The invention relates to an implant for the relief of damaged regions of
the joint surfaces of hip or shoulder joints which may be introduced into
the gap between the joint surfaces of the joint head and the joint socket
in the natural joint, the implant being embodied as a shell or cap which
is laid in the implanted state with a convex outer surface in the joint
socket and a convex inner surface sitting on the joint head. The implant
has a body section forming the shell or cap with an opening and a
boundary section defining the opening and the implant is made from a
flexible material which may be deformed for introduction of the implant
into the gap between the joint surfaces.