A device for locking the acetabular liner into the acetabular cup.

Abstract

The orthopaedic implant includes an acetabular bearing (10) and an acetabular shell component (100). The bearing includes a convex outer surface (14) having a hemispherical surface, a curved lead-in surface (40), a flat flange surface (44), a curved flank surface (54), and a flat tapered surface (28). The curved flank surface extends inwardly relative to the flat tapered surface, and the flat flange surface extends outwardly relative to the flat tapered surface. The shell component includes a concave inner surface (112) having a tapered surface (118) configured to engage the tapered surface of the bearing. An annular groove (124) is defined in the concave inner wall of the shell component and configured to receive the flat flange surface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to orthopedic surgical implants, and more specifically relates to modular orthopedic surgical implant systems. [Background Art]

[0002] Arthroplasty is a well-known surgical procedure in which diseased and / or damaged biological joints are replaced with artificial joints. For example, in a hip arthroplasty surgical procedure, the acetabular joint of a patient's natural hip is partially or fully replaced with an artificial hip joint. A typical artificial hip joint includes an acetabular prosthesis component and a femoral head prosthesis component. The acetabular prosthesis component generally has an outer shell or cup configured to engage with the patient's acetabulum, and an inner bearing or liner coupled to the shell and configured to engage with the femoral head. The femoral head prosthesis component and the inner bearing of the acetabular component form an acetabular joint that approximates a natural hip joint. [Summary of the Invention] [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0003] According to one aspect, an orthopedic implant includes an acetabular bearing having a convex outer surface extending inwardly from a rim to an apex, and a concave inner surface positioned opposite the outer surface. When viewed in an anteroposterior cross-section, the convex outer surface has a hemispherical surface surrounding the apex, and on both sides of the hemispherical surface: (i) curved introduction surfaces extending outwardly away from the hemispherical surface, (ii) flat flange surfaces extending outwardly away from the curved introduction surfaces, (iii) curved relief surfaces extending outwardly away from the flat flange surfaces, and (iv) flat tapered surfaces extending outwardly from the curved relief surfaces to the rim. A first imaginary line extends along the flat tapered surface, and the curved relief surface is positioned between the concave inner surface and the first imaginary line.

[0004] In one embodiment, the first contact point is defined at the transition between the hemispherical surface and the curved introduction surface. In one embodiment, the second contact point is defined at the transition between the curved introduction surface and the flat flange surface. In one embodiment, the second contact point is defined at the innermost point of the curved relief surface, a first imaginary line segment extends from the first contact point to the second contact point, a second imaginary line extends in the front-rear direction and intersects the midpoint of the first imaginary line segment, a first cross-sectional region bounded by the first imaginary line segment, the second imaginary line and the convex outer surface is located inside the second imaginary line, a second cross-sectional region bounded by the first imaginary line segment, the second imaginary line and the convex outer surface is located outside the second imaginary line, and the second cross-sectional region is larger than the first cross-sectional region.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first imaginary line is located between the flat flange surface and the concave inner surface. In one embodiment, the concave inner surface defines a polar axis extending through its apex, and the first imaginary line defines a first angle with the polar axis; a second imaginary line extends along the flat flange surface, and the second imaginary line defines a second angle with the polar axis, the second angle being greater than the first angle. In one embodiment, the first angle is 5.1 degrees. In one embodiment, the second angle is between 10 and 14 degrees. In one embodiment, the second angle is 12 degrees.

[0006] In one embodiment, the trailing edge surface is located between the flat flange surface and the curved relief surface. In one embodiment, a third imaginary line extends along the trailing edge surface, intersects with the second imaginary line, and a right angle is defined between the third imaginary line and the second imaginary line.

[0007] In one embodiment, the orthopedic implant further comprises an acetabular shell component having an annular rim and a concave inner wall extending inward from the annular rim, wherein the concave inner wall has a tapered surface configured to engage with a tapered surface of an acetabular bearing and a hemispherical surface configured to engage with a hemispherical surface of an acetabular bearing. An annular groove is defined in the concave inner wall of the acetabular shell component between the tapered surface and the hemispherical surface, and the annular groove is configured to receive the flat flange surface of an acetabular bearing.

[0008] In another embodiment, the orthopedic implant comprises an acetabular bearing having a convex outer surface extending inward from the rim to the apex and a concave inner surface located on the opposite side of the outer surface. When viewed in a cross-sectional view in the anterior-posterior direction, the convex outer surface has a hemispherical surface surrounding the apex and, on both sides of the hemispherical surface, extending outward away from the hemisphere, (i) a curved introduction surface, (ii) a flat flange surface, (iii) a posterior edge surface, (iv) a curved relief surface, and (v) a flat tapered surface extending to the rim. A first contact point is defined at the transition between the hemispherical surface and the curved introduction surface. A first imaginary line extends along the flat tapered surface, the first imaginary line is located between the flat flange surface and the concave inner surface, and the curved relief surface is located between the first imaginary line and the concave inner surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the second contact point is defined at the transition between the curved introduction surface and the flat flange surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the second contact point is defined at the innermost point of the curved relief surface, the first virtual line segment extends from the first contact point to the second contact point, the second virtual line extends in the front-rear direction and intersects the midpoint of the first virtual line segment, the first cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line and the convex outer surface is located inside the second virtual line, the second cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line and the convex outer surface is located outside the second virtual line, and the second cross-sectional region is larger than the first cross-sectional region.

[0011] In one embodiment, the concave inner surface defines a polar axis extending through the vertex, and a first imaginary line defines a first angle with the polar axis; a second imaginary line extends along the flat flange surface, and the second imaginary line defines a second angle with the polar axis, the second angle being greater than the first angle. In one embodiment, the second angle is 10 to 14 degrees. In one embodiment, the second angle is 12 degrees.

[0012] In one embodiment, the trailing edge surface is located between the flat flange surface and the curved relief surface. In one embodiment, a third imaginary line extends along the trailing edge surface, intersects with the second imaginary line, and a right angle is defined between the third imaginary line and the second imaginary line.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method for implanting an acetabular prosthesis includes: implanting an acetabular shell component into a surgically prepared acetabulum of a patient, the acetabular shell component comprising an annular rim and a concave inner wall extending inward from the annular rim, with an annular groove defined in the concave inner wall; moving an acetabular bearing component into contact with the implanted acetabular shell component, the acetabular bearing component comprising (i) an annular rim, (ii) a convex outer wall extending inward from the annular rim to its apex, and (iii) an annular flange extending radially outward from the outer wall; and fitting the acetabular bearing component into the implanted acetabular shell component, the fitting of the acetabular bearing component comprising deforming the flange of the acetabular bearing component; and receiving the flange of the acetabular bearing component into an annular groove defined in the concave inner wall of the acetabular shell component, the receiving of the flange comprising elastically relaxing the flange to its original shape.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outer wall of the acetabular bearing component includes a tapered surface extending inward from the annular rim and a hemispherical surface extending outward from the apex, with the annular flange located between the tapered surface and the hemispherical surface. In one embodiment, the outer wall of the acetabular bearing component further includes a curved relief surface located between the tapered surface and the flange, the curved relief surface extending radially inward from the tapered surface and the flange.

[0015] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the acetabular shell component includes a tapered surface extending inward from the annular rim and a hemispherical surface. The annular groove is located between the tapered surface and the hemispherical surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] For a detailed explanation, please refer specifically to the following diagrams. [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an acetabular bearing component of an acetabular prosthesis implant. [Figure 2] It is an anteroposterior sectional view along the line 2-2 in Figure 1, viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 3] It is a detailed view of the sectional view in Figure 2. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of an acetabular shell component of an acetabular prosthesis implant. [Figure 5] It is an anteroposterior sectional view along the line 5-5 in Figure 4, viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 6] It is a detailed view of the sectional view in Figure 5. [Figure 7] It is a detailed anteroposterior sectional view along the line 7-7 in Figure 4, viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view showing the acetabular shell component of Figures 4 to 7 placed in the hip joint of a patient. [Figure 9] It is a plan view of the acetabular bearing component of Figures 1 to 3 positioned on the acetabular shell component placed in the patient's hip joint of Figure 8. [Figure 10] It is an anteroposterior sectional view along the line 10-10 in Figure 9, viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 11] It is a plan view of the acetabular bearing component of Figures 1 to 3 positioned on the acetabular shell component placed in the patient's hip joint of Figure 10, aligned by rotation. [Figure 12] It is an anteroposterior sectional view along the line 12-12 in Figure 11, viewed in the direction of the arrow. [Figure 13] It is an anteroposterior sectional view of the acetabular bearing component of Figures 4 to 7 fully installed in the acetabular shell component placed in the patient's hip joint of Figure 8. [Figure 14] It is a detailed view of the sectional view in Figure 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0018] Terms such as anterior, posterior, medial, lateral, superior and inferior that refer to anatomical landmarks may be used throughout the present specification with reference to the orthopedic implants and surgical instruments described herein, as well as the native anatomy of a patient. Such terms have well-understood meanings in both the study of anatomy and the field of orthopedic surgery. It is intended that the use of such anatomical reference terms in the written description and the claims be consistent with their well-understood meanings unless otherwise specified.

[0019] Referring here to Figures 1-3, an exemplary acetabular prosthesis includes an acetabular bearing 10. The bearing 10 is formed from a polymer material such as ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) polyethylene (PE), highly crosslinked PE, antioxidant-filled PE, or other polymers such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The bearing 10 has an annular rim 12 and a convex outer surface 14 extending inward from the annular rim 12 to a vertex 16. A concave inner surface 18 extends inward from the annular rim 12. In some embodiments, an angled chamfer 20 may separate the annular rim 12 from the concave inner surface 18. The inner surface 18 defines a cavity 22, which is sized to receive a prosthesis component such as a femoral head component (not shown), which may be formed from a metallic material, a ceramic material, or other material. In other embodiments, the cavity 22 may be sized to accommodate a movable bearing, a tethered femoral head, or other prosthesis component. The cavity 22 further defines a polar axis 24, which may be a rotational axis. That is, the acetabular bearing 10 may be rotationally symmetric about the axis 24.

[0020] The outer surface 14 of the bearing 10 includes a hemispherical surface 26 extending outward from the apex 16 and a tapered surface 28 extending inward from the annular rim 12. The annular flange 30 is located between the hemispherical surface 26 and the tapered surface 28 and extends radially outward from the outer surface 14. As will be further described below, during use, the tapered surface 28 allows for frictional locking between the acetabular bearing 10 and the acetabular shell component, and the flange 30 provides mechanical pull-out resistance and spin-out resistance to the acetabular bearing 10.

[0021] The acetabular bearing 10 further includes a plurality of anti-rotation keys 32, each anti-rotation key 32 extending radially outward from the tapered surface 28. The anti-rotation keys 32 are evenly distributed around the tapered surface 28. As best shown in Figure 2, each anti-rotation key 32 includes an outer surface 34, an inner surface 36, and an outer surface 38. The outer surface 34 of each anti-rotation key 32 smoothly fuses with the tapered surface 28, and the inner surface 36 of each anti-rotation key 32 forms a ledge projecting outward from the tapered surface 28. As will be further described below, the anti-rotation keys 32 cooperate with the corresponding anti-rotation slots of the acetabular shell component to rotationally align the acetabular bearing 10 with the acetabular shell component. In addition, although it is shown to include 12 anti-rotation keys 32, it should be understood that in other embodiments the acetabular bearing 10 may include a different number of anti-rotation keys 32.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the outer surface 14 of the acetabular bearing 10 further includes a curved introduction surface 40 extending outward from the hemispherical surface 26. The contact point 42 is located in the transition between the hemispherical surface 26 and the curved introduction surface 40. The contact point 42 is a contact point in a geometric sense; that is, there exists a single tangent line passing through the contact point 42 to the curve defined by the outer surface 14 in the transition between the hemispherical surface 26 and the curved introduction surface 40. Therefore, the transition between the hemispherical surface 26 and the curved introduction surface 40 is smooth without discontinuity.

[0023] The flat flange surface 44 extends outward from the curved introduction surface 40. The contact point 46 is located in the transition between the curved introduction surface 40 and the flat flange surface 44. In this case as well, this means that the transition between surfaces 40 and 44 is smooth without discontinuity. The trailing edge surface 50 extends outward from the flat flange surface 44. Similarly, a pair of contact points 48, 52 are located between the flange surface 44 and the trailing edge surface 50. As shown in the figure, contact point 48 is located between the flange surface 44 and the curved corner of the trailing edge surface 50, and contact point 52 is located between the curved corner and the flat portion of the trailing edge surface 50.

[0024] The curved relief surface 54 extends outward from the trailing edge surface 50. Exemplarily, the relief surface 54 curves inward from the outer surface to the innermost point 56, and then curves outward to the tapered surface 28. The tapered surface 28 extends outward from the curved relief surface 56 to the annular rim 12, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The contact point 58 is located in the transition between the relief surface 54 and the tapered surface 28.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the imaginary line 60 extends along the tapered surface 28. The imaginary line 60 and the polar axis 24 define an angle 62 that is exemplary 5.1°. Thus, since the acetabular bearing 10 is rotationally symmetric about the polar axis 24, in an exemplary embodiment, the opposing tapered surfaces 28 on both sides of the acetabular bearing 10 (e.g., the anterior and posterior sides, the upper and lower sides, or any other pair of opposing sides) define a taper angle of 10.2° (i.e., twice the angle 62). As will be further described below, this taper angle is slightly larger than the corresponding taper angle of the acetabular shell component, which is 10° in an exemplary embodiment. Naturally, in other embodiments, a different angle 62 (and therefore a different taper angle) may be used.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the flange surface 44 extends outward from the imaginary line 60. That is, the imaginary line 60 is located between the flange surface 44 and the inner surface 18. In contrast, the relief surface 54 extends inward from the imaginary line 60. In other words, the relief surface 54 is located between the imaginary line 60 and the inner surface 18. As will be further explained below, during use, the flange surface 44, which extends radially outward further than the tapered surface 28, contacts the corresponding tapered surface of the acetabular shell component. When the acetabular bearing 10 is inserted, the flange 30 deforms. The relief surface 54 relieves stress on the flange 30 so that when fully inserted, the flange 30 can return to its original shape without plastic deformation.

[0027] As further shown in Figures 2 and 3, another imaginary line 64 extends along the flange surface 44. The imaginary line 64 and the polar axis 24 define an angle 66 which is exemplary 12°. The angle 66 defined by the imaginary line 64 and the polar axis 24 is greater than the angle 62 defined by the imaginary line 60 and the polar axis 24. In addition, although shown as 12°, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the angle 66 may have a different value. For example, in some embodiments, the angle 66 may be in the range of 10° to 14°. As another example, the angle 66 may be about 2 degrees greater than the taper angle of the acetabular bearing 10.

[0028] Another imaginary line 68 extends along the posterior edge surface 50 and intersects with imaginary line 64. Imaginary lines 64 and 68 define an angle 70 which is exemplary 90°. As will be further described below, the posterior edge surface 50 may increase the pull-out resistance of the acetabular bearing 10.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the imaginary line segment 72 extends from the point of contact 42 at the transition between the hemisphere 26 and the curved introduction surface 40 to the innermost point 56 of the relief surface 54. The line segment 72 represents the boundary of the flange 30, and therefore the flange 30 includes material located between the line segment 72 and the outer surface 14. The line segment 72 includes a midpoint 74, and the imaginary dividing line 76 intersecting the midpoint 74 extends in the longitudinal direction parallel to the annular rim 12. The dividing line 76 divides the cross-sectional area bounded by the line segment 72 and the outer wall 14 into an inner region 78 and an outer region 80. The inner region 78 is bounded by the line segment 72, the dividing line 76 and the outer wall 14, and is located inside the dividing line 76 (i.e., toward the vertex 16). Similarly, the outer region 80 is bounded by the line segment 72, the dividing line 76, and the outer wall 14, but is located outside the dividing line 76 (i.e., toward the annular rim 12). The outer region 80 is larger than the inner region 78. For example, in some embodiments, the outward-facing area 80 may correspond to about 51% of the cross-sectional area bounded by the line segment 72 and the outer wall 14. Since the outer region 80 is larger than the inner region 78, this means that the majority of the material of the flange 30 is located outside the dividing line 76.

[0030] Referring here to Figures 4-7, the exemplary acetabular prosthesis further includes an acetabular shell component 100. The acetabular prosthesis shell component 100 is molded to be implanted in the surgically prepared acetabulum of the patient's pelvis, and as will be further described below, the shell component 100 is configured to receive the acetabular bearing 10. The shell component 100 is formed from an implant-grade metallic material such as cobalt-chromium or titanium. The shell component 100 has an annular rim 102 and an outer wall 104 extending inward from the annular rim 102. The outer wall 104 includes an annular outer surface 106 extending from the annular rim 102 to a convex curved outer surface 108. In the exemplary embodiment, the convex curved outer surface 108 is hemispherical and molded to match the shape of the patient's surgically prepared acetabulum. The shell component 100 also includes a Porocoat® external coating 110 that allows bone to biologically adhere to the shell component 100 after implantation. The Porocoat® external coating 110 covers the outer surface 108 and conforms to its geometric shape. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the Porocoat® external coating 110 may be omitted.

[0031] The shell component 100 further includes an inner wall 112 extending inward from the annular rim 102 so as to define a cavity 114 within the shell component 100. The exemplary cavity 114 is sized to receive the acetabular bearing 10 described above. The concave inner wall 112 further defines a polar axis 116 extending through the cavity 114. Similar to the polar axis 24 of the acetabular bearing 10, the polar axis 116 may be a rotational axis. That is, the acetabular shell component 100 may be rotationally symmetric about the axis 116.

[0032] The inner wall 112 of the shell component 100 further includes an annular tapered surface 118 extending inward from the annular rim 102 and a hemispherical surface 120 extending further inward from the tapered surface 118. As shown in Figure 5, the opposing tapered surfaces 118 on both sides of the shell component 100 (e.g., the front and rear sides, the upper and lower sides, or any other pair of opposing sides) define a taper angle 122. Exemplarily, the taper angle 122 of the shell component 100 is 10°, but in other embodiments, the taper angle 122 may have a different amount.

[0033] An annular groove 124 is defined in the inner wall 112 between the tapered surface 118 and the hemispherical surface 120. The annular groove 124 is defined by an inner wall 126 extending from the hemispherical surface 120 to the inner wall 130 and an outer wall 128 extending from the tapered surface 118 to the inner wall 130. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the outer wall 128 and the inner wall 130 define an angle 132 which is exemplary 70°. As will be further described below, in use, the annular groove 124 is configured to receive the annular flange 30 of the acetabular bearing 10 when the acetabular bearing 10 is fully installed within the acetabular shell component 100.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, multiple anti-rotation slots 134 are defined in the tapered surface 118 of the inner wall 112. The anti-rotation slots 134 are evenly distributed around the tapered surface 118 and are molded to receive the corresponding anti-rotation keys 32 of the acetabular bearing 10. As shown, each anti-rotation slot 134 is defined by an inner wall 136 that extends from the tapered surface 118 to the inner wall 138. As shown in Figure 6, the inner wall 138 smoothly fuses with the tapered surface 118, and the inner wall 136 defines a ledge between the anti-rotation slot 134 and the tapered surface 118. In particular, as shown in Figure 7, an annular microgroove notch 140 is further defined in the tapered surface 118. Each of the anti-rotation slots 134 extends into the annular microgroove notch 140. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of slots 142 are defined through surfaces 108 and 120. During use, screws, pins, or other fasteners may be inserted through the slots 142 to secure the shell component 100 to the patient's bone.

[0035] Referring next to Figures 8 to 14, the acetabular prostheses shown in Figures 1 to 7 may be used during orthopedic surgery. Figure 8 shows the patient's pelvis 200. As shown, the pelvis 200 includes three parts: the ilium 202, ischium 204, and pubis 206, which define the natural acetabulum 208. To perform the orthopedic procedure, the surgeon first surgically prepares the patient's bone to receive the acetabular shell component 100. For example, the surgeon may use a surgical reamer to prepare the patient's acetabulum 208 to receive the acetabular shell component 100. In some embodiments, the surgeon may also remove any existing acetabular components or other prosthesis components from the patient's bone. Next, the surgeon inserts the acetabular shell component 100 into the patient's surgically prepared acetabulum 208, and then embeds the shell component 100 into the patient's bone 200 or attaches it in other ways. In some embodiments, one or more bone screws or other fasteners may be inserted through the slot 142 to attach the shell component 100 to the bone 200.

[0036] After fixing the acetabular shell component 100 to the bone 200, the surgeon then places the acetabular bearing 10 on the acetabular shell component 100, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. As shown in Figure 9, when the surgeon places the acetabular bearing 10 on the acetabular shell component 100, the anti-rotation keys 32 do not need to be rotatably aligned with the anti-rotation slots 134. As shown in Figure 10, when the anti-rotation keys 32 are not rotatably aligned with the anti-rotation slots 134, the inner wall 36 of each anti-rotation key 32 contacts the annular rim 102 of the shell component 100, leaving the acetabular bearing 10 partially inserted into the shell component 100. When the anti-rotation keys 32 are not rotatably aligned with the anti-rotation slots 134, the flange surface 44 of the annular flange 30 is spaced apart from the tapered surface 118 of the shell component 100.

[0037] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, after positioning the acetabular bearing 10 on the shell component 100, the surgeon rotates the bearing 10 until the anti-rotation keys 32 align with the anti-rotation slots 134. Once the anti-rotation keys 32 and the anti-rotation slots 134 are aligned, the acetabular bearing 10 falls further into the acetabular shell component 100 until the flange surface 44 of the annular flange contacts the tapered surface 118 of the shell component 100, as shown in Figure 12. In addition, as shown, once the anti-rotation keys 32 and the anti-rotation slots 134 are aligned, each anti-rotation key 32 also partially enters the corresponding anti-rotation slot 134. That is, when aligned, the inner wall 36 of each anti-rotation key 32 is located under the annular rim 102 within the corresponding anti-rotation slot 134. Therefore, the acetabular bearing 10 provides feedback to the surgeon when the anti-rotation key 32 is rotatably aligned with the anti-rotation slot 134 by falling further into the shell component 100 and contacting the tapered surface 118.

[0038] Once the anti-rotation key 32 and the anti-rotation slot 134 are aligned, the surgeon advances the acetabular bearing 10 into the shell component 100 by insertion or other means. As the acetabular bearing 10 is inserted into the shell component 100, the flange 30 is deformed by the force applied to the flange surface 44 by the tapered surface 118. The surgeon continues to advance the acetabular bearing 10 into the shell component 100 until the acetabular bearing is fully inserted, as shown in Figures 13-14. Once the acetabular bearing 10 is fully seated, the flange 30 returns to its original shape. The flange 30 does not experience plastic deformation, damage, or other changes in shape after being fully seated.

[0039] As shown in the detailed view of Figure 14, when the acetabular bearing 10 is fully installed within the shell component 100, the tapered surface 28 of the bearing 10 contacts the tapered surface 118 of the shell component 100, and the hemispherical surface 26 of the acetabular bearing 10 contacts the hemispherical surface 120 of the shell component 100. The bearing 10 is held within the shell component 100 by frictional locking between the tapered surfaces 28 and 118.

[0040] Furthermore, once the acetabular bearing 10 is fully seated, the annular flange 30 of the bearing 10 is received by the annular groove 124 of the shell component 100. When fully seated, the surfaces 40, 44, and 50 of the annular flange 30 do not need to be in contact with the walls 126, 128, and 130 that define the annular groove 124. The annular flange 30 and the annular groove 124 cooperate to hold the acetabular bearing 10 within the shell component 100, thereby improving the pull-out resistance and spin-out resistance of the bearing 10. For example, if the bearing 10 begins to slide outward from the acetabular bearing 100, the posterior edge surface 50 of the acetabular bearing 10 comes into contact with the outer wall 128 of the acetabular shell component 100, thereby holding the annular flange 30 and increasing the pull-out resistance of the bearing 10. Similarly, as shown in Figure 14, when the bearing 10 begins to rotate so that it slides inward relative to the shell component 100, the entry surface 40 and / or flange surface 44 of the acetabular bearing 10 come into contact with the inner wall 126 of the acetabular shell component 100, thereby holding the annular flange 30 and increasing the spin-out resistance of the bearing 10.

[0041] While the drawings and the above description have illustrated and illustrated the present disclosure in detail, such illustrations and descriptions are, by their nature, illustrative and not limiting, and merely illustrate exemplary embodiments. It is understood that all changes and modifications included in the spirit of the present disclosure should be protected.

[0042] Several advantages of this disclosure arise from the various characteristics of the devices and assemblies described herein. It should be noted that alternative embodiments of the devices and assemblies of this disclosure may not include all of the described features, but will still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those skilled in the art will readily be able to independently implement devices and assemblies that incorporate one or more features of the present invention and are included within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined in the "Claims."

[0043] [Implementation Method] (1) The acetabular bearing comprises (i) a convex outer surface extending inward from the rim to the apex, and (ii) a concave inner surface located on the opposite side of the outer surface, When viewed in a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction, the convex outer surface has a hemispherical surface surrounding the vertex, and on both sides of the hemispherical surface, (i) a curved introduction surface extending outward away from the hemispherical surface, (ii) a flat flange surface extending outward away from the curved introduction surface, (iii) a curved relief surface extending outward away from the flat flange surface, and (iv) a flat tapered surface extending outward from the curved relief surface to the rim. (i) A first virtual line extends along the flat tapered surface, and (ii) the curved relief surface is located between the concave inner surface and the first virtual line, for orthopedic implant. (2) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first contact point is defined at the transition between the hemispherical surface and the curved introduction surface. (3) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 2, wherein the second contact point is defined at the transition between the curved introduction surface and the flat flange surface. (4) The second point of contact is defined at the innermost point of the curved relief surface, The first virtual line segment extends from the first junction to the second junction, The second imaginary line extends in the front-to-back direction and intersects the midpoint of the first imaginary line segment. The first cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located inside the second virtual line. An orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 2, wherein the second cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located outside the second virtual line, and the second cross-sectional region is larger than the first cross-sectional region. (5) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first imaginary line is located between the flat flange surface and the concave inner surface.

[0044] (6) The concave inner surface defines a polar axis extending through the vertex, The first imaginary line defines a first angle with the polar axis, A second virtual line extends along the flat flange surface, The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 5, wherein the second imaginary line defines a second angle with the polar axis, and the second angle is greater than the first angle. (7) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 6, wherein the first angle includes 5.1 degrees. (8) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 6, wherein the second angle includes 10 to 14 degrees. (9) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 8, wherein the second angle includes 12 degrees. (10) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 6, wherein the posterior edge surface is located between the flat flange surface and the curved relief surface.

[0045] (11) A third imaginary line extends along the trailing edge surface and intersects with the second imaginary line, An orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 10, wherein a right angle is defined between the third imaginary line and the second imaginary line. (12) The acetabular shell component further comprises an annular rim and a concave inner wall extending inward from the annular rim, wherein the concave inner wall has a tapered surface configured to engage with the tapered surface of the acetabular bearing and a hemispherical surface configured to engage with the hemispherical surface of the acetabular bearing, An orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 1, wherein an annular groove is defined in the concave inner wall of the acetabular shell component between the tapered surface and the hemispherical surface, and the annular groove is configured to receive the flat flange surface of the acetabular bearing. (13) The acetabular bearing comprises (i) a convex outer surface extending inward from the rim to the apex, and (ii) a concave inner surface located on the opposite side of the outer surface, When viewed in a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction, the convex outer surface has a hemispherical surface surrounding the apex, and on both sides of the hemispherical surface, extending outward away from the hemispherical surface, (i) a curved introduction surface, (ii) a flat flange surface, (iii) a trailing edge surface, (iv) a curved relief surface, and (v) a flat tapered surface extending to the rim. An orthopedic implant comprising: (i) a first contact point defined at the transition between the hemispherical surface and the curved introduction surface; (ii) a first virtual line extending along the flat tapered surface; (iii) the first virtual line located between the flat flange surface and the concave inner surface; and (iv) the curved relief surface located between the first virtual line and the concave inner surface. (14) The orthopedic implant according to embodiment 13, wherein a second contact point is defined at the transition between the curved introduction surface and the flat flange surface. (15) The second point of contact is defined at the innermost point of the curved relief surface, The first virtual line segment extends from the first junction to the second junction, The second imaginary line extends in the front-to-back direction and intersects the midpoint of the first imaginary line segment. The first cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located inside the second virtual line. An orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 13, wherein the second cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located outside the second virtual line, and the second cross-sectional region is larger than the first cross-sectional region.

[0046] (16) The concave inner surface defines a polar axis extending through the vertex, The first imaginary line defines a first angle with the polar axis, A second virtual line extends along the flat flange surface, The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 13, wherein the second imaginary line defines a second angle with the polar axis, and the second angle is greater than the first angle. (17) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 16, wherein the second angle includes 10 to 14 degrees. (18) The orthopedic implant according to Embodiment 17, wherein the second angle includes 12 degrees. (19) The orthopedic implant according to embodiment 16, wherein the posterior edge surface is located between the flat flange surface and the curved relief surface. (20) A third imaginary line extends along the trailing edge surface and intersects with the second imaginary line, An orthopedic implant according to embodiment 19, wherein a right angle is defined between the third virtual line and the second virtual line.

[0047] (21) A method for implanting an acetabular prosthesis, The implantation of an acetabular shell component into a surgically prepared acetabulum of a patient, wherein the acetabular shell component comprises an annular rim and a concave inner wall extending inward from the annular rim, the concave inner wall having an annular groove defined therein. Moving the acetabular bearing component so as to contact the embedded acetabular shell component, wherein the acetabular bearing component includes (i) an annular rim, (ii) a convex outer wall extending inward from the annular rim to its apex, and (iii) an annular flange extending radially outward from the outer wall. The act of fitting the acetabular bearing component into the embedded acetabular shell component, wherein the act of fitting the acetabular bearing component includes deforming the flange of the acetabular bearing component, A method comprising receiving the flange of the acetabular bearing component into the annular groove defined in the concave inner wall of the acetabular shell component, wherein receiving the flange includes elastically relaxing the flange to its original shape. (22) The outer wall of the acetabular bearing component includes a tapered surface extending inward from the annular rim and a hemispherical surface extending outward from the apex, The method according to embodiment 21, wherein the annular flange is located between the tapered surface and the hemispherical surface. (23) The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the outer wall of the acetabular bearing component further includes a curved relief surface located between the tapered surface and the flange, the curved relief surface extending radially inward from the tapered surface and the flange. (24) The inner wall of the acetabular shell component includes a tapered surface extending inward from the annular rim and a hemispherical surface, The method according to embodiment 21, wherein the annular groove is located between the tapered surface and the hemispherical surface.

Claims

1. The acetabular bearing comprises (i) a convex outer surface extending inward from the rim to the apex, and (ii) a concave inner surface located on the opposite side of the convex outer surface, When viewed in a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction, the convex outer surface has a hemispherical surface surrounding the vertex, and on both sides of the hemispherical surface, (i) a curved introduction surface extending outward away from the hemispherical surface, (ii) a flat flange surface extending outward away from the curved introduction surface, (iii) a curved relief surface extending outward away from the flat flange surface, and (iv) a flat tapered surface extending outward from the curved relief surface to the rim. (i) The first imaginary line extends along the flat tapered surface, and (ii) the curved relief surface is located between the concave inner surface and the first imaginary line. The first dashed line is located between the flat flange surface and the concave inner surface, The aforementioned concave inner surface defines a polar axis extending through the aforementioned vertex, The first imaginary line defines a first angle with the polar axis, A second imaginary line extends along the flat flange surface, The second imaginary line defines a second angle with the polar axis, and the second angle is greater than the first angle. The trailing edge surface is located between the flat flange surface and the curved relief surface. A third imaginary line extends along the trailing edge surface and intersects with the second imaginary line. An orthopedic implant in which a right angle is defined between the third virtual line and the second virtual line.

2. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein the first contact point is defined at the transition between the hemispherical surface and the curved introduction surface.

3. The orthopedic implant according to claim 2, wherein a second contact point is defined at the transition between the curved introduction surface and the flat flange surface.

4. The second point of contact is defined at the innermost point of the curved relief surface, The first virtual line segment extends from the first junction to the second junction, The second imaginary line extends in the front-to-back direction and intersects the midpoint of the first imaginary line segment. The first cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located inside the second virtual line. The orthopedic implant according to claim 2, wherein the second cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located outside the second virtual line, and the second cross-sectional region is larger than the first cross-sectional region.

5. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein the first angle includes 5.1 degrees.

6. The orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein the second angle includes 10 to 14 degrees.

7. The orthopedic implant according to claim 6, wherein the second angle includes 12 degrees.

8. The acetabular shell component further comprises an annular rim and a concave inner wall extending inward from the annular rim, wherein the concave inner wall has a tapered surface configured to engage with the tapered surface of the acetabular bearing and a hemispherical surface configured to engage with the hemispherical surface of the acetabular bearing. An orthopedic implant according to claim 1, wherein an annular groove is defined in the concave inner wall of the acetabular shell component between the tapered surface and the hemispherical surface, and the annular groove is configured to receive the flat flange surface of the acetabular bearing.

9. The acetabular bearing comprises (i) a convex outer surface extending inward from the rim to the apex, and (ii) a concave inner surface located on the opposite side of the convex outer surface, When viewed in a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction, the convex outer surface has a hemispherical surface surrounding the apex, and on both sides of the hemispherical surface, extending outward away from the hemispherical surface, (i) a curved introduction surface, (ii) a flat flange surface, (iii) a trailing edge surface, (iv) a curved relief surface, and (v) a flat tapered surface extending to the rim. (i) A first contact point is defined at the transition between the hemispherical surface and the curved introduction surface; (ii) A first imaginary line extends along the flat tapered surface; (iii) The first imaginary line is located between the flat flange surface and the concave inner surface; (iv) The curved relief surface is located between the first imaginary line and the concave inner surface. The aforementioned concave inner surface defines a polar axis extending through the aforementioned vertex, The first imaginary line defines a first angle with the polar axis, A second imaginary line extends along the flat flange surface, The second imaginary line defines a second angle with the polar axis, and the second angle is greater than the first angle. The trailing edge surface is located between the flat flange surface and the curved relief surface. A third imaginary line extends along the trailing edge surface and intersects with the second imaginary line. An orthopedic implant in which a right angle is defined between the third virtual line and the second virtual line.

10. The orthopedic implant according to claim 9, wherein a second contact point is defined at the transition between the curved introduction surface and the flat flange surface.

11. The second point of contact is defined at the innermost point of the curved relief surface, The first virtual line segment extends from the first junction to the second junction, The second imaginary line extends in the front-to-back direction and intersects the midpoint of the first imaginary line segment. The first cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located inside the second virtual line. The orthopedic implant according to claim 9, wherein the second cross-sectional region bounded by the first virtual line segment, the second virtual line, and the convex outer surface is located outside the second virtual line, and the second cross-sectional region is larger than the first cross-sectional region.

12. The orthopedic implant according to claim 9, wherein the second angle includes 10 to 14 degrees.

13. The orthopedic implant according to claim 12, wherein the second angle includes 12 degrees.

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