1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to an artificial cotyloid socket having a domal outer shell and a domal inner shell subtending between them a cavity and, more particularly, to such an artificial cotyloid socket wherein the inner and outer shells are non-detachably secured to each other at their rims.
2. Description of Related Art
Spherical cotyloid sockets having inner and outer shells that are non-detachably secured to each other at their rims are especially well suited for cement-free implantation into the acetabulum.
The state of the art is represented by European patent document A 444,382. This publication discloses such a cotyloid socket in the form of a "monobloc" structure. Unfortunately, this design has the drawback that its outer shell is of constant wall thickness and is in a sandwich form. These features restrict elasticity. Suspension between the outer and inner shells must be controlled by an additionally installed spring system and, consequently, is not self-supporting.