DOUBLE MOBILITY PROTHESE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint replacement with two partial joints and an insertion aid for this joint replacement. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Replacing an injured or worn natural joint with an artificial joint is a common procedure. Artificial joint replacements are now available for a variety of natural joints, such as the hip, shoulder, elbow, ankle, finger, or knee. A complete or total joint replacement consists of at least two components that are fixed to the opposing bones. Such total hip replacements feature a socket implanted in the patient's acetabulum and a joint head on a prosthetic stem for anchoring in the femur.

[0003] In general, artificial joints are not simply mimicking natural joints in terms of their dimensions and structure. For example, in artificial hip joints, the joint heads are often significantly smaller in diameter than the natural joint head. Reasons for this include reduced wear or the use of ceramic as the prosthetic material. When ceramic is used, smaller heads have the advantage of reducing the risk of failure due to manufacturing defects due to their smaller volume. Furthermore, joint heads with a smaller diameter cause less wear due to the less movement in the joint space. In contrast, joint heads with a larger diameter have the advantage of greater stability and a lower risk of dislocation, while offering the patient a greater range of motion.

[0004] Double-joint prostheses attempt to implement the advantages of a larger joint head diameter in a prosthesis with a small joint head. Such hip endoprostheses typically comprise three components that are movable relative to one another. In contrast to the standard prostheses mentioned above, a joint insert is located between the acetabulum and the femoral head, which can move relative to the acetabulum and the femoral head. Consequently, such a hip endoprosthesis essentially combines a large-diameter joint prosthesis and a small-diameter joint prosthesis, hereinafter also referred to as the first or large partial joint and the second or small partial joint.

[0005] The large joint is formed by the concave surface of the acetabulum and the convex surface of the articulating insert, while the small joint is formed by the concave surface of the articulating insert and the convex surface of the femoral head, which is usually connected to a prosthetic stem anchored in a femur.

[0006] This multi-joint design means that the range of motion is divided between the large joint and the small joint. The small joint primarily performs movements that require only a small range of motion, such as normal walking. However, when the small joint reaches its maximum deflection, the large joint is also deflected, thus utilizing the full range of motion of the entire hip joint replacement.

[0007] With such a movement sequence, on the one hand, the range of motion of the large joint is minimized, while maintaining the advantages of a large range of motion and a lower risk of dislocation. On the other hand, a large portion of the joint movement preferentially occurs between the contact surfaces of the small joint, which contributes to overall low wear of the hip endoprosthesis.

[0008] To ensure the integrity of such hip endoprostheses, one of the joints is designed as a nut joint. This nut joint is characterized by the convex articulating surface of the condyle being enclosed beyond its equator by the concave articulating surface of the acetabulum, thus preventing these components from coming apart. However, such a nut joint should be able to be assembled intraoperatively, as an already assembled joint complicates implantation and could even cause damage when impacting the joint.

[0009] To insert a joint head into the opposite joint socket so that the convex joint surface comes into contact with the concave joint surface, the head can be designed to snap into the joint insert. However, this requires a certain amount of force to deform the joint head or the opening of the socket enough for the head to sit in the socket.

[0010] Another possible way of installing such a joint is proposed in US patent application 2010 / 0234963 A1. The opening in the concave surface of the socket is designed so that the femoral head can only be guided through it at a 90° angle. Once inserted, the femoral head can be rotated back so that the socket and head are aligned. However, in a joint system designed in this way, the edge of the femoral head is inevitably located below the socket opening when inserted. This arrangement therefore has the disadvantage of resulting in a geometrically limited range of motion, as the implant stem connected to the femoral head hits the edge of the socket opening earlier.

[0011] However, the teachings of this document do not address the age-related risk of dislocation. In addition to the surgically induced stretching and damage to their tissue, the risk of dislocation is also increased in older patients, as this tissue is usually weakened to begin with. This is particularly the case if the implantation of a joint replacement was preceded by a prolonged period of limited mobility due to the worn-out joint. While this situation can be improved preoperatively through physiotherapy, it is desirable to have additional treatment options available for such patients that can complement the limited options available with these physiotherapy measures.

[0012] WO 02 / 00141 A1 discloses a joint prosthesis comprising at least one fixed element intended to be firmly connected to an organ of the human body, in particular a bone, at least one movable element that can move relative to the fixed element, and at least one intermediate element that enables the movable element to be articulated relative to the fixed element. The intermediate element is received in an internal volume of the fixed element, said intermediate element having at least one degree of rotational freedom relative to said fixed element, while the movable element is at least partially received in an internal volume of the intermediate element and having at least one degree of rotational freedom relative to said intermediate element. Means are provided that enable the translational connection of the movable element relative to the intermediate element.

[0013] US 2014 / 128988 discloses prosthetic femoral heads, mobile inserts, and acetabular components that can reduce soft tissue interference, reduce implant wear, and / or reduce frictional torque. Modular connections are provided that can minimize the occurrence of loosening and micromovements that can occur at modular connections of orthopedic implants. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The objective of the present invention was therefore to provide an insert and a joint system that prevents dislocation even in patients with limited constitution. A further objective was to enable simple intraoperative assembly without compromising the functionality of the joint endoprosthesis. At the same time, the load on the joint components should be kept as low as possible.

[0015] This object is achieved by the combination of features defined in the independent claims. The associated dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] To achieve this object, the present invention provides a joint replacement according to claim 1.

[0017] The locking devices of the socket and joint insert make it possible to minimize or even eliminate the risk of dislocation, especially in patients with weakened tissue. This allows patients to receive joint replacement surgery for whom such surgery was previously difficult or impossible due to the condition of the tissue. The resulting freedom of movement represents a significant improvement in quality of life for these patients.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a region of the concave articular surface of the joint socket and / or the joint insert prevents the dislocation of the respective partial joint by forming the respective joint as a nut joint.

[0019] The securing devices of the joint replacement according to the invention are designed in such a way that the partial joints remain in the assembled state even without external force, without their freedom of movement being restricted.

[0020] The cohesion of the joint components is ensured by ensuring that the insertion opening of the receiving joint part is smaller than the outer dimension of the inserted joint part. In other words, the insertion opening of the concave joint surface is designed to be smaller than the greatest distance between two points on the convex surface of the insert, at least in the case of a ball-and-socket joint. Consequently, the area that prevents dislocation is located at the circumferential edge of the concave joint surface. Assuming a spherical joint, this area thus forms the part of the joint surface that extends beyond its equator.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the opening diameter of the concave articulating surface is 1% to 6%, preferably 2% to 5%, most preferably 3.5% to 5% smaller than the articulating diameter.

[0022] This can effectively prevent or avoid dislocation of the joint implanted in the patient. Especially at the lower values ​​of these ranges, it is possible to assemble the joint partners by pressing the male joint part into the female joint part. However, at least one of the joint partners should, if possible, be made of a polymer, especially UHMWPE. Pressing can be performed before implantation of the joint replacement to avoid damage to the patient's tissue.

[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the securing device of at least one of the partial joints has two preferably releasable securing elements which cooperate to prevent a dislocation of the partial joint.

[0024] In contrast to the above-described assembly of the joint by pressing together, the joint can also be assembled using the securing elements during implantation. In other words, in the joint replacement according to the invention, preferably only one of the partial joints is designed as a nut joint, which is assembled by pressing the two joint components together. However, in this embodiment, at least the other partial joint, particularly if it is designed as a nut joint, should be mountable using detachable securing elements. These allow the aforementioned region of the concave joint surface, which forms the joint as a nut joint, to be connected to the concave joint surface only after the convex joint partner has been inserted.

[0025] The fact that at least one of the partial joints is designed with a securing device having detachable securing elements also has advantages in the event of a reversion, as this simplifies the removal of the joint components to be replaced.

[0026] In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the two securing elements interact by means of a preferably releasable screw, locking and / or snap connection.

[0027] The safety device designed in this way is easy to install and can also be designed to be removable.

[0028] For example, the securing device can be designed in the form of a screw connection, as this is easy to install and remove. To prevent accidental release of the securing device in this embodiment, it is preferably secured with a locking element via a positive or frictional connection.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a securing element is formed by a preferably circumferential recess for receiving a securing ring in the concave joint surface of the joint socket and / or the joint insert.

[0030] In this design, the use of a retaining ring during assembly prevents any stress on the fabric. A similar effect can also be achieved with a snap connection secured with a retaining ring.

[0031] The retaining ring preferably consists of an elongated strip of a flexible material, which is even more preferably preformed as a C-shaped ring. The strip can be inserted lengthwise into the recess via an access opening or recess extending from the edge of the concave articulating surface to the circumferential recess.

[0032] In a further embodiment according to the invention, a securing element is formed by at least one recess in the joint socket and / or in the joint insert, which acts as a bayonet connection with a projection of a further securing element.

[0033] As already described above in connection with the thread, this locking device is also easy to install and remove. The advantage of this design is that with a bayonet lock, the locking of the safety elements is achieved by applying both a force and a torque, thus reducing the stress on the tissue compared to, for example, a purely torque-based installation of the joint.

[0034] The insertion aid can of course be used for the first and / or the second partial joint, i.e. also or alternatively between the joint insert and the convex surface of the joint head.

[0035] The insertion aid has the advantage of reducing or even eliminating the insertion force, particularly when constructing a partial joint as a nut joint, which without an insertion aid would only be assembled by pressing the joint parts together before implantation. At the same time, dislocation of the joint within the range of the implanted joint's possible range of motion is prevented. Consequently, with the help of an insertion aid, a partial joint can be assembled intraoperatively that could otherwise only be assembled before implantation. This eliminates the risk of dislocation under everyday stresses.

[0036] The deformation required to install the partial joint is reduced or eliminated by the fact that the recess, with its preferred elongated shape, partially reduces the diameter of the convex joint surface. Thanks to the insertion aid, the force required to insert the partial joint into the concave joint surface of the nut joint is so minimal, if at all, that the strain on the patient's tissue is reduced, especially intraoperatively, and damage to the joint components is prevented.

[0037] The elongated recess of the insertion aid located on the sliding surface facilitates the insertion of the convex joint surface into the concave joint surface of the respective partial joint. Depending on the dimensions of the recess, this insertion can be carried out without any deformation or with a deformation that only causes stress and does not damage the materials of the joint socket or insert. Consequently, with this insert, it is possible to achieve a degree of coverage of the socket joint that is higher than that achievable with insertion using a snap connection. Furthermore, the recess prevents uncontrolled slipping during assembly, as can occur with a snap connection, for example.

[0038] The elongated shape of the insertion aid on the convex joint surface has the particular advantage that it can be adapted to the contour of the opening edge of the concave joint surface. Furthermore, this ensures that the insertion aid, due to its minimal size, has the least possible influence on the geometry of the convex surface of the insert.

[0039] To insert the convex joint component using the insertion aid, the two joint partners are tilted relative to each other. Consequently, to cause a dislocation, the joint would have to be deflected to the same extent as during insertion. By placing the insertion aid in a plane of symmetry of the convex joint surface, regardless of the joint's alignment after implantation, the partial joint would have to be deflected by almost 90° to cause a dislocation. Such a deflection, particularly in the hip joint, is generally not achievable physiologically or due to the prosthetic neck.

[0040] Even greater protection against dislocation is possible if the orientation of the insertion aid during implantation is taken into account. In other words, the insertion aid is positioned on the convex articular surface of the partial joint in such a way that it cannot be reached by the physiological range of motion after implantation. For example, in a hip joint, it is advantageous to place the insertion aid behind the area of ​​maximum adduction.

[0041] Even though the insertion aid is particularly beneficial for a double joint to prevent dislocation, the above-mentioned advantages can also be achieved with a simple nut joint using the appropriate features. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0042] With the help of the following figures and description, exemplary embodiments are described in detail for a better understanding of the present invention. For this purpose, the features evident in the figures have been identified by reference numerals. The same reference numerals have been used for different exemplary embodiments if the features are the same or have the same effect in these exemplary embodiments. Figure 1 shows an assembled joint replacement according to the invention, which has two partial joints. Figure 2 shows a joint insert according to the invention designed as a nut joint during the insertion of a joint head mounted on a prosthetic shaft. Figures 3a and 3b show an insert according to the invention which has an insertion aid on its convex joint surface. Figures 4a and 4b show an implantable joint socket according to the invention. Figures 5a and 5bshow the insertion of a joint insert according to the invention by means of an elongated insertion aid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Figure 1 shows the assembled state of a double-joint hip endoprosthesis, also known as a double mobility prosthesis. Such prostheses from the state of the art, as already described above, enable the range of motion of a large-head prosthesis despite a small femoral head 3. The Figure 1 The implant shown in the abduction position combines the advantages of less wear of a smaller femoral head with the greater range of motion of a large-head prosthesis by being constructed over two partial joints.

[0044] The first partial joint is located between the acetabulum 1 implanted in the pelvic bone and a joint insert 2. The second partial joint is formed between the joint insert 2 and the femoral head 3. As can be seen by the deflection of the implant with maximum abduction angle in Figure 1 As can be seen, the range of motion is increased by the fact that the prosthetic stem 4 located under the femoral head 3 hits the edge of the joint insert 2, but this is deflected by the mobility of the first partial joint, so that the range of motion is increased until the prosthetic stem 4 hits the inner edge of the acetabulum 3.

[0045] In the Figure 1In the implant shown, the first partial joint between the acetabulum 1 and the joint insert 2 has joint components of a ball and socket joint that fall apart if not held together by external forces. In contrast, the second partial joint between the joint insert 2 and the femoral head 3 is a nut joint. In this joint, the joint insert 2 encloses the femoral head 3 beyond its equator and is therefore mounted to it in such a way that the two joint components of the second partial joint do not fall apart even without external stabilizing forces.

[0046] Figure 2shows a hip endoprosthesis according to the invention during insertion of the femoral head 30 into the joint insert 20. The joint head 30, connected to the prosthesis stem 40, is inserted into the concave joint surface 21 of the joint insert 20 using a pressing tool 50. A joint blocking device 13 ensures, when the joint head 30 is pressed in via the circumferential edge 23 of the concave surface 21 of the joint insert 20, that the joint insert 20 cannot pivot relative to the joint socket 10 during use of the tool 50. For this purpose, the joint blocking device 13 is secured, as described further below, via a connecting element 14 to the edge 15 of the joint socket 10, which is located between the outer surface 17 of the joint socket 10 and the concave inner surface 11 of the joint socket or connects them.Thus secured, a portion of the joint locking device extends over the edge of the joint insert 20, which is located between the circumferential edge 23 of the concave joint surface 21 and the circumferential edge 24 of the convex joint surface 22. Advantageously, the portion of the joint locking device 13 extends over more than 180° of the annular edge of the joint insert 20 to prevent the joint insert from rotating in all directions.

[0047] Of course, it is also possible to provide such a joint blocking device 13 for the joint head 30 in order to facilitate the insertion of the joint head 30 into the concave joint surface 21 of the joint insert 20.

[0048] If the assembly of one or both partial joints is performed after implantation of the joint socket, the joint locking device 13 can also be designed so that the pressing tool 50 uses it as an abutment. With such a design, the pressing tool rests on the locking device 13, so that, ideally, no force is exerted on the surrounding bone tissue.

[0049] Furthermore, Figure 2It can be seen that the edge of the joint insert 20 in its neutral position, i.e. the rotational symmetry axis of the joint insert 20 and the joint socket 10 lie on top of each other, is aligned with the edge 15 of the joint socket 20. It is also possible to allow the peripheral edge of the joint insert 20 to protrude in relation to the edge 15 of the joint socket 20 in the neutral position or starting position. This allows the frequency of movement between the joint socket 10 and the joint insert 20 to be increased while maintaining the same range of movement. In other words, when the joint head 30 is deflected, the prosthesis stem 40 comes into contact with the peripheral edge of the joint insert 20 earlier, and thus an imposed relative movement between the insert 20 and the joint socket 10 earlier. Since this can result in increased abrasion, as described above, the Figure 2 The embodiment shown is preferred.

[0050] The Figures 3a and 3bshow a joint insert 20 according to the invention. As in Figure 3b As can be seen, the concave joint surface 21 of the joint insert 20 is designed as a nut joint. The same applies to the concave joint surface 11 in the Figure 4b shown sectional view of the joint socket 10. Consequently, the concave receptacle in both partial joints has an insertion opening which is smaller than the convex joint surface to be accommodated in it, so that the assembly of the partial joints requires force and / or an insertion aid 27.

[0051] Since in the Figures 3 and 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, both partial joints are spherical, the radius R Ei of the concave joint surface 21 is greater than the radius of the opening of the receptacle formed by the concave joint surface 21, or the diameter D Pi of the concave joint surface 11 of the joint socket 10 is greater than the diameter D Po of the joint socket opening.

[0052] The joint insert 20 in the Figures 3a and 3b is not only designed as a nut joint in the area of ​​the concave joint surface 21, but also has an additional securing device in the form of a recess 26 in the area 25 extending beyond the equator toward the opening of the concave joint surface 21. This recess is provided for the insertion of a securing ring. Consequently, in the illustrated embodiment, the joint insert 20 on the side of the second partial joint is designed with two securing devices that prevent the convex joint surface 32 of the joint head 30 from separating from the concave joint surface 21 of the joint insert 20. However, it is equally possible to provide only one of the securing devices 25, 26 to prevent dislocation of the respective partial joint.

[0053] An elongated strip of a flexible material is preferably used as the retaining ring. The elongated strip is preferably preformed in a C-shape. To insert the retaining ring into the circumferential recess 26, it is pushed lengthwise into the recess 26 through an access opening or access recess that runs from the edge of a concave joint surface 11, 21 to the recess 26. If the flexible C-shaped retaining ring is not preformed, it only becomes C-shaped upon insertion into the circumferential recess 26. Alternatively, a snap ring can also be used as the retaining ring.

[0054] Furthermore, the Figures 3a and 3bThe joint insert 20 shown has an insertion aid 27 in the form of an elongated groove on the side of the first partial joint, i.e., on the convex surface 22 of the joint insert 20. This groove 27 runs from the circumferential edge 24 of the convex joint surface 22 via the pole 29 back to the circumferential edge 24. The contact points of the groove 27 with the circumferential edge 24 are diametrically opposite one another in the illustrated embodiment, since the insertion aid 27 is located in a plane of symmetry of the spherical, convex joint surface 22.

[0055] The Figures 4a and 4bThe joint socket 10 shown, which forms the receptacle for the first partial joint, has a spherical segment-shaped, concave joint surface 11 and an outer surface 17 intended for implantation into the bone tissue of a patient. The outer surface 17 can be anchored in the bone tissue using various techniques known from the prior art. As already described above, the joint socket 10, as well as the joint insert 20, has a region 12 which, as a safety device, prevents dislocation of the first partial joint, i.e., the joint insert 20 from popping out.

[0056] Furthermore, fastening means 18 are provided in the edge region formed between the outer surface 17 and the concave joint surface 11 of the joint socket 10. In the present embodiment, the fastening means 18 are a threaded hole and two locking holes, with the aid of which the joint blocking device 13 from Figure 2is detachably fastened via a connecting element 14. As the Figures 2 and 4 As can be seen, the threaded hole 18 of the joint socket 10 is located on the circumference of the edge area, offset by 90° between the two diametrically opposite locking holes.

[0057] The following is based on the Figures 5a and 5b explains how an insertion aid 27 supports the insertion of a joint insert 20 into a joint socket 10. However, the following, as well as the preceding, can also be readily applied to the partial joint formed by the concave joint surface 21 of the joint insert 20 and the convex joint surface 32 of the joint head 30.

[0058] The Figures 5a and 5bshow a joint insert 20 according to the invention during insertion into a joint socket 10. In the present embodiment, the joint socket 10 and the joint insert 20 are components of a double mobility hip joint endoprosthesis. The joint socket 10 has an inner concave articulating surface 11 that interacts with the convex articulating surface 22 of the joint insert 20. The opening of the concave articulating surface 11 of the joint socket 10 is delimited by a circumferential edge 16 and has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the concave articulating surface 11 at the equator of the joint socket 10.

[0059] As continued in the Figures 5a and 5bAs can be seen, the convex joint surface 22 of the insert 20 has an insertion aid 27 located in a plane of symmetry of the insert 20 or the convex joint surface 22. The insertion aid 27 shown is designed as an elongated recess that extends from the circumferential edge 24 toward the pole 29 of the convex joint surface 22. The elongated recess 27 lies in the plane of symmetry of the convex joint surface 22 indicated by the auxiliary line 28.

[0060] Because the insertion aid 27 extends to the circumferential edge 24 of the convex surface 22, it is possible to promote the transport of synovial fluid between the convex surface 22 of the insert 27 and the concave surface 11 of the socket 10 as well as the removal of possible wear products between these surfaces and thus to increase the service life of the joint endoprosthesis.

[0061] The elongated recess begins at the peripheral edge 24 of the convex surface 22 and extends into the Figures 5a and 5b over approximately one third of the length of the auxiliary line 28 between the pole 29 and the edge 24. The elongated recess extends over 25% to 75% of the connecting line length.

[0062] It is understood that the elongated recess does not necessarily have to be in contact with the peripheral edge 24 of the convex surface 22, but can also be arranged with both ends in the convex surface 22 of the joint insert 20. Furthermore, the insertion aid 27 can be designed in several parts. This makes it possible to be symmetrical to the Fig. 5a shown insertion aid 27, a further part of the insertion aid 27 is to be provided on the opposite side of the articular surface 22.

[0063] The longer and wider the insertion aid 27 is, the easier it is to insert the joint insert 20 into a socket 10 designed as a nut joint. However, it should be noted that with increasing length or width, the convex surface of the insert becomes more irregular, which can lead to a local increase in stresses.

[0064] The shape of the recess is preferably designed to correspond to the contour of the edge of the associated concave joint surface, which serves as the joint partner of the partial joint. When placed against the joint socket 10, the recess of the insertion aid 27, with its deepest section, preferably at least over a section of its recess base, comes into contact with the circumferential edge 16 of the concave receptacle of a joint partner, here the joint socket 10. Most preferably, the recess 27 has a profile in its longitudinal direction with a radius that is essentially equal to the radius R Pi of the joint socket 10 at its circumferential edge 16. The insertion aid 27 preferably gradually transitions into the convex surface of the insert in the longitudinal direction, at least at one of its ends.

[0065] The cross-section of the elongated recess is designed to prevent the occurrence of stress peaks in the transition area from the insertion aid 27 to the joint surface 22. For this reason, the insertion aid preferably transitions smoothly into the convex joint surface 22 of the joint insert 20.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the recess-shaped insertion aid 27 is arranged on the auxiliary line 28 between the edge of the convex joint surface 22 and its pole 29. In other words, the plane formed by the recess forms an angle of 0° with the plane spanned by the auxiliary line 28. Although this is the preferred embodiment, it is readily possible to choose any other angle.

[0067] In other words, the angle between the insertion aid 27 and the auxiliary line 28 can be between 0° and 90°, but preferably 0° to 45° and even more preferably 0° to 15°. In general, the smaller the angle between the insertion aid 27 and the imaginary auxiliary line 28, the lower the probability that the insertion aid 27 will align with the opening edge of the acetabulum during the movement of the joint, thus potentially causing dislocation.

[0068] Alternatively, it is possible to offset the plane spanned by the insertion aid 27 parallel to the plane spanned by the auxiliary line 28 or the plane of symmetry of the convex joint surface 22.

[0069] Such free positioning of the insertion aid 27 on the convex surface 22 of the insert 20 enables optimization with regard to simple assembly of the joint insert 20 in a joint socket 10 or of a joint head 30 in a joint insert 20. Thus, the stress on the implant material still caused by the insertion aid 27 can be taken into account during assembly of the artificial joint. It is also possible to reduce material stress on the joint socket 10, the insert 20, and / or the joint head 30 depending on the implantation site and the resulting stresses. Thus, the insertion aid 27 makes it possible to manufacture the joint socket 10 and, in particular, the joint insert 20 or the joint head 30 from a relatively inelastic material, such as metal or ceramic.

[0070] Since, in the embodiment shown, the insertion aid 27 is arranged on the auxiliary line 28, i.e., in a plane of symmetry of the joint insert 20, and thus at an angle of 0°, the joint insert 20 is inserted into the joint socket 10 by tilting the two components approximately 90° relative to each other before insertion. If the insertion aid 27 is arranged at a different angle, the joint socket 10 and the joint insert 20 must be aligned differently for assembly.

[0071] After alignment, the insertion aid 27 is placed on the circumferential edge 26 of the concave joint socket surface 11 so that the circumferential edge 16 is positioned within the recess of the insertion aid 27. In this way, the insert 20 is positioned slightly offset relative to the assembled state in the plane of the opening of the concave joint surface 11, thus fitting through the opening formed by the concave joint surface 11. In other words, the offset compensates for the excess of the joint insert 20 relative to the opening of the joint socket 10.

[0072] In other words, the joint insert 20 fits into the concave joint surface 11 of the joint socket 10 because the diameter of the joint insert 20 at the level of the circumferential edge 24 of the convex surface 22 of the joint insert 20 is less than or equal to the diameter of the circumferential edge 16 of the concave joint surface 11 due to the depth of the insertion aid 27.

[0073] In Figure 5b The joint insert 20 is shown in a slightly inclined position after successful insertion into the joint socket 10. Furthermore, it can be seen that the joint insert 20 of this embodiment has a concave joint surface 21 which is designed to receive a joint head 30 (see Figure 2 ) is provided.

[0074] In any case, the present invention provides a dislocation-free joint endoprosthesis that nevertheless allows for easy assembly during a surgical procedure. REFERENCE SYMBOL

[0075] 1Hacetabulum (state of the art) 2Articular insert (state of the art) 3Articular head (state of the art) 4Articular stem (state of the art) 10Articular socket 11Concave articular surface of the articular socket 12Securing device of the articular socket: projection 13Articular locking device 14Connecting element 15Circumferential rim of the articular socket 16Circumferential edge of the articular socket 17Outer surface of the articular socket 18Fastening means 20Articular insert 21Concave articular surface of the articular insert 22Convex articular surface of the articular insert 23Circumferential edge of the concave articular surface of the articular insert 24Circumferential edge of the convex articular surface of the articular insert 25Securing device of the articular insert: projection 26Securing device of the articular insert: recess for retaining ring 27Insertion aid: recess 28Guide line on the convex articular surface of the articular insert 20,which runs in its plane of symmetry 29Pole of the convex joint surface 22 30Joint head 32Convex joint surface of the joint head 40Prosthesis stem 50Pressing tool AqEquator of a convex or concave joint surface R Pi inner radius of the joint socket D Pi inner diameter of the joint socket D Po joint opening diameter of the joint socket R Ei inner radius of the joint insert D Eo inner diameter of the joint insert D Ei joint opening diameter of the joint insert,

Claims

1. joint replacement comprising a joint socket (10) having a concave joint surface (11), a joint head (30) having a convex joint surface which is delimited by a peripheral edge, and a joint insert (20) which has a concave (21) and a convex joint surface (22), which are each bounded by a peripheral edge (23, 24), wherein the convex joint surface (22) of the joint insert (20) is designed to form a first partial joint with the concave joint surface (11) of the joint socket (10) in the assembled state, wherein the concave joint surface (21) of the joint insert (20) is designed to form a second partial joint with the convex joint surface (32) of the joint head (30) in the mounted state, and the joint socket (10) and the joint insert (20) each have a securing device (12, 25, 26) which prevents dislocation of the joint replacement, wherein the joint head (30) and / or the joint insert (20) has an insertion aid (27, 28) which enables the insertion of the respective convex joint surface (22, 32) into the associated concave joint surface (11, 21), characterised in that the insertion aid (27) is configured as an elongated recess in the convex joint surface (22, 32) of at least one of the partial joints, wherein the elongated recess begins at the peripheral edge (24) of the convex joint surface (22, 32) and extends over 25% to 75% of the length of an auxiliary line (28) running on the convex joint surface (22, 32) in its plane of symmetry between the peripheral edge (24) and a pole (29) of the joint surface (22, 32).

2. The joint replacement according to claim 1, in which a region (12, 25) of the concave joint surface (11, 21) of the joint socket (10) and / or of the joint insert (20) prevents dislocation of the respective partial joint by forming the respective joint as a ball-and-socket joint.

3. The joint replacement according to claim 2, in which the opening diameter (DPo, DEo) of the concave joint surface (11, 21) is 1% to 6%, preferably 2% to 5%, most preferably 3.5% to 5% smaller than the joint diameter (DPi, DEi).

4. The joint replacement according to claim 2 or 3, in which the securing device (12, 25, 26) of at least one of the partial joints has two preferably releasable securing elements which cooperate to prevent dislocation of the partial joint.

5. The joint replacement according to claim 4, in which the two securing elements cooperate by means of a preferably releasable screw, locking, and / or snap connection.

6. The joint replacement according to any one of claims 4 or 5, in which a securing element is formed by a preferably circumferential recess (26) for receiving a securing ring in the concave joint surface (11, 21) of the joint socket (10) and / or the joint insert (20).

7. The joint replacement according to any one of claims 4 to 6, in which a securing element which forms a bayonet connection with a projection of another securing element is formed by at least one recess in the joint socket (10) and / or in the joint insert (20).

8. The joint replacement according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the insertion aid (27) is formed in the plane of symmetry of the convex joint surface (22, 32).