What is Ceramic-Ceramic Technology?
The use of alumina ceramic in total hip replacement has a long and
successful clinical history. By taking a ceramic femoral head and
articulating it against a ceramic acetabular component you can minimize
particle debris which can cause early implant failure. The alumina oxide
material provides high strength and wear resistance and has been shown
to last longer than traditional metal and plastic components. The
manufacturing of these products has evolved into a state of the art
process that ensures a high quality component every time. Today 100% of
all products are inspected before leaving the plant for evaluating a proper
fit and function.
What are the technology improvements that are available to me today?
Implant technology has improved the wear rate of implants.
In other words, testing indicates that with new technologies such as
ceramic-on-ceramic surfaces, hip implants wear better.
Traditionally, implants were made to articulate with a metal femoral
head and polyethylene (plastic) acetabulum. We know that polyethylene is
a soft material that inevitably wears. Therefore young, active patients
with total hip replacements can see polyethylene wear on x-ray within
several years in some cases. Osteolysis or bone resorption becomes
progressive, necessitating polyethylene liner exchange and bone grafting
at some point or the problem will get even worse. Ceramic-on-ceramic
surfaces may help to eliminate that wear and the conditions associated
with it.