The present application relates to an artificial joint implant comprising a first element with a socket and a second element with a ball head. The socket is at least hemispherical and said ball head is inserted in said socket such as to form a ball-and-socket connection between said first element and said second element. Movement of said ball head in said socket is restricted in at least one degree of freedom by means of a at least one protrusion engaged in a at least one groove, wherein said at least one protrusion is provided on said socket and said at least one groove is provided on said ball head or vice versa.

Captured element shoulder joint implant may be configured with a captured humeral ball; in a reverse shoulder configuration; to have a barrel- or disc-like humeral head to recessed glenoid articulation; and so forth. Multi-point fixation glenoid component may be provided. A humeral implant may have a universal joint connection, which can be mounted to or in a humeral bone and provide for a center of movement generally within a volume defined by an upper head of a normal humerus.