Prosthesis for stimulating natural kinematics

A method of making a bearing component having a first bearing element, a second bearing element, and a linking element coupling the first and second bearing elements, the method comprising:

• forming the first and second bearing elements of the bearing component as a single piece;
• and
• removing material from the area between the first and second bearing elements to define the linking element shaped as a thin membrane having a first end attached to the first bearing element and a second end attached to the second bearing element such that the linking element permits relative motion between the first bearing element and the second bearing element.

A method of making a bearing component having a first bearing element, a second bearing element, and a linking element extending between the first and second bearing elements, the method comprising:

• molding the first and second bearing elements as a single piece;
• and
• removing material from an area between the first and second bearing elements to define the linking element that permits relative motion between the first bearing element and the second bearing element and is configured for preventing dislocation of the bearing component in a total knee replacement prosthesis.