and / or the inner liner and the adapter. When the components of the implant are in the assembled state, the outer housing can be compressed by the adapter and / or the adapter is compressed by the outer housing and / or the adapter is compressed by the inner liner and / or the inner liner is compressed by the adapter. The compression can prevent relative movement of the adapter and the housing and / or the inner liner and the adapter.

[0024] The components of the implant can have a disassembled state and / or a partially assembled state and / or an assembled state.

[0025] The components of the implant can have a disassembled state in which the housing and the adapter are in a disengaged state, and in which the adapter and the inner liner are in a disengaged state. The components of the implant can have a partially assembled state in which one of the housing and the adapter or the adapter and the inner liner are in a disengaged state, and in which the other of the housing and the adapter or the adapter and the inner liner are in a disengaged state. The components of the implant can have an assembled state in which the housing and the adapter are in an engaged state, and in which the adapter and the inner liner are in an engaged state.

[0026] In the assembled state of the implant components, the inner liner can have one or more abutment elements and / or abutment locations that abut the adapter. The abutment elements and / or locations can prevent relative movement of the inner liner with respect to another part, such as the outer housing and / or the adapter. In the assembled state of the implant components, the adapter can have one or more abutment elements and / or abutment locations that abut the inner liner. The abutment elements and / or locations can prevent relative movement of the adapter with respect to another part, such as the outer housing and / or the inner liner. In the assembled state of the implant components, the adapter can have one or more attachment locations and / or attachment elements that engage the housing. The abutment elements and / or locations can prevent relative movement of the adapter with respect to another part, such as the outer housing and / or the inner liner. In the assembled state of the implant components, the housing can have one or more attachment locations and / or attachment elements that engage the adapter. The abutment elements and / or locations can prevent relative movement of the outer housing with respect to another part, such as the inner liner and / or the adapter.

[0027] In the assembled state of the implant components, the inner liner can have a reduced configuration as compared to the partially assembled state and / or the disassembled state. The reduced configuration can be due to one or more compressed portions of the inner liner, for example compressed, for example radially inwardly compressed, by the adapter. The reduced configuration can be uniformly disposed around the periphery of the inner liner or can be localized. The reduced configuration can prevent relative movement of the inner liner and / or the outer housing and / or the adapter.

[0028] In the assembled state of the implant components, the adapter can have a reduced configuration as compared to the partially assembled state and / or the disassembled state. The reduced configuration can be due to one or more compressed portions of the adapter, for example compressed, for example radially inwardly compressed, by the housing. The reduced configuration can be uniformly disposed around the outer periphery of the adapter or can be localized. The reduced configuration can prevent relative movement of the inner liner and / or the outer housing and / or the adapter.

[0029] The adapter can have an increased size in the assembled state of the implant components compared to the partially assembled state and / or the disassembled state. The increased size can be due to one or more compressed portions of the adapter, for example compressed, for example radially outwardly compressed, by the inner liner. The increased size can be uniformly provided around the inner perimeter of the adapter or can be local. The increased size can prevent relative movement of the inner liner and / or the outer shell and / or the adapter.

[0030] The shell can have an increased size in the assembled state of the implant components compared to the partially assembled state and / or the disassembled state. The increased size can be due to one or more compressed portions of the shell, for example compressed, for example radially outwardly compressed, by the adapter. The increased size can be uniformly provided around the inner perimeter of the shell or can be local. The increased size can prevent relative movement of the inner liner and / or the outer shell and / or the adapter.

[0031] In particular, in the first general embodiment, the following features or options can be provided.

[0032] The adapter can comprise a body element. The adapter can comprise a unitary body element, for example extending from a base section to a perimeter section. The adapter can comprise an outer shell connection element and / or an outer shell connection location provided on or in the perimeter section.

[0033] The body element can define a recess, for example to receive at least a portion of the inner liner. The recess can be provided in a distal surface of the adapter. The recess can be a through hole. The recess can be a cup or other closed shape.

[0034] The recess can be provided with a defined size and / or a defined diameter and / or a defined depth and / or a defined positioning within the adapter and / or a defined recess interior contour to receive one or more inner liners. The recess can be provided to receive an inner liner selected from a plurality of inner liners having one or more different properties.

[0035] The one or more different properties between the inner liners can be selected from the group comprising: one or more distal properties; one or more distal surface properties; one or more different sizes; one or more different defined positioning of the contact surface for the inner liner; one or more different contact surface contours.

[0036] The one or more different properties between the inner liners, the inner liners having cups defining a contact surface, can be selected from the group comprising: cup size; cup diameter; cup depth; cup positioning within the inner liner; cup interior contour.

[0037] The external housing connection elements and / or external housing connection locations provided on the adapter can be provided in or on a peripheral section of the adapter. The peripheral section of the adapter can be provided by one or more flanges extending from the body element. The flanges can have a uniform outward extension around the adapter. The flanges can have a non-uniform outward extension around one or more portions of the adapter. A single flange can be provided. The flanges can have a distal surface and a proximal surface. The external housing connection elements and / or external housing connection locations are provided on the proximal surface of the flanges.

[0038] The external housing connection elements and / or external housing connection locations can be provided at two or more, three or more, or four or more locations. The external housing connection elements and / or external housing connection locations can be regularly and / or uniformly spaced around the peripheral section.

[0039] In the assembled state, the proximal peripheral surface of the adapter can be aligned with, and in particular can abut, the distal surface of the external housing. In the assembled state, one or more external housing connection elements and / or external housing connection locations on the adapter can engage with one or more external housing connection locations and / or external housing connection elements on the inner liner. Such abutment can prevent relative movement of the inner liner and / or the external housing and / or the adapter.

[0040] One or more or all of the external housing connection elements and / or external housing connection locations can be deformable.

[0041] One or more or all of the external housing connection elements provided on the adapter, for example, can be shaped with one or more inclined side surfaces. One or more or all of the external housing connection elements can comprise an end surface, for example a proximal end surface when provided on the adapter. One or more or all of the external housing connection elements can be provided with a neck location, for example at the junction with the adapter and / or the external housing. One or more or all of these surfaces and / or neck locations can be complementary to those external housing connection locations provided on the other of the adapter and / or the external housing.

[0042] One or more or all of the external housing connection elements can be in the form of a pair of fingers extending from the adapter and / or the external housing. One or both of the fingers can be inclined relative to the surface from which they extend, in particular in opposite inclinations. A space allowing for deformation can be provided between the fingers. The fingers can be deformable.

[0043] In the engaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a reduced radial extent, e.g. due to the inner liner being compressed by the adapter.

[0044] In particular, in the second general embodiment, the following features or options can be provided.

[0045] The adapter can comprise a base element.

[0046] The adapter can comprise one or more housing attachment elements and / or attachment locations provided on the base element. The adapter can comprise one or more inner liner abutment elements and / or one or more inner liner abutment locations provided on the one or more arm elements.

[0047] The adapter can comprise a plurality of arm elements extending, e.g. from the base element.

[0048] One or more or all of the arm elements can comprise a base section, e.g. connected to the base element. One or more or all of the arm elements can comprise an end section, e.g. a distal end section. One or more or all of the arm elements can comprise an abutment element and / or an abutment location provided in the end section. One or more or all of the arm elements can comprise an intermediate section. The intermediate section can be provided connected to the base section and / or the end section.

[0049] One or more or all of the arm elements can be curved. One or more or all of the arm elements can comprise one or more curved sections. The shape of one or more or all of the arm elements can complement the shape of an adjacent portion of the outer housing in the assembled state. The shape of one or more or all of the arm elements can complement the shape of an adjacent portion of the inner liner in the assembled state.

[0050] One or more or all of the arm elements can have an outer surface that complements, e.g. at least partially, an inner surface of an adjacent portion of the outer housing in the assembled state. One or more or all of the arm elements can have an inner surface that complements, e.g. at least partially, an outer surface of an adjacent portion of the inner liner in the assembled state.

[0051] The arm elements of the adapter can define a substantially hemispherical profile.

[0052] The arm elements can be flexible.

[0053] The arm elements can be further curved radially outwards in the transition state compared to the assembled state. The intermediate section of the arm elements can provide the curvature of the arm elements and / or the base section of the arm elements can provide the curvature of the arm elements. The end section can have a degree of flexibility.

[0054] The adapter can comprise at least two arm elements. The adapter can comprise at least three arm elements. The adapter can comprise at least four arm elements. The adapter can comprise at least two arm elements. The arm elements can be regularly spaced around the adapter. The arm elements can be provided in opposing pairs.

[0055] One or more or all of the arm elements can be finger-like, e.g. curved fingers. One or more or all of the arm elements can be petal-like, e.g. curved petals.

[0056] The abutment elements and / or abutment locations provided on the adapter can be provided at the distal periphery of the adapter. The abutment elements and / or abutment locations can extend around at least 10% of the distal periphery of the adapter. The abutment elements and / or abutment locations can extend around at least 15% of the distal periphery of the adapter. The abutment elements and / or abutment locations can extend around at least 50% of the distal periphery of the adapter. The abutment elements and / or abutment locations can extend around at least 80% of the distal periphery of the adapter.

[0057] The abutment elements and / or abutment locations provided on the adapter can form the distal periphery of the adapter. The abutment elements and / or abutment locations can extend around the entire distal periphery of the adapter, such as adjacent abutment elements and / or abutment locations abutting or overlapping each other.

[0058] The adapter can be provided with one or more abutment elements and / or abutment locations and the abutment elements and / or abutment locations can be abutted by the outer shell and / or the inner liner. The adapter can be provided with one or more abutment elements and / or abutment locations which are pressed or compressed between adjacent portions of the outer shell and adjacent portions of the inner liner.

[0059] The adapter can be provided with one or more abutment elements and / or abutment locations which are pressed or compressed between one or more abutment locations and / or abutment elements on adjacent portions of the outer shell and / or between one or more abutment locations and / or abutment elements on adjacent portions of the inner liner.

[0060] The abutment elements of the adapter can be pressed or compressed into attachment locations of the shell and / or the inner liner. The abutment locations of the adapter can receive attachment elements of the shell and / or the inner liner.

[0061] In the engaged state of the inner liner and the adapter, the inner liner can have a reduced radial extent, e.g. due to the inner liner being compressed by the adapter.

[0062] All general embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise the following features and options.

[0063] The adapter can have a disengaged state from the outer housing and an engaged state with the outer housing. In the disengaged state, the adapter can be entirely outside of the outer housing. The adapter can also have a transition state from the disengaged state to the engaged state with the outer housing.

[0064] In particular, in a first general embodiment, the following features or options can be provided.

[0065] The adapter can comprise a protrusion protruding, e.g. proximally, from the base element. The adapter can provide one or more housing attachment elements and / or attachment locations on the protrusion. The housing can comprise a hole to receive at least a portion of the adapter protrusion. The hole can be an open or a closed hole. The protrusion and the hole and their features can be reversed by alternatively providing them on the housing and the adapter.

[0066] The outer housing connection elements and / or outer housing connection locations provided on the outer housing can be provided in or on a housing perimeter section of the outer housing. The housing perimeter section of the outer housing can be provided by a housing perimeter face, in particular a proximal face. The housing perimeter face can have a uniform outward extension around the outer housing. The housing perimeter face can have a non-uniform outward extension around one or more portions of the outer housing. The outer housing connection elements and / or outer housing connection locations can be provided on a distal housing perimeter face.

[0067] The outer housing connection elements and / or outer housing connection locations can be provided at two or more, three or more, or four or more locations. The outer housing connection elements and / or outer housing connection locations can be regularly and / or uniformly spaced around the housing perimeter section.

[0068] In the assembled state, the distal housing perimeter surface of the adapter can be aligned with, and in particular can abut, the proximal surface of the adapter. In the assembled state, the one or more outer housing connection elements and / or outer housing connection locations on the outer housing can be engaged with the one or more outer housing connection locations and / or outer housing connection elements on the adapter.

[0069] One or more or all of the outer housing connection elements and / or outer housing connection locations provided by the outer housing can be deformable.

[0070] One or more or all of the external housing connection elements, e.g. provided on the external housing, can be shaped with one or more inclined side surfaces. One or more or all of the external housing connection elements can comprise an internal base surface, e.g. a distally facing base surface when provided on the external housing. One or more or all of the external housing connection elements can be provided with a neck location or mouth location, e.g. at a junction with the housing perimeter face and / or distal to the internal end face. The neck location or mouth location can have a reduced cross section compared to the base surface cross section. One or more or all of these surfaces and / or neck locations and / or mouth locations can be complementary to those external housing connection locations provided on the other of the adapter and / or external housing.

[0071] One or more external housing connection elements and / or external housing connection locations can be provided within a recess of the external housing at one or more recess locations. The one or more recess locations can be holes, e.g. through holes. The holes can be adapted to receive a fixation element, e.g. a screw. The recess location can be provided at a proximal base of the recess. The one or more recess locations can be provided intermediate the proximal base of the recess and the perimeter of the recess.

[0072] In particular, in the second general embodiment, the following features or options can be provided.

[0073] The adapter can provide one or more housing attachment elements as a threaded section on a protrusion, e.g. an external thread on a protrusion. The housing can provide one or more attachment locations as a threaded section on a hole, e.g. an internal thread in a hole. The protrusion and hole and their features can be reversed by being provided on the housing and adapter, respectively, instead.

[0074] The external housing connection element can comprise a threaded element, e.g. on a protruding rod, e.g. a proximally protruding rod. The adapter connection element can comprise a threaded element, e.g. in a hole, such as a recess or an extension through a hole in the external housing. The external housing connection element can be centrally provided on the adapter, e.g. on an outer surface. The adapter connection element can be centrally provided on the external housing, e.g. at a base within the external housing.

[0075] In particular, in the third general embodiment, the following features or options can be provided.

[0076] The adapter can provide one or more housing attachment elements on the protrusion that are inserted into one or more attachment locations in a bore of the housing. For example, the protrusion can comprise a first cross-sectional portion, a second, reduced cross-sectional portion, and a third, intermediate cross-sectional portion. The third cross-sectional portion can be adapted to pass through the reduced cross-sectional portion of the bore in the housing and into the increased cross-sectional portion of the bore. The third cross-sectional portion of the protrusion and / or the reduced cross-sectional portion of the bore can be deformable, for example to allow passage. The protrusion and the bore, and their features, can be reversed by being provided on the housing and the adapter, respectively, instead.

[0077] The outer housing connection element can comprise one or more distally facing abutment surfaces. The adapter connection element can comprise one or more proximally facing abutment surfaces. For example, in the assembled state, the one or more distally facing abutment surfaces can abut the one or more proximally facing abutment surfaces.

[0078] The outer housing connection element can comprise a first section with a first cross-section. The outer housing connection element can comprise a second section with a second cross-section. The second section can be proximal to the first section. The first cross-section can for example be larger than the second cross-section in diameter and / or area. The outer housing connection element can comprise a third section with a third cross-section. The third section can be proximal to the first section and / or the second section. The third cross-section can for example be intermediate the second cross-section and / or the second cross-section in diameter and / or area. The second cross-section can be smaller than the first cross-section and / or the third cross-section in cross-section. One or more or all of the cross-sections can be considered perpendicular to an insertion axis of the adapter into the outer housing.

[0079] The third section can provide one or more distally facing abutment surfaces.

[0080] The third section can comprise one or more flexible elements, such as rods. An axial space can be provided between the flexible elements. The second section can also contribute to or be part of the one or more flexible elements.

[0081] The outer housing connection element and the adapter connection element can be complementary to each other in profile over one or more or all sections.

[0082] The adapter connection element can accommodate the entire outer housing connection element of the adapter within the outer surface profile of the outer housing. In the assembled state, the outer housing connection element can be recessed within the outer surface profile of the outer housing.

[0083] The adapter connecting element can comprise a first housing section having a first housing cross section. The adapter connecting element can comprise a second housing section having a second housing cross section. The second housing section can be distal of the first housing section. The first housing cross section can for example be larger in diameter and / or area than the second housing cross section. The adapter connecting element can comprise a third housing section having a third housing cross section. The third housing section can be distal of the first housing section and / or the second housing section. The third housing cross section can for example be larger in diameter and / or area than the second housing cross section and / or the first housing cross section. The second housing cross section can be intermediate the first housing cross section and / or the third housing cross section in cross section. One or more or all of the cross sections can be considered perpendicular to an insertion axis of the adapter into the outer housing. The third section can provide one or more distally facing abutment surfaces.

[0084] The distally facing abutment surfaces of the outer housing connecting element of the adapter can be provided on one or more deformable elements such as rods.

[0085] All general embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise the following features and options.

[0086] The outer housing can comprise one or more sections of porous material. The outer housing can be formed entirely of porous material. The outer housing can be porous in terms of mimicking cancellous bone. The outer housing formed entirely of porous material can mimic cancellous bone throughout the depth and extent of the outer housing. A monolithic outer housing can be provided.

[0087] The outer housing can be provided with a curved outer surface, for example part or all of a hemisphere. The outer housing can be provided with a curved inner surface, for example part or all of a hemisphere. The outer housing can for example be provided with a housing recess distally. The housing recess can receive at least a portion of the adapter. The housing recess can receive at least a portion of the inner liner. The housing recess can be provided with a defined size and / or a defined diameter and / or a defined depth and / or a defined positioning within the outer housing and / or a defined recess interior contour to receive the adapter.

[0088] The outer housing can be provided with one or more through holes, for example adapted to cooperate with a fixation such as a screw.

[0089] The inner liner can be provided with a curved inner surface, for example part or all of a hemisphere.

[0090] A monolithic inner liner can be provided.

[0091] The inner liner contact surface can provide a bearing surface for another component of the prosthesis.

[0092] The first aspect of the present disclosure can include any of the features, options and possibilities set out elsewhere in this document, including in the other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0093] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit of surgical components, comprising: a component of a prosthesis, the component comprising: an outer shell; a plurality of liners, at least one of the liners having one or more different properties compared to another of the liners; an adapter; wherein the plurality of liners are adapted to be at least partially disposed within the outer shell and to provide a contact surface for a further component of the prosthesis; and wherein the adapter is adapted to be at least partially disposed within the outer shell, and one of the liners is at least partially disposed within the adapter.

[0094] The kit can provide a acetabular component with an assembled state, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell is prevented. The kit can provide a acetabular component with an assembled state, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the liners is prevented. The kit can provide a acetabular component with an assembled state, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell is prevented, and in the assembled state, relative articulation between the adapter and the liners is prevented.

[0095] The component can be an acetabular component. The component can be a component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The outer shell can be for mounting on an acetabulum. The further component can be, for example, a femoral component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis.

[0096] The one or more different properties between the liners can be that one or more of the liners is a cemented liner and one or more of the liners is a non-cemented liner, in particular an unmodified cemented liner and an unmodified non-cemented liner.

[0097] The non-cemented liner can be provided with one or more connection locations and / or connection elements. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be discrete portions extending from and / or recessed relative to the remainder of the liner. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be pre-existing portions for cooperating with the outer shell, but repurposed for cooperating with the adapter. The connection locations can be abutment locations and / or abutment elements. The connection locations can be pre-existing abutment locations and / or abutment elements for cooperating with abutment elements and / or abutment locations on the outer shell, repurposed for cooperating with abutment elements and / or abutment locations of the adapter.

[0098] The cementable inner liners can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements. The cementable inner liners can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements that are discrete portions that extend from and / or are recessed relative to the remainder of the inner liner.

[0099] The one or more different properties between the inner liners can be selected from the group comprising: one or more distal properties; one or more distal surface properties; one or more different sizes; one or more different defined positions for the contact surfaces of the inner liners; one or more different contact surface profiles.

[0100] The one or more different properties between the inner liners (the inner liners having cups that define contact surfaces) can be selected from the group comprising: cup size; cup diameter; cup depth; cup positioning within the inner liner; cup interior profile.

[0101] The inner liners can have the same properties with respect to some properties, e.g., proximal properties.

[0102] The kit can further comprise: one or more additional outer shells, at least one of the outer shells having one or more different shell properties relative to another of the outer shells. The kit can further comprise one or more different features between the outer shells, i.e., one or more of the outer shells are cemented outer shells and / or one or more of the outer shells are non-cemented outer shells.

[0103] The non-cemented outer shells can be provided with one or more connection locations and / or connection elements. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be discrete portions that extend from and / or are recessed relative to the remainder of the outer shell. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be pre-existing portions for mating with the inner liners, but are repurposed for mating with the adapters. The connection locations can be attachment locations and / or attachment elements. The connection locations can be pre-existing attachment locations and / or attachment elements for mating with attachment elements and / or attachment locations on the inner liners, repurposed for mating with attachment elements and / or attachment locations of the adapters.

[0104] The cemented outer shells can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements. The cemented outer shells can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements that are discrete portions that extend from and / or are recessed relative to the remainder of the outer shell.

[0105] The cemented outer shells can be outer shells adapted to be secured to the patient by cement. The non-cemented outer shells can be outer shells adapted to be secured to the patient by means other than cement, e.g., by one or more bone fixation members.

[0106] The non-cemented shell can be provided with one or more mounting locations, such as fixed mounting locations. The one or more fixed mounting locations can be holes and / or slots extending through the non-cemented shell. The one or more fixed mounting locations can receive, in use, fixings, such as screws and / or nails and / or pins. The fixings can be bone-engaging fixings. The one or more fixed mounting locations can be provided with an expanded profile section, for example to receive, in use, a head of a fixing.

[0107] The cemented shell can be devoid of mounting locations, potentially devoid of fixed mounting locations, such as holes or slots extending through the cemented shell.

[0108] The cemented shell can be provided with one or more cement contact surfaces. The cemented shell can physically and / or chemically interact with cement on contact.

[0109] The one or more different external shell properties can be selected from the group comprising: one or more distal properties; one or more distal surface properties; one or more different sizes; one or more different internal profiles; one or more different internal adapter contact surface profiles; one or more proximal properties; one or more proximal surface properties; one or more surface coatings or surface materials; one or more materials.

[0110] The kit can further comprise: one or more further adapters, at least one of the adapters having one or more different adapter properties compared to another of the adapters. The one or more different adapter properties can be selected from the group comprising: one or more distal properties; one or more distal surface properties; one or more different sizes; one or more different internal profiles; one or more different internal liner contact surface profiles; one or more proximal properties; one or more proximal surface properties; one or more different external profiles; one or more different external external shell contact surface profiles; one or more materials.

[0111] The kit can further comprise: one or more femoral components; and / or one or more surgical instruments. The femoral components can comprise one or more stems and / or one or more heads.

[0112] A second aspect of the present disclosure can include any of the features, options and possibilities set out elsewhere in this document, including in the other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0113] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling components of a prosthesis, the method comprising: obtaining an adapter, a liner and an external shell; inserting the liner into the adapter; inserting the adapter into the external shell; wherein the component comprises: an outer shell; an inner liner at least partially disposed within the outer shell and adapted to provide a contact surface for another component of the prosthesis; and an adapter at least partially disposed within the outer shell, and the inner liner at least partially disposed within the adapter.

[0114] The method can further provide the acetabular component in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell. The method can further provide the acetabular component in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the inner liner. The method can further provide the acetabular component in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the inner liner.

[0115] The method can include that the component is an acetabular component. The component can be a component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The outer shell can be for mounting on an acetabulum. The further component can be a femoral component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, for example.

[0116] The method can include selecting the inner liner from a plurality of inner liners, at least one of the inner liners having one or more different properties compared to another of the inner liners. The one or more different properties between the inner liners can be that one or more of the inner liners is a cemented inner liner and one or more of the inner liners is a non-cemented inner liner, in particular an unmodified cemented inner liner and an unmodified non-cemented inner liner.

[0117] The non-cemented inner liner can be provided with one or more connection locations and / or connection elements. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be discrete portions extending from and / or recessed relative to the remainder of the inner liner. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be pre-existing portions for cooperation with the outer shell, but repurposed for cooperation with the adapter. The connection locations can be abutment locations and / or abutment elements. The connection locations can be pre-existing abutment locations and / or abutment elements for cooperation with abutment elements and / or abutment locations on the outer shell, repurposed for cooperation with abutment elements and / or abutment locations of the adapter.

[0118] The cemented inner liner can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements. The cemented inner liner can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements that are discrete portions extending from and / or recessed relative to the remainder of the inner liner. The method can include selecting the outer shell from a plurality of outer shells, at least one of the outer shells having one or more different outer shell properties compared to another of the outer shells.

[0119] The method can comprise selecting an adapter from a plurality of adapters, at least one of the adapters having one or more different adapter properties compared to another of the adapters.

[0120] The assembly method can be provided as part of a surgical method. The surgical method can comprise preparing a site for the outer shell, for example on an acetabulum. The surgical method can comprise installing the outer shell on the patient. The surgical method can comprise attaching the adapter and the inner liner to the outer shell. The method can comprise attaching the adapter and the inner liner to the outer shell without cement.

[0121] The assembly method can comprise inserting the inner liner into the adapter. The method can comprise inserting by relative axial movement of the inner liner and the adapter.

[0122] The method can comprise inserting the adapter into the outer shell.

[0123] The method can comprise the inner liner being located in the adapter when the adapter is inserted into the outer shell. The method can comprise inserting by relative axial movement of the inner liner and / or the adapter relative to the outer shell. The method can comprise inserting by relative rotational movement of the inner liner and / or the adapter relative to the outer shell.

[0124] The assembly method can not use cement. The assembly method can not use cement to connect the outer shell to the adapter. The assembly method can not use cement to connect the adapter to the inner liner. The assembly method can not use cement to connect the outer shell to the adapter and the inner liner. The assembly method can not use cement to connect the inner liner to the adapter and / or the outer shell. The assembly method can not use cement to contact a distal side of the outer shell and / or a proximal side of the adapter and / or a distal side of the adapter and / or a proximal side of the inner liner and / or a distal side of the inner liner. The method can comprise cement being provided in contact with a proximal side of the outer shell.

[0125] The method can further comprise using one or more further outer shells, at least one of the outer shells having one or more different shell properties compared to another of the outer shells. The method can further comprise using one or more different properties between the outer shells because one or more of the outer shells is a cemented outer shell and / or one or more of the outer shells is a non-cemented outer shell.

[0126] A non-cemented outer shell can be provided with one or more connection locations and / or connection elements. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be discrete portions that extend from and / or are recessed relative to the remainder of the outer shell. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be pre-existing portions for mating with the inner liner, but repurposed for mating with the adapter. The connection locations can be attachment locations and / or attachment elements. The connection locations can be pre-existing attachment locations and / or attachment elements for mating with attachment elements and / or attachment locations on the inner liner, repurposed for mating with attachment elements and / or attachment locations of the adapter.

[0127] A cemented outer shell can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements. A cemented outer shell can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements that are discrete portions that extend from and / or are recessed relative to the remainder of the outer shell.

[0128] A cemented outer shell can be an outer shell adapted to be secured to a patient by cement. A non-cemented outer shell can be an outer shell adapted to be secured to a patient by means other than cement, for example by one or more bone fixation members.

[0129] A non-cemented shell can be provided with one or more mounting locations, such as fixed mounting locations. The one or more fixed mounting locations can be holes and / or slots that extend through the non-cemented shell. The one or more fixed mounting locations can receive, in use, a fixation, such as a screw and / or a nail and / or a pin. The fixation can be a bone-engaging fixation. The one or more fixed mounting locations can be provided with an expanded profile section, for example to receive, in use, a head of the fixation.

[0130] A cemented shell can be devoid of mounting locations, potentially fixed mounting locations, such as holes or slots that extend through the cemented shell.

[0131] A cemented shell can be provided with one or more cement contact surfaces. The cemented shell can physically and / or chemically interact with cement upon contact.

[0132] A third aspect of the present disclosure can include any of the features, options and possibilities set out elsewhere in this document, including in the other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0133] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of implanting a component of a prosthesis, the method comprising: obtaining an adapter, an inner liner and an outer shell; inserting the inner liner into the adapter; inserting the adapter into the outer shell; implanting the adapter, the inner liner and the outer shell at a surgical site; wherein the component comprises: an outer shell; an inner liner at least partially disposed within the outer shell and adapted to provide a contact surface for another component of the prosthesis; and an adapter at least partially disposed within the outer shell, and the inner liner at least partially disposed within the adapter.

[0134] The method can further provide the acetabular component in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell. The method can further provide the acetabular component in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the inner liner. The method can further provide the acetabular component in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the outer shell, and in the assembled state, prevent relative articulation between the adapter and the inner liner.

[0135] The method can include that the component is an acetabular component. The component can be a component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis. The outer shell can be for mounting on an acetabulum. The further component can be a femoral component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis, for example.

[0136] The method can include selecting the inner liner from a plurality of inner liners, at least one of the inner liners having one or more different properties compared to another of the inner liners. The one or more different properties between the inner liners can be that one or more of the inner liners is a cemented inner liner and one or more of the inner liners is a non-cemented inner liner, in particular an unmodified cemented inner liner and an unmodified non-cemented inner liner.

[0137] The non-cemented inner liner can be provided with one or more connection locations and / or connection elements. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be discrete portions extending from and / or recessed relative to the remainder of the inner liner. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be pre-existing portions for cooperation with the outer shell, but repurposed for cooperation with the adapter. The connection locations can be abutment locations and / or abutment elements. The connection locations can be pre-existing abutment locations and / or abutment elements for cooperation with abutment elements and / or abutment locations on the outer shell, repurposed for cooperation with abutment elements and / or abutment locations of the adapter.

[0138] The cemented inner liner can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements. The cemented inner liner can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements that are discrete portions extending from and / or recessed relative to the remainder of the inner liner. The method can include selecting the outer shell from a plurality of outer shells, at least one of the outer shells having one or more different outer shell properties compared to another of the outer shells.

[0139] The method can include selecting an adapter from a plurality of adapters, at least one of the adapters having one or more different adapter characteristics than another of the adapters.

[0140] The surgical method can include preparing a site for the outer shell, for example on the acetabulum. The surgical method can include installing the outer shell on the patient. The surgical method can include attaching the adapter and the inner liner to the outer shell. The method can include attaching the adapter and the inner liner to the outer shell without cement.

[0141] The method can include inserting the inner liner into the adapter. The insertion can be by relative axial movement of the inner liner and the adapter.

[0142] The method can include inserting the adapter into the outer shell.

[0143] The method can include that the inner liner can be located in the adapter when the adapter is inserted into the outer shell. The method can include that the insertion is by relative axial movement of the inner liner and / or the adapter relative to the outer shell. The method can include that the insertion is by relative rotational movement of the inner liner and / or the adapter relative to the outer shell.

[0144] The method can be without the use of cement at implantation. The method can be without the use of cement to connect the outer shell to the adapter. The method can be without the use of cement to connect the adapter to the inner liner. The method can be without the use of cement to connect the outer shell to the adapter and the inner liner. The method can be without the use of cement to connect the inner liner to the adapter and / or the outer shell. The method can be without the use of cement to contact a distal side of the outer shell and / or a proximal side of the adapter and / or a distal side of the adapter and / or a proximal side of the inner liner and / or a distal side of the inner liner. The method can include that cement is provided in contact with a proximal side of the outer shell.

[0145] The method can further include the use of one or more further outer shells, at least one of the outer shells having one or more different shell characteristics than another of the outer shells. The method can further include the use of one or more different characteristics between the outer shells because one or more of the outer shells is a cemented outer shell and / or one or more of the outer shells is a non-cemented outer shell.

[0146] A non-cemented outer shell can be provided with one or more connection locations and / or connection elements. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be discrete portions that extend from and / or are recessed relative to the remainder of the outer shell. The connection locations and / or connection elements can be pre-existing portions for mating with the inner liner, but repurposed for mating with the adapter. The connection locations can be attachment locations and / or attachment elements. The connection locations can be pre-existing attachment locations and / or attachment elements for mating with attachment elements and / or attachment locations on the inner liner, repurposed for mating with attachment elements and / or attachment locations of the adapter.

[0147] A cemented outer shell can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements. A cemented outer shell can be devoid of connection locations and / or connection elements that are discrete portions that extend from and / or are recessed relative to the remainder of the outer shell.

[0148] A cemented outer shell can be an outer shell adapted to be secured to a patient by cement. A non-cemented outer shell can be an outer shell adapted to be secured to a patient by means other than cement, for example by one or more bone fixation members.

[0149] A non-cemented shell can be provided with one or more mounting locations, such as fixed mounting locations. The one or more fixed mounting locations can be holes and / or slots that extend through the non-cemented shell. The one or more fixed mounting locations can receive, in use, a fixation, such as a screw and / or a nail and / or a pin. The fixation can be a bone-engaging fixation. The one or more fixed mounting locations can be provided with an expanded profile section, for example to receive, in use, a head of the fixation.

[0150] A cemented shell can be devoid of mounting locations, potentially fixed mounting locations, such as holes or slots that extend through the cemented shell.

[0151] A cemented shell can be provided with one or more cement contact surfaces. The cemented shell can physically and / or chemically interact with cement upon contact.

[0152] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure can include any of the features, options and possibilities set out elsewhere in this document, including in the other aspects of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0153] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a kit according to a general embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a shell, a series of different inner liners and an adapter; Figure 2a is a perspective side view of an adapter and a shell according to a first detailed embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2b is a side cross-sectional view showing the adapter 100 in partially assembled form of the implant 1 and a selected liner 5 positioned within the adapter; Figure 2c is a side cross-sectional view showing the adapter 100 engaged with the shell 3, wherein the adapter 100 is sandwiched between the shell 3 and the liner 5; Figure 3 is a side detail view of a locking element of a variant embodiment of the adapter; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a kit according to a second general embodiment of the disclosure, showing a shell, a range of different liners and an adapter; Figure 5a is a perspective view of a shell and an adapter according to a second detailed embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 5b is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter only of Figure 5a; Figure 5c is a plan view of the adapter only of Figure 5b; Figure 5d is a cross-sectional side view of the shell, the adapter and a selected liner of Figure 5a in an assembled state; Figure 5e is a cross-sectional side view of the shell and the adapter of Figure 5a with a different selected liner; Figure 5f is a cross-sectional side view of the shell and the adapter of Figure 5a with a further different selected liner; Figure 6a is a plan view of an adapter according to a first variant of the second detailed embodiment; Figure 6b is a detailed side view of an arm in a second variant of the second detailed embodiment; Figure 7 is a detailed plan view of an arm in a third variant of the second detailed embodiment; Figures 8a and 8b are two orientations of a detailed portion of the periphery of an adapter according to a fourth variant of the second detailed embodiment; and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an adapter connected to a base of a shell according to a third detailed embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0154] In orthopedic surgical use, a variety of different acetabular cup replacement methods can be employed. Only a few of these methods are suitable for use in complex acetabular defect surgery, in which more traditional shells with fixation members that engage bone cannot be successfully used. A fully porous shell with cemented inlays provides one such method. However, the fully porous shell is designed to be complementary to a given size and type of inlay that is cemented to the fully porous shell. Thus, for any given porous shell, the inlay material, inlay size and positioning, and potentially other characteristics are limited, and thus this method cannot provide as great a range of sizes and positioning for the implant as a modular system. For any given size of modular system shell, a wider range of inlays of different sizes, different cup positioning, etc. can already be available made of different materials.

[0155] Modular inlays can achieve this variety, but they are designed for traditional shells that are installed using fixation members and do not use cement between the shell and the inlay.

[0156] Currently, there is no provision for securely attaching modular system inlays to fully porous shells, which are currently intended for use only with cemented inlays. Thus, there is a limitation in the freedom of the user to select different bearing types and / or materials, for example, to restore the center of the hip joint.

[0157] Porous shells are beneficial for bone ingrowth, and fully porous shells attempt to mimic the entire cancellous bone. Other porous shells have a porous coating only on the outer surface, proximal surface, and thus do not mimic all pathways through the shell.

[0158] In addition to being useful in hip joint implant systems, similar improvements would be beneficial to allow attachment of modular components in cage type implants.

[0159] A common feature of cemented shells and their inlays is that cement provides the attachment therebetween, and thus no other form of attachment location or attachment element is pre-existing on the shell or inlay.

[0160] The present disclosure provides an adapter between a porous shell in an implant and any type of inlay to allow a wider range of inlays to be used with a given shell. The present disclosure is applicable to porous shells and inlay-based implants, but allows a given porous shell to successfully work with a range of different inlays, and potentially accept both modular inlays as well as previously cemented inlays. These forms can be used for unmodified cemented and unmodified non-cemented inlays, both of which will now be used in non-cemented bonding forms. A greater range of treatment options can be produced.

[0161] In other embodiments, the method is used with cages and other types of implants to provide similar flexibility.

[0162] In Figure 1 particular, a kit according to the present disclosure is shown, in particular of the type using a shell 3 and an adapter 100 shown in more detail in figure 2. This kit is used to provide an overall implant 1 formed by the shell 3 and the adapter 100, in combination with a single inner liner 5 selected from a set of different diameters of inner liners 5, 5' and 5''. Three inner liners are shown: an inner liner 5 of diameter 50 mm, an inner liner 5' of diameter 52 mm and an inner liner 5'' of diameter 54 mm, but a greater number of inner liners or only two inner liners 5, 5' can be present in the kit.

[0163] The porous shell 3 is provided with an attachment location 7 on a distal surface 9 of the shell 3. The distal surface 9 surrounds a dished recess 11. The dished recess 11 is configured to receive a main body 13 of the adapter 100. The adapter 100 has a peripheral flange 15 with a proximal surface 17 and a distal surface 19. In the assembled state, at least a portion of the proximal surface 17 of the adapter 100 abuts at least a portion of the distal surface 9 of the shell 3. The proximal surface 17 of the adapter 100 is provided with a series of attachment elements 21.

[0164] The adapter 100 is provided with a recess 23 in its distal surface 19. The recess 23 has a defined size [such as diameter and / or depth], a defined positioning within the adapter 100 [and thus within the shell 3 and the overall implant 1] and a defined cup interior profile [for example, a hemispherical or conical frustum as Figure 1 shown]. The recess or cup 23 receives the selected inner liner 5.

[0165] The kit comprises the inner liner 5 and a series of other inner liners 5', 5'' etc. that differ from the inner liner 5 in one or more properties. These properties are typically distal properties, for example a different defined size [for example a larger diameter and / or a deeper depth to accommodate a larger ball on a different implant], and / or a different defined positioning within the inner liner 5 [for example a non-central positioning], and / or a different defined cup interior profile [for example not a pure hemispherical profile]. Typically, the existing range of modular type inner liners [non-cemented] is larger than the range of cemented inner liners that are constructed, each providing a variation of such properties. Alternatively or in addition, these properties can be proximal properties and / or properties related to the interaction of the inner liner 5, 5', 5'' etc. with the adapter 100. Typically, existing non-cemented inner liners can comprise a connection location and / or connection elements that are intended to cooperate with an external shell of the original design, but can now be used for an alternative use to cooperate with the adapter. Conversely, existing inner liners intended for cemented use typically do not have such discrete elements and rely on cement to hold them in an external shell.

[0166] The now disclosed adapters provide an abutment engagement instead of cement for cemented liners [without the need to modify those liners], and also use the same abutment engagement to retain non-cemented liners [again without the need to modify] even in the case of those feature connections and / or connection elements.

[0167] As a result of the kit, a given shell 3 can optionally be successfully combined with any of the liners 5, 5', 5", etc. to provide variations of the liners 5, 5', 5", etc. and thus of the entire implant 1.

[0168] While a single adapter 100 can be used and shown in Figure 1 , a kit can include multiple adapters 100, 100', 100", etc. with the number of adapters substantially less than the number of liners 5 in the same kit.

[0169] If more than one adapter 100 is provided, the adapters can have one or more non-common features. These features are typically distal features such as different defined sizes [e.g. larger diameters and / or deeper depths to accommodate larger balls on different implants], and / or different defined positioning within the adapter 100 [e.g. non-central positioning], and / or different defined cup interior profiles [e.g. not pure hemi-spherical profiles].

[0170] If more than one adapter 100 is provided, the adapters can have one or more common features. Common features can include a peripheral flange 15, such as its proximal surface 17, with common profiles and / or sizes and / or ranges. Common features can include properties and / or sizes and / or shapes and / or profiles of the body 13 of the adapter 100, e.g. such that it fits securely within the shell 3. Common features can include properties and / or sizes and / or shapes and / or profiles and / or positioning of the attachment locations 7 and attachment elements 21.

[0171] As shown in Figure 1 , only a single shell 3 is shown for simplicity, but the disclosure of the kit generally includes a range of different shells 3 that differ from one another in one or more shell features. These can be shell distal features such as properties and / or sizes and / or shapes and / or profiles of the shell distal or portions thereof, e.g. the dished recess 11, and / or they can be shell proximal features such as properties and / or sizes and / or shapes and / or profiles of the shell proximal or portions thereof, e.g. one or more features of a porous coating on the shell 3 and / or the external shape of the shell 3. Thus, a wide variety of different shells 3, potentially different adapters 100, and different liners 5, 5', 5", 5'", 5"", etc. can be combined while retaining the benefits of the porous shell 3 type design.

[0172] With reference to Fig. 2a, a shell 3 and an adapter 100 suitable for such a universal kit are shown. In Fig. 2b, the adapter 100 and a selected liner 5 are shown in partially assembled form of the implant 1. In Fig. 2c, the adapter 100 is engaged with the shell 3, with the adapter 100 sandwiched between the shell 3 and the liner 5, to give the assembled form of the implant 1.

[0173] As is known in the art, this first detailed embodiment provides a porous shell 3 having an outer proximal surface 23 provided with a porous coating. Four equally spaced and matching profiled attachment locations 7 are provided in a distal surface 9 of the shell 3. The distal surface 9 surrounds a dished recess 11. The dished recess 11 is configured to receive a body 13 of the adapter 100 [shown separate from but aligned with the shell 3]. The shell 3 and the attachment locations 7 can be readily formed by a 3-D printing process.

[0174] Alternatively or in addition, attachment locations within the dished recess 11 can also be employed. For example, attachment locations can be provided in the base of the shell 3, for example using holes from one or more holes provided in the shell 3 for potential use with fixings; Figure 9 Such use is shown.

[0175] The attachment locations 7 have a mouth 25 and a base 27. The mouth 25 is connected to the base 27 by two inclined surfaces 29a, 29b. The inclined surfaces 29a, 29b flare away from the mouth 25 and away from each other, so that the base cross-section is larger than the mouth cross-section.

[0176] The adapter 100 has a peripheral flange 15 with a proximal surface 17 and a distal surface 19. In the assembled state, the proximal surface 17 of the adapter 100 is aligned with and abuts the distal surface 9 of the shell 3. A smooth continuation is provided between the adjacent portion 31 of the outer proximal surface 23 of the shell 3 and the further adjacent portion 33 of the outer surface 34 of the adapter 100.

[0177] The proximal surface 17 of the adapter 100 is provided with a series of attachment elements 21. During the transition from the disassembled state [Fig. 2] to the assembled state, the attachment elements 21 are aligned with the respective attachment locations 7 and a compressive force is exerted so that edge portions 35a, 35b of each of the attachment elements 21 deform due to abutment with edge surfaces 37a, 37b of the distal surface 9 of the shell 3. Further compression causes further deformation until the attachment elements 21 snap into place in the attachment locations 7. The attachment elements 21 are each profiled to have a proximal surface 39 and inclined side surfaces 41a, 41b leading to a neck location 43. These surfaces and locations are complementary at least with respect to the abutment surfaces and those of the attachment locations 7 of the shell 3, and thus provide a secure fixing between the porous shell 3 and the adapter 100.

[0178] With reference to figure 2b, the inner liner 5 is selected from a set of different inner liners 5, 5', 5", etc. for forming the implant 1. The inner liner 5 is inserted in the recess 23 in the adapter 100. The gap in figure 2c is exaggerated, wherein the outer surface 300 of the inner liner 5 approaches or abuts the inner surface 302 of the recess 23. In this configuration, the compression of the inner liner 5 by the adapter 100 can be little or none. The adapter 100 has a distal surface 17, a proximal surface 19 and an attachment element 21.

[0179] In figure 2c, the partly assembled implant 1 has become a fully assembled implant 1 by inserting the adapter 100 carrying the inner liner 5 into the housing 3. The type of engagement between the adapter 100 and the housing 3 is described in detail above with reference to figure 2a. The surface 304 defining the dished recess 11 in the housing 3 abuts the outer surface 306 on the adapter 100 at an abutment location. The inner surface 302 of the adapter 100 abuts the outer surface 300 of the inner liner 5 at an abutment location. This abutment can cause the inner liner 5 to compress the adapter 100 and / or the adapter 100 to slightly compress the inner liner. Compression of the outer surface of the housing 3 and / or the adapter 100 can also be induced. The abutment potentially with compression provides a secure seating of the inner liner 5 in the adapter 100. The adapter 100 is also securely anchored to the housing 3.

[0180] Thus, as just described, the connection of the inner liner 5 to the adapter 100 is a mechanical connection and is achieved by abutment. This applies to non-cemented inner liners, even if no engagement occurs between the connection location and / or connection element provided by the inner liner and the adapter; such connection can be used for the direct engagement of the previous inner liner to the outer housing. This mechanical interaction is significant in the case of inner liners previously designed for cemented use, as there is no cement for providing a secure seating in the typically porous housing and inner liner. Nonetheless, the cemented inner liner is securely held in place. As described below, the adapter in combination with the outer housing is sufficiently adaptable to successfully hold inner liners of even different outer dimensions without the use of connection elements and / or connection locations.

[0181] Figure 3An alternative variant of the attachment element 21 is shown in Fig. 5a. In this case, the attachment element 21 is provided with a central wedge-shaped recess 45, which is not present in the type of attachment element 21 shown in Fig. 2. This provides greater flexibility in the attachment element 21 during the transition from the disassembled state to the assembled state. The attachment element 21 [as well as the other elements not shown] is provided with a proximal surface 39 [divided into two parts] and inclined side surfaces 41a, 41b leading to a neck location 43. These surfaces and locations are complementary at least with respect to the abutment surfaces of those attachment locations 7 of the shell 3 and thus provide a secure fixation between the multi- bore shell 3 and the adapter 100. In this variant, the attachment locations 7 of the shell 3 can have the same profile as shown in Fig. 2, but can alternatively have some variations, in particular with respect to the profile of the base 27, such as a protrusion [not shown] into the central wedge-shaped recess 45.

[0182] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a kit according to a second general embodiment of the disclosure. It again has an outer shell 3 and an inner liner 5 as well as an adapter 100. The shell 3 and the inner liner 5 can be of the type shown in more detail in Figs. 5d, 5e and 5f. The adapter 100 can be of the type shown in more detail in Figs. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e and 5f. In addition to the inner liner 5 having a first outer diameter of 52 mm, the kit comprises at least one other inner liner. In this case, an inner liner 5' having an outer diameter of 54 mm and an inner liner 5'' having an outer diameter of 56 mm are provided. The inner liners 5, 5', 5'' are shown rotated by 180° compared to their orientation when inserted in the adapter 100 and the shell 1.

[0183] In the assembled state shown in Fig. 5d and during assembly of Fig. 5a, the adapter 100 is disposed between the shell 3 and the inner liner 5. The adapter 100 is received in the dished recess 11 in the shell 3. The adapter 100 has a central space 102 and the inner liner 5 is received in this central space 102. In general, the adapter 100 is engaged with the shell 3 by attachment elements / locations at the base, can have abutment locations / elements at its distal end and is engaged with the inner liner 3 by abutment locations / elements of the inner liner, in order to securely fix the three parts together and provide a securely assembled implant 1.

[0184] The single adapter 100 provides the ability to successfully install a greater range of liners 5 in a given housing 3 than would be possible with liners installed directly in the housing. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 3 is able to successfully accommodate, for example, a selection from a plurality of liners 5, 5', 5" and 5'" by using a single adapter 100. Different liners 5, 5', 5" can be accommodated by the single adapter 100 as the end segments 126 can present different spacing from one another within the void 75; as shown in Figures 5d, 5e and 5f.

[0185] As contemplated, if the kit includes different second adapters, this can also allow the housing 3 to successfully receive, for example, additional different liners. The addition of additional different adapters to the kit will allow for an even greater range of liners to be used. The adapters 100 can be provided such that the range of liners that can be accommodated overlap in their ranges. Thus, fourth and subsequent sized liners can be accommodated in the adapters 100 and a larger adapter, while the liners 5, 5' and 5" will not be accommodated in that larger adapter, and so on.

[0186] As with the embodiments described above Figure 1 , while for simplicity, Figure 4 only a single housing 3 is shown in the embodiments, the disclosure of the kit generally includes a range of different housings 3 that differ from one another in one or more housing characteristics. Thus, by using adapters and possibly different adapters, a greater range of housings and liners that can be fitted in those housings are provided.

[0187] In Figure 4 , a multi-well housing 3 and a liner 5 of the type that the adapter 100 shown in Figures 5a, 5b and 5c can accommodate are shown.

[0188] In contrast to conventional multi-well housings, the housing 3 has wells 102 provided in the base 104 of the dished recess 11. The wells 102 can be added or modified and provide a threaded segment 108 as part of the housing connection location 110; attachment location / element.

[0189] In contrast to the operation of conventional liners cemented in a housing, the liner 5 has a series of abutment locations 407 provided on the outer surface 35 of the liner 5, as best shown in Figures 5d, 5e and 5f. These abutment locations 407 cooperate with the abutment locations or elements 21 provided with the end segments 126, which in this embodiment are provided by the adapter 100 of Figure 5b.

[0190] If the cemented inner liner is modified compared to its existing form, the abutment location 407 can be in the form of an attachment location provided by a circumferential open slot with an inner surface, a side surface and a base surface facing proximally. The attachment location 407 has the same profile in each case. Such an abutment location 407 can increase the retention of the inner liner 5 in the adapter 100 and thus in the housing 3.

[0191] Further, as shown in Fig. 5d, the housing 3 and the inner liner 5 can be unmodified relative to the existing porous housing and cemented inner liner design, wherein the inner surface 200 of the end section 126 on the attachment element 21 of the adapter 100 only abuts the tapered surface 202 on the outer side 204 of the inner liner 5 and proximal to the distal side 206 of the inner liner 5. The outer surface 208 of the end section 126 abuts the inner circumferential section 210 of the housing 100. Thus, a secure engagement for the housing 3, the adapter 100 and the inner liner 5 is provided.

[0192] An alternative abutment location 407 is provided by the inner liner 5' in Fig. 5e and the inner liner 5'' in Fig. 5f.

[0193] In the form of Fig. 5e, the inner liner 5' has a similar abutment location 407 as the abutment location of Fig. 5d, wherein the inner liner housing 3, the adapter 100 and the inner liner 5' abut, but there is a further abutment location 407' on the inner liner 5'. The further abutment location 407' is provided by an annular ring 212, which extends around and protrudes from the outer surface 204 of the inner liner 5'. The distal surface 214 of the annular ring 212 provides an abutment and limiting surface cooperating with the inner proximal surface 216 of the attachment element 21 of the adapter 100.

[0194] In the form of Fig. 5f, the inner liner 5'' has the attachment method of Fig. 5e, but the inner liner 5'' is smaller than the inner liner 5' in Fig. 5e, and thus the adapter 100 does not have an attachment element 21 abutting the housing 3, and there is a gap 218.

[0195] Generally, during assembly, the inner liner 5 is first introduced into the adapter 100 to give an assembled inner liner-adapter state. Then, the combined inner liner 5 and adapter 100 can be attached to the housing 3 to provide an assembled state of the implant 1.

[0196] In Figs. 5b and 5c, the adapter 100 is shown in detail. In order to provide a secure engagement between the adapter 100 and the housing 3, a base bar 112 is centrally provided on the proximal surface 114 of the adapter 100. The base bar 112 has a threaded portion 116, which cooperates with a threaded portion 108 in the bore 102 of the housing connection location 110 of the housing 3. The base bar 112 extends from an adapter base 118. This provides an attachment location / element.

[0197] The adapter base 118 has four arm elements 120 extending outwardly and distally therefrom. Each arm portion 120 has the same shape and structure. The arm elements 120 are provided in two opposing pairs. The arm elements 120 have a base section 122 connecting them to the adapter base 118, a narrower intermediate section 124 which is considered to be a circumferential extent, and an end section 126. The intermediate section 124 provides the arm elements 120 with the primary ability to bend radially outwardly and inwardly as needed.

[0198] Each of the end sections 126 is provided with an abutment element 21. In each case, the abutment element 21 is shown as having an equivalent profile. In this embodiment, the abutment element 21 has an outer surface portion 128 which is a smooth continuation of an outer arm surface 130. The outer arm surface 130 and the outer surface portion 128 can have a profile which is complementary to the portion of the housing 3 with which they abut in the assembled state. The abutment element 21 also has an inner surface 132, a distal surface 134, a proximal surface 136 and a side surface 138. The inner surface 132 provides a tapered engagement region which abuts the inner liner 5 in use.

[0199] In the assembled state, and in the case of the inner liner 5 being in a modified form which includes a peripheral open slot which facilitates the abutment position, the proximal surface 136 of the abutment element 21 abuts the base surface 206 of the inner liner 5. The inner surface 132 of the abutment element 21 abuts the inner surface 202 of the inner liner 5 and the side surface 138 of the abutment element 21 abuts the side surface 204 of the inner liner 5. The abutment element 21 generally has a profile which is complementary to the peripheral open slot 200 provided by the inner liner 5.

[0200] When the inner liner 5 is introduced into the adapter 100, proximally, the outer surface 35 of the inner liner 5 will come into contact with a location on the arm elements 120 and further movement of the inner liner 5 into the adapter 100 will cause the arm elements 120 to bend outwardly. Eventually, the abutment element 21 on the arm elements 120 will align with the abutment location 407 of the inner liner. This can be achieved by axial movement of the adapter 100 and the inner liner 5 with the abutment element 21 and the abutment location 407 aligning, or rotation of the adapter 100 relative to the inner liner 5 to bring the abutment element 21 and the abutment location 407 into alignment, or a combination of both movements. Once the abutment element 21 is aligned with the abutment location 407, the abutment location 21 is able to enter the abutment location 407 and the arms are able to return radially inwardly and the bending of the arm elements 120 is relieved.

[0201] In this assembled liner-adapter state, the combination of the liner 5 and the adapter 100 can be introduced into the housing 3; to give the fully assembled form of figure 5d. The combination of the liner 5 and the adapter 100 is inserted proximally into the dished recess 11 of the housing 3 and is manipulated to set the proximal end 140 of the base stem 112, which is centrally disposed on the proximal surface 114 of the adapter 100, in the aperture 102 of the housing connection location 110 of the housing 3. Relative rotation of the combination of the liner 5 and the adapter 100 relative to the housing 3 causes the threaded portion 116 of the base stem 112 to engage and progress along the threaded portion 108 disposed in the aperture 102 in the base 104 of the dished recess 11 of the housing 3. Continued rotation brings the outer surface of the adapter 100 closer to the inner surface of the housing 3. When the proximal surface 114 of the adapter 100 abuts the distal surface of the housing 3, the contours of the housing 3 and the adapter 100 are such that the distal section 146 of the dished recess 11 abuts the outer arm surface 130 and the outer surface portion 128 of the arm element 120 of the adapter 100. This exerts a compression force on the abutment element 21 of the adapter 100 into the abutment location 407 of the liner 5; providing a locking ring action. Thus, a secure engagement between the housing 3 and the adapter 100 is provided and this also serves to increase the secure engagement between the adapter 100 and the liner 5; to the assembled implant state.

[0202] In the present disclosure, the housing 3 is able to accommodate different liners 5 as the adapter 100 is able to flex radially outwards and radially inwards over a range of materials in order to accommodate different sizes of liners 5. In fact, in prior art using only a housing 3 and a liner 5, the adapter 100 is primarily located within the void 75 filled with cement. When the adapter 100 is used to provide the connection of the housing 3 to the liner 5, the void 75 is free of cement. At the same time, the adapter 100 is still able to securely attach to the housing 3 and securely clamp to the liner. Referring to figure 5e, a first size of liner 5' is used, which is the largest size that can be accommodated by this adapter 100. In figure 5f, a smaller liner 5'' is used and so the attachment element 21 of the adapter 100 is deformed to a lesser extent and there is a gap 218 between the adapter 100 and the housing 3.

[0203] With reference to Fig. 6a, a variant of the adapter 100 is provided. Figs. 5b and 5c provide four arm elements 120, which provide a high level of flexibility radially outwards and inwards. The circumferential extent of the arm elements 120 of the abutment element 21 affects the contact area between the abutment element 21 of the inner liner 5 and the abutment location 407. The variant of Fig. 6a provides an increased contact area. In this case, three arm elements 120 have a more extensive base section 122 connecting them to the adapter base 118, a more extensive intermediate section 124 which is wider than the base section 122, and a more extensive end section 126. The base section 122 provides the arm elements 120 with the main ability to bend radially outwards and inwards as required. There is only a small interdigital gap 148 between adjacent arm elements 120.

[0204] Due to the more extensive end section 126, the abutment element 21 can also have a greater circumferential extent. The abutment location 407 on the inner liner has a matching extent, and thus a greater contact area is provided between the adapter 100 and the inner liner 5.

[0205] The end section 126 and the abutment element 21 have a cross-section as shown in Fig. 6b, which is similar to the cross-section in the embodiments of Figs. 5b and 5c. The abutment element 21 has an outer surface portion 128, which is a smooth continuation of the outer arm surface 130. The outer arm surface 130 and the outer surface portion 128 can have a complementary profile to the part of the housing with which they abut in the assembled state. The attachment element also has an inner surface 132, a distal surface 134, a proximal surface 136, and a side surface 138.

[0206] As shown, the arm elements 120 form three substantially fan-shaped or petal-shaped sections, which unfold from the base section 122 and thus extend around a very large part of the circumference, possibly 70% or more.

[0207] Figure 7 Another variant of the adapter 100 is shown in a side view, which shows the arrangement of the periphery, where the interdigital gaps 148 are closed at the periphery and the end sections 126 of the arms abut each other at the junctions 150. Thus, in this variant, the attachment element 21 extends around the entire periphery.

[0208] The variants of Figures 8a and 8b illustrate in plan view alternative joints 150 between adjacent arm elements 120 in different variants, where the abutment element 21 extends around the entire perimeter of the adaptor 100. Figure 8a shows an adaptor 100 with a first radial extent for the arm elements 120, and Figure 8b shows the same arm elements 120 but with a second, greater radial extent for the arm elements 120. This would be consistent with Figure 8b being a greater extent of the inner liner 5 than in Figure 8a, or with the deformed positioning of the arm elements 120 when the inner liner 5 is inserted but before the abutment element 21 is moved to the abutted position 7.

[0209] In this variant, the joint 150 is formed by two overlapping reduced thickness sections 152a and 152b. These allow the bend to open and increase the diameter of the adaptor 100, but the reduced thickness sections 152a and 152b still overlap each other. One reduced thickness section 152a is provided by the outer section, while the other reduced thickness section 152b is provided by the inner section.

[0210] In the foregoing embodiments, a threaded connection is used to secure the adaptor 100 to the housing 3. Other forms of connection that are secure are also possible. In Figure 9 In the foregoing embodiments, a threaded connection is used to secure the adaptor 100 to the housing 3. Other forms of connection that are secure are also possible. In

[0211] Both of the rods 160a, 160b have equivalent but mirrored profiles. The profile comprises a distally facing surface 162, a laterally facing surface 164, a proximally facing surface 166 and an internally facing surface 168.

[0212] In use, when the rods 160a, 160b approach the housing 3, they are positioned in alignment with the hole 102 provided in the base 104 of the dished recess 11 of the housing 3, and then enter the hole. The distal-most section 162 of the hole 102 has a cross-section that is complementary to the first diameter section 154 of the adaptor 100, and so the rods 160a, 160b can be inserted fully. The intermediate section 164 of the hole 102 follows the distal-most section 162, and has a cross-section through which the rods 160a, 160b can only pass by deflecting towards one another. This is the smallest cross-section of the hole 102. The inclined side-facing surface 164 first abuts the intermediate section 164, and so facilitates the deflection of the rods 160a, 160b towards one another. Beyond the intermediate section 164 of the hole 102 proximally, the proximal-most section 166 is reached, and it has an intermediate cross-section that allows the rods 160a, 160b to expand outwards again. The intermediate section 164 of the hole and the second diameter section 156 of the adaptor 100 are complementary to one another. Thus, for the assembled state, the proximal-most section 166 of the hole 102 is aligned with the second diameter section 156 of the adaptor 100. Figure 9 The distal-facing surface 162 of the rods 160a, 160b abuts the proximal-facing surface 168 of the housing 3. The proximal-facing surface 170 of the first diameter section 154 abuts the distal-facing surface 172 of the intermediate section 164. A secure mounting of the adaptor 100 relative to the housing 3 is provided.

[0213] While the lateral elasticity of the rods 160a, 160b can be used, additional elements driven between the rods 160a, 160b can be introduced into the gap 174 to force the rods out of place. This type of fixation can be added to the threading described above in order to resist any loosening of the threading over time.

[0214] Secure fixing of the adaptor 100 to the housing 3 can also be achieved by a snap- engagement or clamp-type arrangement. While the above has mentioned the use of a primary apex hole 102 in the housing 3, other through-holes distributed on the housing, such as other screw fixing holes, can be used to receive these or other fixings.

Claims

1. An acetabular component of an orthopedic joint prosthesis, the acetabular component comprising: External housing for mounting on the acetabulum; A liner, which is at least partially disposed within the outer housing and adapted to provide a contact surface for the femoral component of the orthopedic joint prosthesis; and An adapter, wherein the adapter is at least partially disposed within the outer housing, and the inner liner is at least partially disposed within the adapter; wherein: The acetabular component is in an assembled state, and in the assembled state, relative joint movement between the adapter and the outer housing is prevented.

2. The acetabular component according to claim 1, wherein in the assembled state, relative joint movement between the adapter and the liner is prevented.

3. The acetabular component according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the adapter has an engaged state with the housing, a plurality of attachment elements engaging with a plurality of attachment positions in the engaged state, at least one of the attachment elements or attachment positions being disposed on the adapter, and the other being disposed on the housing, and wherein, When the acetabular component is in the assembled state, the housing and the adapter are engaged, and the adapter and the liner are engaged.

4. The acetabular component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liner has an engaged state with the adapter, wherein a plurality of abutment elements engage with a plurality of abutment locations in the engaged state, at least one of the abutment elements or abutment locations being disposed on the adapter, and the other being disposed on the liner.

5. The acetabular component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein when the acetabular component is in the assembled state, the adapter is compressed by the liner and / or the liner is compressed by the adapter.

6. The acetabular component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein in the assembled state, the outer housing abuts the adapter, and the adapter abuts the inner liner.

7. The acetabular component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter has a disengaged state and an engaged state with the housing, and a transition state between the disengaged state and the engaged state, the adapter having a first configuration in the transition state and a different second configuration in the engaged state.

8. The acetabular component according to claim 7, wherein, In the first configuration, the attachment elements or attachment locations disposed on the adapter are spaced further apart circumferentially and / or radially than in the first configuration.

9. The acetabular component according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the adapter has a third configuration in the disengaged state, and wherein in the first configuration and / or the second configuration, the attachment element or attachment position disposed on the adapter is spaced further apart circumferentially and / or radially than in the third configuration.

10. The acetabular component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter includes a base element and a plurality of arm elements extending from the base element, and the abutment element and / or abutment position is disposed on the arm elements.

11. The acetabular component of claim 10, wherein the arm element is flexible and further radially outwardly bent in the transition state compared to the assembled state.

12. The acetabular component according to claim 3 or any claim thereto, wherein the abutment element or abutment location disposed on the adapter is disposed at the distal periphery of the adapter.

13. The acetabular component of claim 12, wherein the abutment element and / or abutment location extends at least 15% around the distal periphery of the adapter.

14. The acetabular component of claim 13, wherein the abutment element and / or abutment location extends around at least 80% of the distal periphery of the adapter.

15. The acetabular component according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the abutment element and / or abutment location extends around the entire distal periphery of the adapter, such as adjacent abutment elements and / or abutment locations being adjacent to or overlapping each other.

16. The acetabular component according to claim 10 or any claim thereto, wherein one or more of the arm elements comprise a base section, a middle section, and a distal section, and the adjacent element and / or adjacent location is disposed in the distal section of the respective arm.

17. The acetabular component according to claim 6 or any claim thereto, wherein the adapter is provided with one or more attachment elements extending from the base section of the adapter.

18. The acetabular component according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter includes an outer housing connecting element as an attachment element, and the outer housing includes an adapter connection location as an attachment location for mounting the adapter on the outer housing.

19. The acetabular component of claim 18, wherein the outer housing connecting element is a threaded element, and the adapter connecting element is a threaded element.

20. The acetabular component of claim 18, wherein the outer housing connecting element includes one or more distally facing abutment surfaces, the one or more distally facing abutment surfaces abutting one or more proximally facing abutment surfaces provided by the adapter connecting element.

21. The acetabular component of claim 19, wherein the distally facing adjacent surface of the outer housing connecting element of the adapter is disposed on one or more deformable elements such as a rod.

22. A kit of surgical components, comprising: The acetabular component of an orthopedic joint prosthesis includes: External housing for mounting on the acetabulum; Multiple liners, at least one of which has one or more different characteristics compared to another of the liners; adapter; The plurality of liners are adapted to be at least partially disposed within the outer housing and adapted to provide a contact surface for the femoral component of the orthopedic joint prosthesis; and The adapter is adapted to be disposed at least partially within the outer housing, and one of the inner linings is disposed at least partially within the adapter.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the one or more different characteristics between the liners are: the one or more liners are unmodified adhesive liners without connection positions and / or connection elements for the adapter, and the one or more liners are unmodified non-adhesive liners with one or more connection positions and / or connection elements for the adapter.

24. The kit of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the one or more different characteristics between the liners are selected from the group consisting of: one or more distal characteristics; one or more distal surface characteristics; one or more different sizes; one or more different defined positions of the contact surfaces of the liners; one or more different contact surface profiles.

25. The kit of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the kit further comprises: One or more additional outer housings, at least one of which has one or more different housing characteristics compared to another of the outer housings.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the one or more different characteristics between the outer housings are: one or more outer housings are adhesive outer housings, and one or more outer housings are non-adhesive outer housings.

27. The kit according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the kit further comprises: One or more additional adapters, at least one of which has one or more different adapter characteristics compared to another adapter.

28. The kit according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the kit further comprises: One or more femoral components; and / or One or more surgical instruments.

29. A method for implanting a component of a prosthesis, the method comprising: Obtain the adapter, inner liner, and outer housing; Insert the liner into the adapter; Insert the adapter into the outer housing; The adapter, the inner liner, and the outer shell are implanted at the surgical site; The components mentioned above include: External casing; A liner, which is at least partially disposed within the outer housing and adapted to provide a contact surface for another component of the prosthesis; and An adapter, wherein the adapter is at least partially disposed within the outer housing, and the inner liner is at least partially disposed within the adapter; wherein: The method provides an assembled state for the acetabular component and, in the assembled state, prevents relative joint movement between the adapter and the outer housing.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein in the assembled state, relative joint movement between the adapter and the liner is prevented.

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