In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided including the steps
of
preparing an opening in the bone sized to receive a prosthesis therein and then
inserting an apertured temporary implant into the opening. A fluent material is
then injected into the temporary implant so that the material exudes from the apertures
into contact with the bone surrounding the temporary implant. The temporary implant
is then removed to make way for implanting the prosthesis into the bone opening.
The fluent material can be a biological, biocompatible or bioactive material, such
as a composition adapted to permanently fill voids and irregularities in the bone
or a composition adapted to promote bone growth. In another embodiment, an implant
assembly includes an apertured sleeve adapted to be permanently implanted within
the bone opening, but providing apertures for injecting a fluent material into
the opening. The sleeve defines a cavity for receiving the distal portion of a
prosthetic joint element, which can be fixed to the sleeve.