Joint socket and hip endoprosthesis having the same

A joint socket for a hip joint endoprosthesis, comprising:

• a socket shell configured for implantation in a bone and comprising a receiving space comprising an inner face;
• and
• a socket insert coupleable to the socket shell and configured to accommodate a joint head of a hip prosthesis stem therein, the socket insert comprising a spherical portion comprising a spherical outer face, the spherical portion configured to be received by the receiving space so that the spherical outer face and inner face contact each other concentrically with a rotational axis of the socket shell, the radius of curvature of the inner face being greater than the radius of curvature of the spherical portion in a region of concentric contact, such that the spherical portion self-lockingly clamps in the receiving space,
• wherein a resistance to deformation of one or more of the inner face and outer spherical face is less than that of a core region of the corresponding socket shell or socket insert.

A hip joint endoprosthesis, comprising:

• a prosthesis stem configured for implantation in a femur and having a joint head;
• a socket shell configured for implantation in a pelvic bone and comprising a receiving space comprising an inner face;
• and
• a socket insert coupleable to the socket shell and configured to accommodate the joint head therein, the socket insert comprising a spherical portion comprising an outer face, the spherical portion configured to be received by the receiving space so that the outer face and inner face contact each other concentrically with a rotational axis of the socket shell, the radius of curvature of the inner face being greater than the radius of curvature of the spherical portion in a region of concentric contact, such that the spherical portion can self-lockingly clamp in the receiving space,
• wherein the resistance to deformation of one or more of the inner face and outer face is less than that of a core region of the corresponding socket shell or socket insert, a surface structure on one or more of the inner face and spherical outer face configured to reduce the resistance to deformation of one or more of the faces in the socket shell and socket insert.

A method for implanting a hip joint endoprosthesis, comprising:

• inserting a socket shell in a pelvic bone, the socket shell having an inner surface that defines an accommodating space extending about an axis of rotation, wherein a surface structure on the inner face reduces the resistance to deformation of a portion of the inner surface relative to a core region of the socket shell;
• inserting a socket insert into the accommodating space so that an outer surface of the socket insert contacts the conical inner surface;
• and
• pressing the socket insert into the accommodating space to engage the socket insert with the socket shell in a self-locking manner such that the surface structure results in a reduction in pressure between the inner and outer surfaces.