Modular components for prosthetic implants

An improvement in a modular component for a prosthetic implant, in which modular component a first member and a second member are joined to establish an integrated implant component, the improvement comprising:

• a post on one of the members, the post extending longitudinally between a first end and a second end spaced away from the first end in a longitudinal direction, the post including an outer surface having a longitudinally tapered surface portion at least adjacent one of the ends of the post and a further surface portion adjacent the other of the ends of the post;
• a receptacle in the other one of the members for reception of the post when the members are joined, the receptacle extending between a first end and a second end spaced away from the first end in the longitudinal direction, the receptacle including an inner surface having a first surface portion adjacent one of the ends of the receptacle and generally complementary to the tapered surface portion of the outer surface of the post, and a second surface portion adjacent the other of the ends of the receptacle and for juxtaposition with the further surface portion of the outer surface of the post when the first surface portion of the inner surface of the receptacle is seated against the tapered surface portion of the outer surface of the post;
• laterally deflectable elements for placement adjacent the further portion of the outer surface of the post and the second surface portion of the inner surface of the receptacle when the first surface portion of the inner surface is seated against the tapered surface portion of the outer surface of the post;
• and
• operator means for urging the laterally deflectable elements laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the post and the receptacle toward engagement of the further surface portion of the outer surface of the post with the second surface portion of the inner surface of the receptacle, when the first surface portion of the inner surface is seated against the tapered surface portion of the outer surface, to preclude relative movement between the second surface portion and the further surface portion and thereby stabilize the connection between the first member and the second member in the integrated implant component.