The Use of Ceramics in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Ceramics have excellent mechanical properties and very stable wear characteristics and therefore have been used in many industries including automotives, aeronautics and healthcare. The use of ceramics in total hip arthroplasty has been increasing. This review article we will provide an overview of where we started and how far we have come. We will review the mechanical properties of ceramics, the generations of ceramic implants, and discuss not only the outcomes in pure ceramic on ceramic bearings, but also ceramic on polyethylene bearings and the complications that have developed but also. Finally we will speculate possibilities for future endeavours.