Ceramic-on-Ceramic Creates a Longer-Lasting Replacement Joint
Conventional total hip systems use an insert made of plastic and a head made of metal or an insert and a head made of metal. As total hip replacement becomes more common in younger and more active patients, and as patient life expectancies continue to increase, the orthopaedic industry is being challenged to extend the lifespan of total hip replacement components.
Ceramic-on-ceramic surfaces have demonstrated significantly lower wear versus conventional plastic-on-metal and metal-on-metal hip systems in the laboratory; higher-wear rates can reduce the life of the artificial hip. The extreme hardness of alumina ceramic is second only to diamond, and it offers greater scratch resistance than the metal or polyethylene implants used in conventional hip replacements.
Your orthopaedic surgeon may consider ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacement appropriate for younger, active patients. The best type of replacement-hip surface for you depends on your medical condition, activity level, and age. Ask your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your options with you.
