Acetabular shell removal tool

A tool for removing the acetabular shell of an artificial hip, having a semi-spheroidal outer surface and a semi-spheroidal inner surface, said tool comprising:

• (a) a fixture which attaches to the acetabular shell;
• (b) an elongated chisel guide mounted on said fixture;
• (c) a chisel associated with said elongated chisel guide, wherein said elongated chisel guide controls the movement of said chisel such that said chisel substantially circumscribes the outer surface of the acetabular shell when moved;
• (d) wherein the chisel is rigidly attached to said elongated chisel guide and spaced from opposing ends of the elongated chisel guide;
• (e) wherein the shell has an opening located at its center and said fixture includes an anchor which is attached to the shell through said opening;
• (f) wherein the shell has a radially extending edge and said fixture includes a cylindrical mounting plate having a central opening which allows said mounting plate to be placed on said anchor and a peripheral base which rests on an edge of the shell;
• and
• (g) wherein said elongated chisel guide is rotatably mounted to said mounting plate and is moveable between a retracted position where the elongated chisel guide is perpendicular to a top surface of said mounting plate and an inserted position where the elongated chisel guide is substantially parallel with a top surface of said mounting plate.