Ceramic Hip Joints – Stronger, Last Longer!

The normal hip joint, made up of two components, is a ball-and-socket type of joint. The acetabulum of the pelvic bone forms a socket in which the head of the thigh bone sits like a ball. When hips becomes painful and dysfunctional, due to diseases such as arthritis or due to trauma, replacement of the diseased hip joint is recommended for a painless hip. Ceramic hip joints are artificial hip implants that bone surgeons use to replace diseased hips. These implants have components that are identical to the natural bony hip joint in structure and function.

Conventional implants have either a metal head on a plastic socket or metal head in a metal socket. On the other hand, the ceramic hip joint has a ceramic head which lodges in a metal socket, and ceramics create less wear. Modern ceramic joints are available where both the head and the insert, lining the acetabular shell are made of ceramic. Ceramic may be prone for chipping, which decreases the life of the implant. This is prevented by the titanium sleeve that forms a rim around the ceramic insert in hips.

The majority of those who are in need of hip joint replacements are older than 60 years of age. With the use of conventional implants, about 10% of hip replacements require a second replacement due to wear and tear on the implant. This surgery is more difficult than the original replacement operation. With the newer ceramic hip implants, surgeons aim to bring the need for a second replacement to zero. The durability of ceramics will encourage hip replacements in younger patients with an active lifestyle, who are in need of a replacement.

Also see; symptoms of hip bursitis.

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