Ceramic On Ceramic Hip Replacement Bearings

In 1995 an improved alumina ceramic was developed that had increased purity and strength over the first generation materials.

Ceramic on ceramic hip replacement bearings.

The alternative bearing couples such as metal on polyethylene and metal on metal are more inclined to wear and produce particulate debris. At present one million total hip replacements are done worldwide of these about 25 are ceramic on polyethylene and another 10 is ceramic on ceramic. Interest in ceramic on ceramic hip replacement is increasing as a result of the realization of osteolysis associated with wear debris generation in conventional metal on polyethylene bearings and metallosis associated with metal on metal articulations. 1 are there risk factors for ceramic component fracture following total hip replacement.

There is minimal dimensional mismatch between the head and cup and there is no translational movement. Modern manufacturing techniques and developments have increased the strength and reliability of ceramic materials. Ceramic bearing surfaces are increasingly used for total hip replacement notwithstanding that concern is still related to ceramic brittleness and its possible mechanical failure. At present ceramics are used only in the hip because hip components have simple design and shape.

The clinical use of ceramic as a bearing surface dates back to the early 1970s. Miki et al mid term results of cementless total hip replacement using a ceramic on ceramic bearing with and without computer navigation j bone joint surg br 89b 2007 p.