Ceramic bearing surfaces are increasingly used for total hip replacement notwithstanding that concern is still related to ceramic brittleness and its possible mechanical failure.
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.
There is minimal dimensional mismatch between the head and cup and there is no translational movement.
Ceramic on ceramic hip prostheses are an increasingly popular choice for hip replacement.
The type of ceramic used in total hip replacement today is aluminum oxide also known as alumina.
At present ceramics are used only in the hip because hip components have simple design and shape.
The aim of this systematic review is to answer three questions.
In 1995 an improved alumina ceramic was developed that had increased purity and strength over the first generation materials.
The clinical use of ceramic as a bearing surface dates back to the early 1970s.
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.
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.