Ceramic Matrix Composites in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a procedure in which a worn out or damaged hip joint is replaced with the artificial femoral head and acetabulum in order to improve the joint function. There are four main femoral head - acetabular bearing surface (acetabulum) material combinations (metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on-metal), each with certain advantages and disadvantages. In the recent years, the optimization of manufacturing processes has enabled engineers to develop ceramic matrix composites (CMC). One example is alumina matrix composite which combines good ceramics characteristics with improved mechanical resistance in order to create a potentially more flexible alternative to the traditional alumina for hip prostheses. Although currently available results are promising and indicate that CMC femoral heads have shown to be reliable, there is still not enough long-term information about CMC effects on human health. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the current ceramic matrix composites used for THA, their advantages, disadvantages and potential further directions of research.