Ceramic On Polyethylene Total Hip Replacement

Pure zirconia is an unstable material showing 3 different crystalline phases.

Ceramic on polyethylene total hip replacement.

Alternative bearing surfaces including ceramic on polyethylene have been investigated in an effort to decrease the amount of polyethylene wear debris. These ceramic based materials have demonstrated significantly lower wear than a metal on metal hip solution because of the durability of ceramics versus traditional metal hip replacements. Among the advantages of ceramic hip replacements are their durability and that they don t release metal debris into the body which can occur with metallic artificial hips. Polyethylene wear debris and the resulting inflammatory response leading to osteolysis and loosening is the primary mode of failure limiting the longevity of total hip replacements.

Zirconia zro 2 zirconia ceramic was introduced in the manufacture of femoral heads for total hip replacements because of its higher strength and toughness which would reduce the risk of fracture. Patients understand the risks that metal joints and sockets bring to their long term health and are moving away from the material. Ceramic hip replacement systems made of durable ceramic oxides of metal offer both advantages and disadvantages over hip replacement systems made of metal or polyethylene. Ceramic on ceramic hip replacements fulfill this need providing a longer lasting implant using stronger materials than cobalt chrome and polyethylene.