Protective sleeve for implantable prosthesis and method of protecting the prosthesis

In combination, a protective device and a surgically implantable flexible prosthesis used in replacing bone joints and the like, said prosthesis being of the type having at least one outwardly directed stem portion, corresponding generally to the dimensions of the intramedullary canal of a bone adjacent said joint for implantation therein, said protective device comprising:

• a one-piece member defining a passage receiving said stem portion of said prosthesis, said member being insertable within said intramedullary canal and including a protective end portion dimensioned to extend adjacent the open end of said canal and to cover the exterior surface of the bone edge to protect said prosthesis from impingement by the end of said bone, and said stem portion and said member being sized relative to one another and being of such materials to permit sliding, reciprocating movement of said stem relative to said member subsequent to implantation of said prosthesis thereby protecting the bone from excessive stress.

A method of protecting a flexible surgically implantable prosthesis used in replacing bone joints and the like, from lacerations and tears caused by contact with the bone edges, the prosthesis being of the type including a midsection and at least one outwardly extending stem portion, the stem portion being insertable into the intramedullary canal of a bone adjacent the joint, comprising the steps of:

• forming a member defining a passage dimensioned for receipt of one of said stem portions;
• surgically implanting said member within said intramedullary canal prior to insertion of said stem portion and positioning said member so that the end portion thereof is between the bone edge and said prosthesis and covers said bone edge when said prosthesis is implanted.