Segmented prosthetic articulation

A prosthetic socket member for use in combination with a spherical joint motion surface to form a prosthetic joint device, said prosthetic socket member comprising:

• a rigid base support structure configured for implanting within a body joint and including a rigid outer surface configured for receiving a bonding agent thereon for securing the base support structure within the joint, said base support structure further comprising an interior surface defining a generally hemispherical concave receiving cavity;
• intermediate cushioning means comprising a matrix bonded to the interior surface of the base support structure;
• a plurality of curved, rigid and hard segments each having a concave bearing surface and an opposing convex surface, said segments being partially embedded within the matrix so as to project outwardly therefrom such that the concave bearing surfaces are exposed within the concave receiving cavity and form a discontinuous hemispherical surface for slidable engagement with the spherical joint motion surface, and such that an underlying thickness of the matrix resides sandwiched between the convex surfaces of the segments and the interior surface of the base support structure;
• wherein the concave bearing surface and the opposing convex surface of each segment are substantially parallel to each other and to the interior hemispherical surface of the base support structure and wherein the convex surface resides in substantially continuous contact with the intermediate cushioning means to thereby produce a more uniform transfer of mechanical stress from the segments through the matrix so as to reduce wearing of said matrix;
• wherein each ceramic segment includes at least one dimple formed in the convex surface thereof and wherein the matrix includes corresponding projections extending into the dimples to thereby inhibit movement of the ceramic segments relative to the matrix.