The stem of the prosthesis is fixed in a medullated bone by means of a plurality of spacers which are distributed over the length of the stem. The spacers serve to stabilize the stem over the entire length of the stem within the bone cavity. Bone cement is charged into each peripheral opening defined between a pair of spacers via bores drilled transversely through the cortex of the bone in stages from the distal end toward the proximal end.

An improved prosthesis holder for retaining a prosthesis in the desired position with respect to the femoral canal of a femur during surgery. The holder comprises a holding unit member specially adapted for positioning in cooperative association with the neck of the prosthesis so as to provide improved holding, protective and positioning characteristics to the holder.

The reinforcement for the proximal region of a bone cement bed for a femoral head prosthesis includes a grid of crossing members at least some of which are wavy. The wavy members have a high wavy shape lengthwise and spring in as the gap between a bone cavity and a prosthesis stem narrows. The prosthesis is fixed by averaging out of the restoring forces and the gap size mechanically until the bone cement has cured.

Method and apparatus for definitive cutting of the proximal end of a femur prior to cementing in a prosthesis. A special stem is temporarily inserted into the principal cavity within the femur to act as a support and guide for cutters. Provision is made within the proximal end of the stem for positioning of a pair of spindles which are successively used to make two precision cuttings of the upper surface of the intertrochanteric area of the bone by use of a rotational cutter. The cutter is first temporarily rotationally positioned on a first one of the spindles and is rotated thereon while the cutting head of the cutter is in contact with the area of the bone to be cut. The cutter is then transferred to the other spindle for rotation thereon while the cutting head of the cutter is in contact with another portion of the bone to be cut. Thereafter, the rotational cutter is removed and a rectilinear cutter is positioned on the stem using one of the spindles and another spindle substituted for the remaining original spindle, thereby providing a rigid support for the cutter that performs the rectilinear cutting.

An improved drill bit guide which enables a prosthesis fixture to be attached to the femoral cortex of a resected femur with the use of drill bits or fixation pins passing through the fixture and through the femoral cortex more quickly and accurately than has been possible previously.