Foldable prosthetic implant element

Abstract

The present invention seeks to provide improved joint implants and methods relating to joint implantation. An embodiment is described wherein an implant is constructed of a resilient material which may be deformed to facilitate implantation and final fixation at the joint.

1 . A foldable prosthetic implant element, for use in repairing a joint between two bone structures, 
 constructed of a resilient material having an first surface and a second surface,    said first surface is operatively configured to fixedly engage one of two said bone structures,    said second surface is operatively configured to provide an articulation surface, 
 said prosthetic implant element being deformable from initial physical configuration, using finger-tip pressure, so as to permit the reduction the geometrical dimensions of said implant element during implantation,  
 said prosthetic implant element, returnable to said initial physical configuration in response to release of said finger-tip pressure.