Wear of Polyethylene against Metal-ceramic Composite Femoral Component: Effect of Aggressive Kinematic Conditions

INTRODUCTION Zirconium is a metal with excellent biocompatibility, which when oxidized is converted to the ceramic, zirconia. Composite-bearing materials have recently become available consisting of a metal zirconium core with an oxidized zirconia surface. The metal-ceramic composite has the wear characteristics of a ceramic bearing but with a much lower propensity for fracture. This dual advantage makes it an attractive alternative as a bearing surface for total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Wear properties of this material in TKA are under investigation and have been encouraging under relatively benign kinematics and loading conditions. This study was designed to determine, if the advantages of low wear were also seen under aggressive kinematics and loading conditions.