USE OF SNAP-ON SEMI ANNULAR AUGMENTS TO INHIBIT MULTI-DIRECTIONAL INSTABILITY AFTER TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

摘要

Particular embodiments of the present invention make use of semiannular stabilizing augments (26) adapted to be mounted about the acetabular cup assembly (10) of the prosthetic hip joint to provide constraint for the joint and to concurrently provide a range of motion desired by patients after surgery, but with the additional benefit of doing so without substantially increasing the risk of dislocation. At least one exemplary embodiment utilizes a semiannular augment (26) formed from biologically reabsorbable material to temporarily constrain the prosthetic ball (18) within the prosthetic acetabular cup (10). In such an embodiment, it is desired that the biologically reabsorbable material degrades in general proportion to the level of tissue developed by the patient's own body to supplement constraint of the hip joint. Thus, the artificial constraining augments may degrade inversely proportional to the patient's need for inhibition.