Eric N Bachmayer

US Patent:

58764569, Mar 2, 1999

Filed:

Nov 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/970226

Inventors:

Gary W. Sederholm - Austin TX
Eric N. Bachmayer - Marble Falls TX
Mack D. Morgan - Taylor TX
Robin L. Ritter - Cedar Park TX

Assignee:

Sulzer Orthopedics Inc. - Austin TX

International Classification:

A61F 232

US Classification:

623 16

Abstract:

An implantable orthopedic prosthesis includes a prosthetic component, such as an acetabular shell or tibial baseplate, having a wall. The wall has a first surface for engaging bone and a second surface. The wall defines a hole therethrough extending from the second surface to the first surface. A portion of the hole is oval cylindrical. A plug is provide having a portion that is also oval cylindrical. Each of the oval portions of the hole and plug have respective major and minor transverse axes. The oval cylindrical portion of the plug is sized to fit without interference within the oval portion of the hole if the respective major and minor axes of plug and hole are substantially aligned. The oval portion of the plug fits in locked interference within the oval portion of the hole if the respective major and minor axes of the plug and hole are substantially misaligned. The plug can be freely inserted into and removed from the hole with the respective major and minor axes of the plug and hole substantially aligned.