Distal radioulnar joint prosthesis

A prosthesis device for a distal radioulnar joint which comprises:

• a rod having a first end formed as a pin and a second end, said second end of said rod being attached to the ulna bone of a patient;
• a ball formed with a channel for slidingly receiving said pin therein for relative translational motion between said ball and said rod;
• and
• a brace having a first end and a second end, said second end of said brace being mounted on the radius bone of the patient, and said first end of said brace being engaged with said first end of said rod for relative general motion therebetween.

A method for establishing a prosthesis in a patient for a distal radioulnar joint which comprises the steps of:

• attaching a rod to the ulna of a patient, the rod having a first end formed as a pin and a second end formed as a body portion substantially coaxial with said pin, with the attachment being made by inserting said body portion into the ulna;
• providing a ball formed with a channel;
• inserting said pin of said rod into said channel of said ball for relative translational motion between said ball and said rod;
• mounting a base plate on the radius bone of the patient;
• and
• securing a cover plate to said base plate for holding said ball on said plate for relative rotational motion between said ball and said base plate.