Ceramic Hip Prostheses – Longer Lasting Hip Solution

In the traditional metal and plastic hip replacements, the plastic wears out slowly over time. As the plastic wears out, small particles of plastic debris are generated. This plastic debris triggers a response by your body which can lead to loosening of the implant over time. Plastic wear is quite slow - an average of 0.1 millimeters each year! However, even this tiny amount of wear generates millions of particles of wear debris. Ceramic hip prostheses have been developed in an effort to decrease the wearing out of hip implants.

In ceramic hips prostheses, the amount of wear is a small fraction compared to the standard metal and plastic implant. Ceramic hip implants are very hard, and very smooth. These characteristics of ceramics could help to decrease the amount of wear within the implants. By generating less wear debris, it is hoped that hip implants made of ceramics would not loosen as quickly. When a hip implant loosens, a revision hip replacement may be required.

Ceramic-on-ceramic hip prosthesis is made up of alumina ceramic (aluminum oxide) that provides superior material strength and low wearing characteristics, suitable for more active patients. Alumina ceramic increases the long-term success of hip prostheses. Patients in their 40s and 50s who need their implants to last longer may benefit most from these ceramic prostheses. A worrying complication of ceramic hip replacements is that they have demonstrated a small rate of the so-called 'catastrophic failure.' Because the ceramic prosthesis is hard and brittle, it can crack. Newer ceramic prostheses appear more resistant. However, the issue of a catastrophic failure of the hips is still a concern to many physicians.

A ceramic hip replacement can be considered somewhat of an 'educated gamble'. Though ceramics are harder and more wear resistant, only time will tell how durable it is inside the body, especially hips. Ceramic hip replacements probably only warrant consideration in young patients who need longer lasting implants in hips to avoid repeat replacements.

Also see; hip joint anatomy.

About The Author:

Dr. Bharat Sharma is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. He has been working in the medical rehab field for more than a decade. Keeping up to date with techological advancements he has become a self appointe