Multi-component shoulder implant assembly with dual articulating surfaces

Abstract

An implant assembly for re-establishing a glenohumeral joint between scapula and humerus bones. A substantially spherical shaped element is adapted to being mounted a reconditioned glenoid cavity defined in the scapula and exhibits a second convex exterior surface projecting from the bone surface. A receiver component has a base with a first convex bone contacting surface adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned humeral head associated with the humerus, the receiver component exhibiting a second convex exterior surface projecting away from the bone surface and exposing a concave profile exhibiting only a rim edge therebetween at an outer exposed seating end of said second convex surface for supporting the components in inter-articulating fashion.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An implant assembly for re-establishing a glenohumeral joint between a scapula and humerus, comprising:
 a pseudo-spherical element having a base with a first convex bone contacting surface, said base terminating in a stem portion extending therefrom such that the base is adapted to mount to a reconditioned glenoid cavity defined in the scapula, said element exhibiting a second convex exterior surface projecting from the bone surface;   a receiver component having a base with a first convex bone contacting surface adapted to being mounted to a reconditioned humeral head associated with the humerus, said receiver component exhibiting a second convex exterior surface projecting away from the bone surface and exposing a concave profile exhibiting only a rim edge therebetween at an outer exposed seating end of said second convex surface, said second convex exterior surface of said pseudo-spherical shaped element articulating relative to said concave profile, a first axis extending through a central location of said concave profile defining a non collinear angle relative to a second axis extending through a centerline of said stem portion of said receiver component.   
     
     
         2 . The implant assembly as described in  claim 1 , each of said pseudo-spherical shaped element and receiver component being constructed of at least one of a polymer, polymer composite, metal, metal composite or polymer/metal admixture. 
     
     
         3 . The implant assembly as described in  claim 1 , said first and second axes defining as substantially right angle.