Ulnar component prosthesis, which consists of a single piece of moulded vitallium formed into the size and shape of the proximal end of a human ulnar bone; the base of this prosthesis has a polyethylene cover; the prosthesis is moulded into a flat, rectangular band bent into an upward semicircular …
Ulnar component prosthesis, which consists of a single piece of moulded vitallium formed into the size and shape of the proximal end of a human ulnar bone; the base of this prosthesis has a polyethylene cover; the prosthesis is moulded into a flat, rectangular band bent into an upward semicircular shape; there are two cylindrical lugs attached at the lower left and right sides--one that is the full width of the band and one that is half the width; the bottom of the prosthesis is coated with P.C.A. 400µ balls; the upper right and left edges are straight, flat and smooth; the top of the prosthesis has a polyethylene cover that is rectangular and curved, but larger in size than the metal band; the polyethylene slopes in a curve from the centre to all four edges.
Number Of Parts
1
Provenance
Research material used at the Human Mobility Research Centre.
Dates
1989
circa 1989
Material
metal: silver
polyethylene: off-white
Inscriptions
The half-sized lug on the bottom of the prosthesis has, "V [inside a shield shape]" etched into the metal; the full-length lug on the bottom of the prosthesis has, "MED. R // 1Z0101" etched ento the metal.
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E2-6
Length
3.5 cm
Width
2.4 cm
Depth
2.1 cm
Unit Of Measure
centimeters
Dimension Notes
Length 3.5 cm x Width 2.4 cm x Depth 2.1 cm
Condition Remarks
The metal shows minor wear only; no corrosion is visible; there is a small amount of unidentified residue on the bottom of the component; the polyethylene is unstained and shows a small chip at one end only.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Reference Comments
Dr. Charles Sorbie; Mr. Gerald Saunders; "The Sorbie–Questor ® Total Elbow Surgical Technique", by Wright Medical Technology, Inc., 1997, pp. 2-3
Research Facts
An engineer and two orthopedic surgeons first developed beads on metal in 1970; Howmedica developed a 400µ ball P.C.A. (porus-coated anatomic) system; the purpose of the beads is for bone to grow around the prosthesis after it is implanted; the polyethylene cover provides a low-friction surface where the joint actually moves; current examples of this type of prosthesis are cemented in place.
Exhibit History
"Joint Ventures," Museum of Health Care, Nov. 19, 2001-Jan. 2013